Approachability is a great teaching skill and one of the major characteristics of an effective teacher.
Who is an approachable teacher and why is it important? What does it have to do with learning?
An approachable teacher is that teacher that is accessible to learners irrespective.He listens to their concerns without distraction. An approachable teacher understands the need to pay attention to the learners and their learning.
THERE IS ALWAYS THIS SILENT TONE OF "I got your back,YOU can count on me" when a teacher is approachable .With an approachable teacher,learners are empowered to lead their learning knowing they are not alone.
Learning is a process and with an approachable teacher, learners feel at home.They find strength to try, fail,take corrections and improve because they can easily approach the teacher without fear. Approachability enhances learners curiosity and questioning skill because there is a safe zone.
With approachability learners are drawn out of their shells, to share their concerns, embrace authenticity and make progress
Recall, how you feel anytime the door is closed against you:when no one is listening .Remember the trauma when you want to approach your teacher and He or she is not giving you audience, we know how that feels,eee
No matter how sophisticated and great a teacher sounds, without access,it will be tough for the learners to learn effectively.
This is because in approachability,questions are asked,Inquires are made and opinions are evoked.
Learners cannot be separated from learning both must go together. As attention is paid to the learner same goes to learning. It is a whole world, not part.
Teachers should not use their power to create distance between them and their learners.They should use their powers to bridge the gap.
Phill Wilson puts it like this:
"Power creates distance .Leaders bridge the gap".
Can Approachability make any difference in the
Learning? Yes because everything borders on acceptance.When learners are coming to meet their techer that is the first door 🚪 they want open and if that door is open, they feel safe to kick start.
According to Scott Hayden
" Teachers have three loves,: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together, "
Think about that and change your style if you haven't. Do not build a wall around you.Serve with your power.ENRICH YOUR LEARNERS. CARE FIRST BEFORE THEY CAN.BE DISCILINED BUT NOT DIFFICULT. Do not just hear your learners, listen to them.
Pave way for your learners to learn authentically. Do not block them.Be approachable, be accessible. It is not weakness but strength.
What happens when you're not fit?
If you are stressed rest,if you are sick,get medical attention but do not put yourself in a position that your learners will not want to talk to you.
Yes ,you don't need to be available for every one all the time but learn to have honest conversations in regard instead of acting out.
Remember that you too need an honest feedback from your learners and you can't get that when you are not approachable
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