Teaching Assistant Critique

Teaching Assistants can instill confidence in Students
Providing constructive criticism to a Student

As a teacher assistant, I will be defined as someone who gives instruction, constructive criticism, and communicates professionalism on every level. I believe that our children are our future, and they need to be prepared for the future or they will not be successful in this working society. Teaching makes a difference in students, because it gives them tools to help them be successful for the future. I believe that learning should be fun, while still conducive to learning. I am also a firm advocate of the 21st century learning tools and strategies; I want to show students how to take advantage of all the tools that are accessible for them
to use to enhance their education. This will bring me so much inner peace to be able to support students in their future plans. If there was a theory or a motto of success for me, it would follow along the guidelines of John Dewey’s theory, “The teacher is not in the school to impose certain ideas or to form certain habits in the child, but is there as a member of the community to select the influences which shall affect the child and to assist him in properly responding to these influences” (as cited Boydston 1967-1991).
His theory not only inspired me but it shows me that professors are much more. They give their students not only their knowledge, but also their passion. They get involved in the lives of their students. I will be a mentor to all ages at the college level. Educators and assistant educators make their students feel good about themselves and they help the youth realize and fulfill their dreams. This is one of the strengths that I believe I can offer to any student. The students in a classroom should have a learning experience that meets their needs and challenge their learning skills. As a student grows and mature during the adolescent years; they will become more independent, if they choose the right path in their educational accomplishments. If a student chooses to go another direction this could be a reflection on my dedication and contribution to his or her life. This could also be positive or negative publicity for the school and for my reputation as a teacher assistant. This could be an external assessment, which would be a threat to my career of a successful
teacher assistant.

On the other hand, a student in the classroom will be given the opportunity to work with others, learn classroom routines, and procedures.
There are many ways that an educators can overcome weakness in their strategies, they can support a student’s development, such as setting limits, teaching responsibilities and respect, and providing motivation to your students. Actions to support these are having a daily routine, spending time with your students, making clear expectations (pushing them to the limit of expectations), being consistent with limits and consequences, as well as plenty of meaningful praises and encouragement, which are strengthens I possess. Constructive criticism can be a plus even at the beginning stages of education such as Pre-K. All students need a little push in the right direction, even if it is tough for them at first grasp. This will instill confidence into the students tomorrow. Also, students must know from the beginning how they are expected to behave and work in a classroom environment. Procedures and routines offer security for the students in the classroom. As a future educator, I believe students need to feel secure even when attending class on an everyday bases. It’s a proven fact that students can’t learn unless they feel secure in the classroom. They need instruction and guidance on the entire how to do’s in the classroom setting. The classroom routine will eventually become automatic to the students without prompting or
supervision. My vision even as a young child, I can remember watching my mother bringing joy to little children by teachings them. I want to bring joy to students, where students enjoy coming to class every day. By observing my mother, I use this as a momentum for my future. I feel as if I have just what a child needs to learn; which is love, compassion, patience, and structure. These are strengthens that I uphold in my heart for be a true educator.

I remember seeing the shimmer in children’s eyes and the love in their hearts when my mother taught them something spectacular, it was priceless and breathtaking to see. My purpose is to put together a plan that stands behind this vision and make this be a successful tool for the upcoming career as an educator in this society. I strongly believe that engaging students in real-life lessons and hands on activities gives me an opportunity as a future educator, to overcome weaknesses in my future career will be creating a plan, being a hands- on individual , thinking outside of the box, being a leader, and being committed. All students need a voice and encouragement through their life and I am here to assistant any student with finding their true inspiration.

References

Boydston, Jo Ann (Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1967-1991), all of the published writings of John Dewey have been newly edited and published in The Collected Works of John Dewey, ed., 37 volumes