Joshua T:
I am about to start what I consider to be my first real job as a teacher. Prior to this I have tutored, led supplemental classes, and recitation sessions. Now I will be a lecturer for some low level math classes at my university. I'm really excited and somewhat nervous.
A lot of you are great teachers and I thought that I should ask for some advice. I really want to do the best job possible. It doesn't usually hinder my teaching too badly, but I sometimes have quite a bit of social awkwardness. Any advice for mitigating that would be appreciated too.
Some food for thought:
Book: "The Art Of Learning", by Josh Waitzkin
Video:
http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html (Google for more on Sir Ken -- can be a bit "out there" but as I say good food for thought)
Website:
http://calnewport.com/books/ and his blog
http://calnewport.com/blog/And another book, for possible application to your students, but mostly for application to *you* if you'd like to become a "master" of teaching:
http://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Keys-Success-Long-Term-Fulfillment/dp/0452267560Oh, another book, while I remember:
http://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Success-Carol-Dweck/dp/0345472322/. I haven't actually read that one, but I know of Dweck's ideas and I think she's sound.
If I had to pick a single Most Important Message that a teacher can convey to their students -- especially in something like math -- is that up to a very high level, *anyone* can learn to do it. Sure, it sounds a bit implausible that anyone and everyone can be a Gauss, Euler, Erdos or Goedel. Fair enough. But anyone and everyone *can* be extremely capable at math, provided they work at it effectively (10,000 hours of deliberate practice an' all that.) The statement
"I'm just not mathematically minded" should be consigned, along with the statement
"I just don't have the artistic gene", to the trash.
The key to being able to put in that work is:
1. Passion on the part of the student -- they have to *want* it
2. A teacher who can help them in their deliberate practice (that's you that is! :-) )
3. Time, environment, luck/opportunity to deploy 1 under the guidance of 2
The point is, as Geoff Colvin says (oh, *another* book!): "Talent Is Overrated"
http://www.amazon.com/Talent-Overrated-World-Class-Performers-EverybodyElse/dp/1591842948Good luck. Have fun. And remember, (deliberate) practice makes perfect.