Kuma’s chapter on mismatches was very helpful. One of the more difficult aspects of teaching I have been trying to reconcile with myself is the idea that teachers are not perfect. As a student, it is so easy to get caught up in thinking that your teacher is the end-all-be-all, knowledgeable resource, and it has been difficult for me, as a future teacher, to not expect that same level of expertise from myself. It was necessary for me to actually hear that I cannot be perfect in my communication with students because mismatches are absolutely unavoidable.
There are so many variables that could cause mismatches in a classroom, especially in a room on non-native speakers, it is important not to become discouraged if there is miscommunication. The important thing to learn from this chapter is to continually try to improve the communication lines between students and teachers and try as best as you can to correct mismatches.
Sarah
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. I have always looked at my teachers as the most knowledge person around, who is always right, and is just the best teacher ever. Looking at my teachers this way has also made me feel like I need to be that kind of teacher for my students. This chapter also helped me understand that there will be mismatches, that I can expect mismatches and that doesn't mean I'm a bad teacher but that I can be a better teacher by creating learning opportunities from those mismatches.