What is Worthy Teaching?

Teaching is showing or explaining how to do something. It is helping someone acquire a new skill by instruction, by example or both. It is the process of guiding someone’s learning. But what is worthy teaching? The word ‘worthy’ loosely means to be good enough or deserving, but it is ambiguous because what one deems worthy another may not. It is dependent on where one places or aims their individual value on worth. Therefore, when I speak of what worthy teaching is, it is only my opinions, values and experiences to which I am speaking.

I believe at the centre of worthy teaching is knowing and caring for the learner. Without building caring relationships with students, mutual respect will not be gained. To me it is vital to have a respectful teacher-learner relationship in order for optimal learning to occur. Worthy teaching observes students, listens to them, validates their ideas and responds to their needs, which in turn provides the students with a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy in their learning. As a student teacher I am cognizant of and cherish the fact that it is an honour when a child lets me in to their world. I believe worthy teaching cultivates curiosity and helps all students strive for excellence and success within themselves; emotionally, socially, academically and physically.

I also believe worthy teaching celebrates efforts, acknowledges different learning styles and recognizes diversity. Worthy teaching is social in nature and encourages collaboration, creativity and fun. It helps students to retain a sense of wonder about the world around them. It is varied, relevant and adaptable, promoting critical thinking and reflective practices. Worthy teaching enables students to evaluate and process information, become independent thinkers and effective problem solvers.

I believe that worthy teaching encompasses Aristotle’s entire list of virtues: courage, temperance, liberality, magnificence, pride, good temper, friendliness, truthfulness, wittiness, shame and justice. However, as one goes through life, what they deem worthy will continue to change. It is never static. I believe it is not as important to reach the goal of becoming a worthy teacher as it is to encompass the values of what it means to be a worthy teacher. I feel the aim of worthy teaching is unattainable because as worthy teachers are life-long learners, they will never attain perfection. However, as life-long learners they will always strive to be the best practitioner they can be for the sake of their students.