The Various Fears That Teachers Face in the Classroom
1. Introduction
I have chosen two chapters from Parker J. Palmer’s book “The Courage to Teach” because they tackle two of the most serious problems that are facing modern pedagogy. These are the chapters “The students” and “Fear in Teaching”.
In the first chapter, Palmer makes a distinction between two different types of teachers: those who see their students as objects and those who see them as subjects. He argues that the former are more likely to silence their students, while the latter are more likely to create failed relationships with them.
In the second chapter, Palmer discusses the various fears that teachers may have in their classrooms. He argues that these fears can stem from personal issues, such as a fear of failure, or from technological issues, such as a fear of being replaced by technology. He also argues that bad students can contribute to a teacher’s fear of teaching.
2. The students
In this chapter, Palmer makes a distinction between two different types of teachers: those who see their students as objects and those who see them as subjects. He argues that the former are more likely to silence their students, while the latter are more likely to create failed relationships with them.
2. 1 Objectivism
Palmer argues that some teachers see their students as objects. This means that they see their students as tools to be used for their own purposes, rather than as human beings with their own needs and desires. This type of teacher is more likely to silence their students, because they see them as objects rather than subjects.
2. 2 Silence
Palmer argues that silence is a form of violence. He argues that when teachers silence their students, they are preventing them from developing their own voices and perspectives. This can lead to failed relationships between teachers and students.
3. Fear in Teaching
In this chapter, Palmer discusses the various fears that teachers may have in their classrooms. He argues that these fears can stem from personal issues, such as a fear of failure, or from technological issues, such as a fear of being replaced by technology. He also argues that bad students can contribute to a teacher’s fear of teaching.
3. 1 Failed relationships
Palmer argues that one of the biggest fears that teachers have is the fear of failed relationships. This means that they are afraid of not being able to connect with their students or of not being able to create meaningful relationships with them. This fear can stem from a variety of causes, such as a lack of communication or a feeling of isolation.
3. 2 Personal issues
Palmer argues that another fear that teachers have is the fear of personal issues. This means that they are afraid of their own personal problems, such as a fear of failure or a fear of success. This type of fear can lead to a feeling of isolation and can make it difficult for teachers to connect with their students.
3. 3 Technology
Palmer argues that another fear that teachers have is the fear of technology. This means that they are afraid of being replaced by technology, such as computers or online learning platforms. This type of fear can lead to a feeling of isolation and can make it difficult for teachers to connect with their students.3.4 Bad students
Palmer argues that another fear that teachers have is the fear of bad students. This means that they are afraid of students who are disruptive, who don’t listen, or who don’t seem to care about their education. This type of fear can lead to a feeling of isolation and can make it difficult for teachers to connect with their students.