Challenges in Teacher Training Series

Part 1: Teachers are not information providers.

When you talk to people about the job of a teacher, often times it's easy to get caught up in thinking about all the glorious ways we share information. We love to imagine ourselves at the front of the classroom, talking about interesting facts and giving our students the best possible overview of a topic, preparing them for future exam questions or projects on that subject.

But this is not really how it works—and it doesn't have to be. In fact, if we don't change our perspectives as teachers and think more strategically about what we're doing, we'll end up with frustrated students and disappointed parents/administrators. Our goal as teachers should not be simply information providers; instead, we need to help students learn how to find that good information on their own.

As educators, it's important for us to know the research on this topic so that we can have informed discussions with our administrators and other faculty members who may be unaware of or even resistant to these ideas. The research on effective teaching methods has been clear for years: students learn most when they actively engage with materials in meaningful ways—and looking for answers by themselves is an integral part of this process.

You remember things. But what is learning? It's more than just remembering facts. Learning means being able to use those facts in different situations to solve problems.

Transfer of learning is important but difficult.

While many teachers agree that they want to provide practical content, earning the trust of students and their parents is challenging, especially in areas where there aren't any local opportunities to study. One way to earn this trust is by ensuring that what you teach aligns with the values of your community. In my own experience as a teacher in Apopka, I've found it helps to teach using my own style and personality, which for me means being informal, authentic, and engaging with students on their level. It's important to be warm, but not too much so. I feel like if I tried to talk down to my students or use overly formal language, it would put them off.

Teacher training programs need to align with other values of teachers that sometimes conflict with adult education theory.

As an aspiring teacher, you may be wondering what types of things you need to learn in your teacher training program. The truth is that it depends on the program and whether or not the school has a strong tie to any specific educational philosophy.

What's great about being an adult educator, though, is that learning shouldn't end once a student leaves the classroom. That's why many programs also emphasize one-on-one mentor sessions as well as other methods of continuing education for teachers looking to keep their skills sharp. If a program doesn't offer these options, however, make sure you take initiative on your own time and explore some of these useful learning resources:

• Edutopia: This site offers curriculum for K - 12 teachers around the country in all subject areas. It can be accessed at no cost (or for a small fee if you want additional features). The site will help teachers identify effective teaching strategies and materials as well as offer guidance from experienced educators.

• Youtube Edu: This is another helpful source of free educational videos, created by contributors from all over the world with various levels of experience in both teaching and presentation skills. Students can learn about everything from basic grammar to complex chemistry due to its wide range of topics and styles.

• National Center for Learning Disabilities: With this website you can find out more about best practices when dealing with students who are struggling academically or have learning disabilities (such as dyslexia).