I’ve been in education for over two decades now. That means that I can come across as an expert in everything from curriculum development to classroom management. However, I was once new in the classroom and still green at shaping young minds. I wasn’t sure how to shift from a content focus to a student focus in teaching.
I have made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I’m proud to say I’ve learned from my mistakes. Luckily, I always come back more knowledgeable and with more effective teaching strategies than before.
Do you think baring my soul will help you learn from my mistakes?
Let’s give it a try. Grab your notebook and favorite pen, and let’s get into the first time I failed at traditional teaching.
Science Descends into Chaos
Let me set the scene for you. The year is 2000, and I have just embarked on my journey working with elementary school students. I was armed with enthusiasm, detailed lesson plans, and a head full of dreams for my perfect classroom.
This day was significant because it marked one of my first attempts to engage a large group of energetic and spirited students. I wasn’t ready for the challenges of elementary classroom management because I was still very green and hadn’t been taught about classroom management.
Little did I know that my carefully crafted lesson plan, designed to introduce a new and exciting science experiment, would take an unexpected turn.
Because this was one of my first projects with my students, I had a lot to prove.
Spoiler alert: Things didn’t exactly go according to plan.
As I ushered the students into a rigidly structured science experiment, designed to meet curriculum standards, I observed their initial curiosity give way to confusion and disinterest. The experiment, which was meant to be a captivating exploration, became a tedious march through instructions and facts.
In my attempt to adhere to curriculum goals, I unintentionally turned the classroom into a teacher-directed zone where students were passive recipients rather than active participants. The excitement I had hoped to ignite fizzled out, replaced by a palpable sense of detachment.
Molten lava (a.k.a. vinegar and baking soda) erupted not in the form of enthusiastic shouts but as a metaphorical sigh of apathy from the students. The classroom, which was supposed to be a vibrant space for learning, became a dull landscape of unmet expectations.
In that moment, surrounded by the silence of disengaged learners, I realized I had missed the mark. It was a wake-up call, highlighting the need to shift my focus from merely meeting curriculum goals to understanding and addressing the unique needs and interests of my students.
I needed a student focus in teaching if I wanted to be successful.
Pssst, do you want more resources to be the best teacher you can be? Then you may want to sign up for my Subscriber Hub, with a variety of free resources to empower your teaching.
Click here to access the Subscriber Hub now
5 Ways that Led to My Failure at a Student Focus in Teaching
When you look at how I failed at teaching my students instead of just the curriculum that day, you could easily think the reason I failed was due to sticking to the traditional methods ingrained from my own education experiences.
In reality, there were 5 things I was doing that led to this big failure.
#1. I Was Insistent on Delivering Content in a Traditional Manner
Growing up at my house, I learned the value of self-reliance early on. As the oldest child, I was expected to handle a lot of things for myself and my brothers. I believed that as an educator, I needed to handle everything in the classroom by myself as well.
This led to a rigid teaching style that left little room for a student focus and meeting the diverse needs of my learners.
Someone I follow on Instagram, Claire English, has a totally different approach to student-focused teaching. Check it out here.
The Solution:
Instead of only relying on myself for success, I began to collaborate with talented colleagues who provide advice, support, and problem-solving.
This led to a more dynamic and engaging classroom environment, fostering better learning outcomes for my students. With a student focus in teaching, I noticed how my learners who were once disengaged became active participants in the classroom.
Remember, if you have been frantically trying to maintain traditional teaching methods and doing it all on your own, you may be missing out on the incredible opportunities of growth and connection with colleagues and within your classroom.
#2. A Lack of Adaptability
As you recall, I was very new to my teaching approach. This meant I hadn’t had the opportunity to develop the adaptability needed for a student-focused classroom.
Being accustomed to a structured content delivery model, I found it challenging to pivot and adjust when faced with diverse learning styles and unexpected classroom dynamics.
This lack of adaptability manifested in my struggle to connect with students who needed alternative teaching methods. Instead of recognizing and embracing these differences, I persisted with a one-size-fits-all approach. This, of course, led to disengagement among many students, as I failed to include a student focus in teaching.
The Solution:
I developed a failsafe way to get myself out of situations like this one.
I began professional development workshops on classroom management and engagement and sought out mentorship from more experienced teachers. As I learned new skills, I began to transition to student-focused teaching.
I learned strategies to adapt my lessons to cater to the unique needs of each student.
A little introduction to this method can be found here.
#3. Forgetting the Strengths of My Teaching Style
It’s easy to look back at this and think that moving to a student focus in teaching can be easily fixed, but we’re saying that with all the hindsight in the world.
At the time I really thought that good teachers were the “sage on the stage” instead of the “guide on the side.”
I didn’t think I could use my natural style of relating to my students and building our relationship on their interests and strengths. This self-doubt and underestimation of my abilities hindered me in moving from a content focus and teacher-directed instruction to what my students really needed.
The Solution:
Changing my mindset was the thing that led to a sustainable shift in my teaching. I began to recognize and celebrate the strengths of my teaching style.
Instead of viewing a student focus in teaching as a complete departure from what I knew, I saw it as an evolution of my skills.
This shift in perspective not only transformed my teaching, but also allowed me to witness my students thriving. The mindset change was the catalyst for my classroom becoming an environment tailored to my students’ needs.
#4. Overlooking the Power of Student Feedback
One of the critical areas where I stumbled was in overlooking the power of student feedback.
I was so focused on the curriculum goals that I failed to actively seek input from the very individuals I was trying to educate!
This led to a lack of engagement, as my students didn’t feel a sense of ownership in their learning process.
The Solution:
Recognizing the importance of student voice, I implemented regular feedback opportunities where students could express their thoughts on the learning experience.
This simple, yet powerful, adjustment allowed me to tailor my teaching to their preferences. This created a more inclusive and participatory environment as well. A deeper dive into this transformative approach can be found here.
#5. Neglecting the Impact of the Classroom Environment
In reflecting on my teaching journey, I fell short in understanding the impact of the physical classroom environment on student engagement.
I had become so accustomed to the traditional classroom setup that I failed to realize how the space itself could either hinder or enhance the learning experience.
Cramped desks and overstimulating classroom decor resulted in a lack of focus in my students. They struggled to navigate through the clutter and vie for attention in an environment that was not conducive to focused learning.
The Solution:
I took a closer look at my classroom setup and made intentional changes to create a more inviting and flexible space. Incorporating elements like collaborative workstations, comfortable seating, and thoughtful displays transformed the atmosphere.
This shift is a testament to a student focus in teaching. As I recognized what this group of students needed to maintain focus and engagement, I was able to transform the physical space to better meet their needs.
Perseverance for a Student Focus in Teaching Pays Off
I wish I could say that I never failed in my time as a teacher. That would be impossible, though, because failure is part of the teaching journey. It’s through overcoming challenges that we grow both personally and professionally.
However, I never failed again once I stopped fixating solely on content delivery. I have now made it my mission to support teachers in creating empowering and engaging classrooms with a focus on positive student-teacher relationships.
A student focus in teaching is all about understanding that fostering their curiosity and unique abilities is just as important as covering the curriculum.
Here at Empowered Educators I live and breathe education because it brings me the most amount of joy. Seeing teachers and students thrive in an environment that meets their needs is the ultimate reward.
Clients have said:
and
Over on Instagram, I’ve been sharing tips and strategies to help shift from a more traditional approach to a student focus in teaching.
My Subscriber Hub also provides some great free resources for you to be a more effective and empowered educator. Click the image below for access!
Got a question about classroom management or effective teaching strategies? Get in touch over here today for a free consultation.
