Hi, My name is Jeleysa and I wanted to comment on the article Unconditional Teaching by. Alfie Kohn. This article really stuck out to me because it mostly talks about how all of these standardized test have replaced many of the fun activities that help students learn. Also, how lack of interest has taken control of the drop out rates of minorities. Mr. Kohn has also noticed that many good teachers are quiting because of they do not feel all the standardized testing is needed and they feel it gets in the way of teaching they are meant to teach not just teach for what student need to know for standardized test. Its sad to make up standards that are to high for young children to try to amount to. I understand its necessary to understand what the child is capable of doing.
I remember when I was younger and being under the pressure of taking ITBS Test every year for Five years and then taking CRCT in middle school and believe me its stressful!!!!!!
Hi Jeleysa,
I was really excited to see that you had read an article by Alfie Kohn; he is one of my favorites. I wasn’t aware of this article or the term unconditional teaching. I thank you for pointing me to it because I believe that term “unconditional teaching” is one that is of great value.
I know of his opposition to standardized testing that he refers to in this article. Your personal accounting of the standardized tests you took reinforces his opposition to current standardized testing. His thoughts on testing are ones that I wish more people in decision making positions would consider.
I hope you might choose also to consider more fully his thoughts on unconditional teaching. I’ve copied and pasted just a few lines of his thoughts here: “Unconditional teaching is more likely to create the conditions for children to excel. Those who know they’re valued irrespective of their accomplishments often end up accomplishing quite a lot. It’s the experience of being accepted without conditions that helps people develop a healthy confidence in themselves, a belief that it’s safe to take risks and try new things….
The moral here is that unconditional acceptance is not only something all children deserve; it’s also a powerfully effective way to help them become better people. It’s more useful, practically speaking, than any “behavior management” plan could ever be. Teaching in this way is not just a matter of how we respond to children after they do something wrong, of course. It’s about the countless gestures that let them know we’re glad to see them, that we trust and respect them, that we care what happens to them. It’s about the real (and unconditional) respect we show by asking all students what they think about how things are going, and how we might do things differently, not the selective reinforcement we offer to some students when they please us.”
I wonder if you think you’ve been in a classroom with a teacher who accepted all students unconditionally. How did that feel? Or if you haven’t, how do you think that might feel to you as a student? Would that make a difference in your learning? Can this be a guide for you as a future teacher?
Best,
Lani
Posted by: Lani | November 28, 2005 at 10:55 AM
Hi Lani,
I enjoyed reading Alfie Kohn. He had a great out look on Unconditional Teaching. I have always been blessed to have teachers who have treated me with unconditional teaching. It made me feel like I can achive anything. It made a huge difference in how I learned. I really think that thing would be a lot easier if we all used this technique it would help many students and teacher.
Jeleysa
Posted by: Jeleysa | November 30, 2005 at 06:20 AM
Hi Esta,
Iam sorry for not responding sooner. I completly agree with you on you either have the gift of being able to relate to your students or you don't. Many people get in this profession without really understanding that its a lot of work and you have to have a connection with your students. I think that it is wonderfull that you have came back to doing something that you enjoy.
Jeleysa
Posted by: Jeleysa | December 08, 2005 at 05:49 AM
Hi Ms.Tincher,
Sorry it took so long for me to respond. It really does make a difference when someone you look up to enjoys what they do. Im glad that someone inspired you to do what you are doing because we would be lost without you.
Jeleysa
Posted by: Jeleysa | December 08, 2005 at 05:54 AM
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