The Only Way to Evaluate Your Teaching & the Students Learning:

As we start a new business week, I feel a strong urge to remind my fellow educators about a single sentence that describes what we do every school day: "developing students' competence" in different areas of our subjects of specialization.

 

Our very first reminder is that the learner is more important than what we teach. This means we teach students; we don’t teach subjects. This brings me to our 2nd reminder for this week; the composite definition of competence. As we go out this week to develop competent students, let us be reminded of the 3 aspects that completely define competence.

 

Knowledge - Theoretical Understanding:

Our goal is to ensure that our learners gain a theoretical understanding of concepts, principles, and facts. In other words, ensure that learners gain knowledge. Without knowledge, our students will struggle to understand the 'why' behind what they are learning, which is critical for deep comprehension and further application.

Skill - Practical Application: Knowledge without application is incomplete. Every lesson should challenge our students to translate theory into practice, honing their skills and reinforcing their learning. By emphasizing practical application, we provide tangible evidence of their growth and our effectiveness as educators.

Attitude - Behaviors that Enable Application: 

The final, crucial piece of competence lies in cultivating the right attitudes and behaviors. Traits like perseverance, curiosity, and adaptability are vital for applying knowledge and skills effectively. By fostering these qualities, we empower our students to approach challenges with resilience and an eagerness to learn.

Together, these elements form the backbone of true competence. As you engage with your students this week, remember the transformative power you hold. Let’s strive to create an environment where knowledge, skills, and attitudes converge, paving the way for our students to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

 

Let's make this week one where we inspire, challenge, and support our students to become not just learners, but competent individuals ready to succeed in the world.

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