Why Teaching And Teachers Fail You: A Conversation With John Danaher
Jul 22, 2021
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In this engaging discussion, John Danaher, a university academic focused on ethics and automation, delves into the intricacies of teaching. He explores why education often falls flat, highlighting the overlooked struggles of teachers and the teacher-student relationship. Danaher critiques the shift to online learning, examining its effects on engagement and comprehension. He also draws parallels between teaching and parenting, and questions how modern automation impacts education and student well-being. Ultimately, he stresses the need for meaningful feedback to enrich the learning experience.
Teaching effectiveness is often obscured by the complex interplay of student motivation, socio-economic factors, and unreliable assessment metrics.
The disconnect between teacher aspirations and student outcomes highlights the need for meaningful connections in the classroom beyond just metrics.
While technology fosters self-directed learning, it also risks promoting instant gratification over deep engagement with educational content.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Measuring Teaching Effectiveness
Teaching effectiveness is difficult to measure, as educators often lack reliable metrics that demonstrate the impact they have on students. While students may achieve positive outcomes and develop essential skills, it remains unclear how much of this success can be credited to their teachers. The complexity of human learning and the multitude of external factors, such as personal motivation and socio-economic conditions, complicate the ability to pinpoint the value added by teaching. As a result, this uncertainty can lead to frustration among educators who feel their efforts may not translate into tangible success for their students.
The Meaning of Teaching and Its Impact on Human Flourishing
Teaching is often seen as a noble profession that contributes to students' development and flourishing, yet some argue that its meaning is more nuanced. The disconnect between the aspirations of teachers and the outcomes experienced by students can lead educators to question the inherent value of their profession. Discussions of human flourishing indicate that a person's sense of achievement and purpose can also hinge on external validations, complicating how educators perceive their roles. Ultimately, finding real meaning in teaching may require shifting focus from solely student success metrics to the genuine connections established in the classroom.
The Role of Feedback in the Teacher-Student Dynamic
Effective feedback is crucial in the teacher-student relationship, yet many students do not actively engage with the feedback provided to them. Notably, educators have experimented with different methods to ensure students receive and understand their comments on assignments, illustrating the need for innovative strategies to enhance engagement. The observed tendency for students to prioritize grades over feedback underscores a broader issue in education where meaningful learning experiences may be overshadowed by performance outcomes. Therefore, fostering a culture of valuing feedback could empower students and enhance their learning journeys.
The Tension Between Student Autonomy and Institutional Constraints
The evolution of education technology has allowed for an increase in self-directed learning opportunities, yet it comes with its own challenges. Students have access to vast resources, enabling them to pursue knowledge and develop interests outside traditional school structures, which can be empowering. However, the fragility of this autonomy lies in the tendency for students to seek instant gratification or distraction rather than engage deeply with subject matter. Such dynamics complicate the educational landscape, where the balance between innovative teaching methods and student self-motivation determines the success of learning outcomes.
The Psychological Effects of Education in a Competitive Landscape
In the current educational climate, students face increasing pressure to achieve significant outcomes, often leading to heightened anxiety and stress. The competitive nature of education, driven by both peer comparison and institutional metrics, can create a detrimental environment for mental health. This growing concern emphasizes the importance of recognizing the individual student experience and the psychological impacts of the educational system. Therefore, promoting wellbeing alongside academic rigor may be essential to support students in achieving a balanced approach to education and personal growth.
Don't you hate it when you learn NOTHING from a course? It's the teacher's fault right? Not so fast. John Danher joins me to talk about the real reasons education fails.
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