Bernard’s Library – Resources

Website: www.khanacademy.org 

App: Khana Academy

Article: 7 Characteristics of Good Learners

I’ve seen lots of lists that identify the characteristics of good teachers. They’re great reminders of what we should aspire to be as teachers. I haven’t seen many corresponding lists that identify the characteristics of good learners. I decided to put one together and invite your input. This could be a list for our students or anybody who aspires to learn well.

1. Good learners are curious
2. Good learners pursue understanding diligently
3. Good learners recognize that a lot of learning isn’t fun
4. Failure frightens good learners, but they know it’s beneficial
5. Good learners make knowledge their own
6. Good learners never run out of questions
7. Good learners share what they’ve learned

Read more at https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/seven-characteristics-good-learners/

“My teacher hates me!” If you’ve heard this phrase a few times and your child seems to be struggling, it can have a serious effect on his learning. Even if he and the teacher don’t click, there are things you can do to improve the situation and open up communication.

Read more at http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/parent-teacher-partnerships/resolving-conflict-your-childs-teacher

App: Easy Learning

  ClassDojo

Years ago, as a young, eager student, I would have told you that a great teacher was someone who provided classroom entertainment and gave very little homework. Needless to say, after many years of K-12 administrative experience and giving hundreds of teacher evaluations, my perspective has changed. My current position as a professor in higher education gives me the opportunity to share what I have learned with current and future school leaders, and allows for some lively discussions among my graduate students in terms of what it means to be a great teacher. . .

Read more at https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/philosophy-of-teaching/nine-characteristics-of-a-great-teacher/

I’ve never had the desire to be a school administrator. Not for one second. I’ve always known that my place is in front of a classroom with chalk in my hand. (OK, times have changed, and there are no more chalkboards. Make it an erasable marker—you pick the color.) Even though I’m a confessed non-administrator type, I may have a message for others who see a school principalship in their future.

In my travels as my state’s current teacher of the year, I recently had an amazing opportunity to visit a number of school communities in North Carolina and talk to teachers, support staff, parents, and students about what makes a good school-based administrator. When it comes to defining what makes a principal great, I soon discovered that there are characteristics common across school levels and community demographics.

• The school is a family.
• Teachers are treated as professionals.
• Instruction in the school is data-driven.
• They are student-centered.
• They reach out to families.
• They have great reservoirs of energy.
• They promote school spirit and teamwork.
• They develop leaders.
• They have good help.