Why do I think this is an example of bad teaching?
First off, Umbridge states that if the students don't study the material they were given, there will be consequences. I don't think there is a "right" way to teach, however I do think there are things teachers can do that are definitely not ethically correct. Instilling fear in students by placing the threat of consequences over their heads in no way sets up a healthy learning environment. The students are less susceptible to voicing their opinions and engaging in creative thinking for fear of being "wrong" in the eyes of the teacher; they are also distracted by the thought of what will happen to them if they do not do well. This not only affects the possibilities of learning but also affects the individual students psychologically. Umbridge's dictator-like personality in the classroom also makes it so that students have no sense of mutual respect. In my opinion good teaching/learning involves a combination of a mutual amount of input from the student and the teacher, and an inviting learning environment. In this case, it is clear that Umbridge does not respect the students, and in turn they are not likely to respect her; she has created a very hostile learning environment. Why do I think this is an example of good teaching?
First off, Master Oogway does not get angry with Po for eating the peaches from the sacred tree. I have encountered many teachers in my life time who would have gotten angry right away, instead of examining the circumstances. Po lacked the knowledge required to know he wasn't supposed to eat the fruit. Time and time again, I see teachers reprimand their students for things they can't control. A clarinet player in band gets a nasty look from the conductor when their instrument squeaks, or a trombone player when they slide the instrument to a slightly off position. Slips like this are going to happen when students are learning, and it is necessary for them to know that it is okay to make mistakes in order to move past them and learn to correct them. Master Oogway also knows that Po is upset and confirms this by asking him his opinion. A teacher is never going to give their student any valuable information if they don't know what information that student needs. By asking the student to explain themselves and listening intently, the teacher is able to know exactly what the student wants and can then supply accurate information. This also strengthens the bond between student and teacher, and makes the student feel like the teacher respects them and their opinions. |
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