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Permalink Reply by Zach Jenkins on August 21, 2010 at 3:39pm

True, you do have many questions and each of them can have their own separate discussion points. I'll take one at a time though :) Hmm, what makes a good teacher? Skill, wisdom, critical thinking skills, being able to vary your teaching style to fit the learning aptitude of the student. Leading by example, patience, the list goes on and on. Is there an area for much improvement? That's easy, always... When you stop improving, it's time to retire. Commitment, hmm, on the part of the public? It depends on many variables. Location, demographics, interest... I'll quote one of my teachers, "Many want to know, but few want to learn." I can expound on each point but I'll wait to see what other people say.


Zach Jenkins

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Permalink Reply by Ray Melchor on August 23, 2010 at 12:31am

I am a professional educator. I believe that teaching is teaching, no matter the endeavor. Something needs to be learned. Someone needs to teach it. Someone needs to be taught it. So then…what DOES make a good teacher? I believe a good teacher is one who gets the most that can be gotten out of students, all variables considered. A not-so-talented teacher might have a student with world class talent but limit the student’s progress and keep him at a state or national championship level. The championships may look impressive to the point that they disguise the failures of the teacher, but that student has not fulfilled his potential. On the other hand, a great teacher might take someone with minimal talent and a terrible attitude and work ethic and somehow reach the student. The student responds positively and moves up a few belt levels and even wins a few local matches. Not that noteworthy in the grand scheme of things, but considering where the student began, very good teaching took place. Methods will vary, but a good teacher will maximize the progression of the student.

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Permalink Reply by James T Kearney on August 23, 2010 at 7:40am

Yes. I know what U mean. I have a few talented members and a few not so talented, but I can commnicate with both very well. Respect works both ways I suppose. One has to teach by example also, not by lip service for example I spar with my students every opportunity I can get, they win, I win, espceially in escrima. I train regulary also in kicboxing and with people half my age, learning works both ways also. Thanks.

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