Thought of the Day: Jan.3, 2014

Maximizing learning opportunities within the environment we've been given

When we really think about it, what is best practice? Best practice to one teacher may look completely different to another teacher and the reasons for this vary on a continual basis and are dependent upon a number of factors. I believe that we are all striving to become better educators by implementing what we feel is best practice in our programs. This very fact is a huge step in the direction of making a lasting impact on our students and is highly commendable on our parts. 

While reaching for our best, we are constantly experimenting, tweaking, modifying, and adapting current practice while trying to bring in the next best idea into the mix. Best practice is so difficult to narrow down and quantifiably measure as every educator has been dealt a very unique hand of cards to play with. I have seen some AMAZING teachers who have little to no resources and hardly any teaching space to work in. These educators are incredibly innovative and creative due to the fact they have been forced to think outside the box when developing their programs. On the flip side, I have seen some teachers who have access to it all in terms of equipment and resources, however, their teaching is not what I consider to be effective in nature.  

When it boils down to it, only we can answer the question “Did I do my best today?”. If the answer is no, forgive yourself quickly, but make it your goal to do better tomorrow. Best practice begins with answering the above question each and every day and maximizing learning opportunities within the teaching space we have been given. Doing so greatly benefits the learning of our students and makes us all better in the long run.