The Roles of Teacher and Learner

At 15 years old I landed my first job. I was a lifeguard at my local YMCA. After a few months I was allowed to add "Swim Instructor" to my list of job duties. I worked mostly with 4-7 year olds, teaching them basics like floating, bobbing, water safety and basic swimming strokes. This age range were not very good at remembering my name, so most of the time they would get my attention by calling me "teacher". For the past 10 years I've worked in education, often filling a "teacher" role. I am pretty comfortable with the expectations that come with the title.

In the last ten years I've also obtained a Media Specialist Certificate, enrolled in an Instructional Design and Technology program, taught myself accessibility and grew in knowledge personally and professionally. In other words, I am an experienced learner.

My experiences as a learner help to shape my instruction as a teacher. When I experience frustration as a learner, I look for ways I can avoid creating the same frustration for those that learn from me. So, when I think:

• Where am I supposed to find that resource?... it reminds me to explain everything and layout materials logically.

• What is the point of this (activity, assignment, reading)?... it reminds me to provide and draw attention to learning objectives.

• I wish I knew how I was doing...it reminds me that feedback is vital for students to feel connected to the course content and feel connected to the instructor.

• I hope this meets the expectations of my instructor...it reminds me that grading checklist, descriptions and rubrics give the students piece of mind and the instructor a fair and balanced grading solution.

Alternately, my experiences as a teacher help to shape my behavior as a learner. One thing I do is ask myself, "What would I want my student to do in this situation?". So, when I think:

• I just don't get this concept. I guess I wait and see if the instructor explains it better...it reminds me that I can re-read the materials, ask/post a specific question, search the web new resource on the topic or check with a classmate (or tutor) to see if they can point me in the right direction.

• Boy, am I feeling stressed! I don't know how I will get this all done...it reminds me that I would talk to my students about time-management and priories. Perhaps I need to take a closer look at my own schedule.

• I'll look at the material/do the homework/work on the project tomorrow...it reminds me that procrastination can cause small problems to grow into huge messes. Dealing with things in a timely fashion is the responsible way to approach school work.

While I don't have everything figured out as a teacher or as a learner, I intend to keep on learning.

#learner #teacher