Learning From My Students

Ok I know that we do this--learn from our students--but it because very real for me last night. I ran into one of my former students who added me as a friend on Facebook. We were talking about where previous students were now at and what they were doing.

I did not start Facebook until this July and since then I have had several former students send me friend requests. They let me know what they are doing and where they are at. It is a joy to touch base with them again.

I know that this sounds crazy but seeing my student last night reminded me that I go with them once they leave my classroom. They remember how I teach them and how I treated them.

Another thing that I remembered as we were walking and talking was that I frequently ask questions of former students. One is a recruiter for a college and I ask him questions when present students are interested in attending. One former student has completed art work for me. Another student has been a mentor for some of my students.

So I am still learning from my students. Taking the knowledge that they have gained and hopefully adding it to my present classroom. I hope that as long as I am teaching that I continue to learn from my students both past and present.

Additional note--for the first time I have a deaf student and downloaded an ap on my iPhone to learn basic sign language. Before the semester is over I hope to be able to a least say a few basic things to him in sign language. The learning continues.