We all learn differently. Only by teaching and being taught are we able to understand the best way for us to learn.
I have discovered that I am an independent student.
When I first try to learn something, I experiment with it by myself. Then I develop questions with the results I get from experimenting.
This is when I require a teacher. Not only do I need a teacher to answer my questions, but to confirm my progress. This is when I need assurance that I’m correct.
If I’m troubled by my teacher telling me I am wrong when I experiment, the frustration I have builds. Then without the confirmation of my abilities, I begin to lose my patience.
Whenever I feel that my material is too easy or the pace is too slow, I have an even harder time remaining calm.
This is why whenever I teach, I try and answer the questions that someone has in the instructional time that I have with them. I answer them in hopes before they are able to ask. This allows them to have a better practice time, which allows for deeper and more complex questions. This makes them pros sooner and keeps off the stress.
This is why practice is so important to learning.
After giving detailed instructions, I back off until I notice something go wrong or they seek my help.
A teacher must never control practice time to be an effective teacher; which is why it’s so important to remain independent while practicing and why practice “makes perfect.”
Annie Blakeley will be attending Richmond County Ninth Grade Academy, is a band and chorus student and a member of First United Methodist Church in Hamlet.