Learn to teach, teach to learn: Introducing the Student-Teacher Panel Activity

Learn to teach, teach to learn: Introducing the Student-Teacher Panel Activity

By Ilyssa Adelman
EDI 17 Psychology & Development of Adolescent Students

School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
January 23, 2009

I really liked the panel discussion we had during yesterday’s class. I have been to panel discussions in my other education classes, but have never had one in class itself. There was a nice mix of people on the panel all of whom had different experiences with children. I really enjoyed listening to what everyone had to say and learned a lot. As stated during the discussion, I think it is really important to find the one activity or idea that a student can grasp and relate to.

That one concept can motivate a child in a subject or topic that they really do not understand or enjoy. While associating shopping in a math class may spark the interest of most of the girls it will not motivate the boys. Instead a teacher can associate fractions with cars or sports to ensure most of the boys are also paying attention. As teachers we may have to use different techniques to motivate our students and make sure we give students choices on assignments when possible.

I also really enjoyed learning about the difference between American and Chinese students. I found it interesting how the motivation of college and high school students seems to be the complete opposite in China as it is here.