OK, One More Thing I'm Aiming For When I TEach...

Yesterday I added a couple more things I like to have on my radar screen as I teach (and prepare) - in addition to my initial list of "teaching aims" that I developed a while back.

Well, when you start thinking about something (specifically, in this case, what are the things I want to have on my radar screen and pursue as I teach?), it's easy for that "something" to keep growing.  Such is the case with this topic.  As I've continued to think about what I'm aiming for as I teach (spurred along by conversations and focused thought), here's one more "aim" I don't want to ignore:

Find Connections with Those You're Teaching

Teaching isn't one-sided.  Or at least it shouldn't be.  The interactive environment that teaching allows is one of the things I love about it - you prepare like crazy, but then you "create as you go" in the art of teaching itself.  Since teaching isn't one-sided, that means good teachers should be thinking about connecting with those they're trying to teach.  This involves anticipating questions, showing care and concern, inviting (and valuing) interaction in appropriate ways, putting themselves in the shoes of those they're teaching, etc, etc, etc.  This emphasis doesn't neglect solid, life-changing content (remember that we want to faithfully present as well!); it does acknowledge that while content is king, it's not a dictator.  Good content surrounds itself with helpers.  Good content is enhanced by making strong connections with those we're teaching.