My Educational Paradigm

My students are my customers. NO!
My students are my clients!
The word client implies a long time relationship
whereas customer may be a one-shot deal. I am a life-long Learner but more importantly I am a LIFE- LONG TEACHER. My students will always be my students.

If my students are my clients, then what am I selling?
I am selling my particular learning process. My pedagogy is my product. My unique methods of internalizing information is my product.. I want them to learn and enjoy the process. I want them to focus on the How To Learn so that they can use the same or similar procedures to LEARN ANYTHING.

So with that paradigm, I spent my own money to buy a video camera when they first were offered for sale. I bought web site development software. I bought my own TV and VHS player for my classroom. ( in the beginning, there was only one, it was kept in the media center. The media center lady’s name must have been Bea L. ZeeBulb because she would never let me use it)
I also bought software, an overhead projector and my own Biological Specimen.
Other teachers said, “I will never spend my own money on these kids”
I was spending money to improve my processes and procedures. I figured one every classroom would eventually have an overhead projector. (When that did happen, I had an LCD projector)

My paradigm is to have the BEST teaching techniques. I had to have the tools with which to work. Foe Example:
I took a position at Atlanta Area Tech. My classroom had two eight foot green chalk boards. The first day, I replaced them with white dry erase boards so that I could effectively use colors, and brighter visuals.

The cost was not a consideration.
My paradigm is the students are my clients; my product is my teaching and Learning techniques.
My agenda was I wanted to be the best teacher that they ever had.
I told them the first day of class, my goal is to be your favorite teacher.
Now what is your paradigm?
Here are some paradigms I have heard..

Marva Collins- all children can learn

Unnamed- I going to retire in three years I am just trying to get through the day

Unnamed- These kids today are unteachable I am just going to present the lessons

Unnamed- You get yours, I got mine

Unnamed- I am just a high paid baby sitter

Unnamed- These kids can’t learn they don’t have a father in the home.

What is your paradigm?

e-mail me yours wlambert7@comcast.net

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