EDible News: Nadine Wyczolkowski, Staff Writer
Fourth Year Undergraduate, Concurrent I/S: Social Science & Geography
This past week at placement a student asked me a question I did not know the answer to. I
encouraged the student to look up the answer for the following class I would be teaching, and I would look into it as well. As I apologized to the student for not knowing the correct reply on the spot, he responded, “Don’t worry Miss. It’s Okay.” This was one of the most beautiful moments for me thus far in the classroom environment. His empathetic and kind statement made me smile.
The student taught me an important lesson that I believe will shape my teaching philosophy. Teachers are human; we do not always have the answer; we make mistakes. It is important for students to relate to us as fellow humans, not some role model on a pedestal teaching at them, but rather an individual learning with them and from them. When I encourage shy students to participate, I sometimes say, “Don’t worry if you might not have the right answer, I just want to hear what you think, as we’re all here to learn.”
Letting our students see who we are, seeing our humanity, I believe is essential in developing a genuine rapport with the students. I do not believe it to be a moment of weakness, just one of honesty; the vulnerability that we are all susceptible to unites each and every one of us. It is important to remember that “It’s okay.”
