EDible News: Nadine Wyczolkowski

Connections are inherent in education as complex elements are integrated into a cohesive yet unique web. Such webs encompass individual and collaborative learning and teaching as well as relational webs between teachers and students alike.

Establishing a connection with every student is crucial to create a class that goes beyond the lesson itself, and to transform a classroom into an inclusive learning environment where all students’ uniqueness is acknowledged and appreciated. If teachers fail to connect with the subject material, how can they foster a connection between the students and the topic? If teachers cannot connect with the students, how can they educate the students and learn from them?

Herman Melville stated that:
“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.”

Through our vocation of teaching we will impact thousands of students. Understanding the gravity of a teacher’s influence can be evidenced by recalling some of our stand-out teachers, whether they were exceptionally amazing or horrendous they indeed had an impact.

Just as spiders spin their unique webs, we communally create a multifaceted support system with concrete and abstract connections that unify once disparate entities and vague concepts into a stunning interrelated network. Such a system links various associations that enrich our understanding of knowledge and growth in addition to the students’ awareness.

I believe that we should be sensitive towards the complex interrelationships that emerge in teaching in order to be considerate of the holistic learning environment in order to recognize the consequences of our actions.