This past week I tutored a fourth grader named Charlotte. She needed help with her spelling homework, but she was often becoming distracted while I helped her. At first it was frustrating because I wanted to see her finish the homework so that she could spend more time having fun at home. At the beginning of the session she said she enjoys being at home and I wanted to help her finish the homework.
While helping her, I understood something very important. At first I was forcing her to do work, in punishment type way. I soon realized that was the wrong way to go and then started giving her positive reinforcement instead. Every-time she did a problem, right or wrong, I would tell her she was doing a great job. It was evident that this helped as it eventually led her to finish her homework a lot faster.
From this short homework help, I learned something that not only applied to young children, but to everyone. It’s easy to punish or get on someone for not being too successful or productive. However, if we instead compliment each other for our work completed or our past successes, I am sure that we would all be able to live more efficient, happier lives. It boils down to just focusing in on the positives, rather than the negatives, which can help everyone. I am definitely going to begin to apply this to my own life. Rather than hone in on my mistakes, I am going to start to hone in on my positives and my successes. That way I can stay in a positive state of mind and be better prepped to conquer any issues that come my way.
Response to week 4 volunteering session – 11/12/19
Nihal Sidhu
I agree with your conclusions 100%. Staying positive is always the way to go. Teachers should consistently find a way to teach in a constructive and positive way. Instead of penalizing students when they do the wrong thing, teachers should look to reward students for doing well. I think the desire to avoid punishment is not as strong as the desire to gain affirmation. No one like’s to feel forced to do something. And besides that, who wants to be nasty to another person anyway? Being nice and respectful is so much better!
I agree with your ideas about the process of educating others. This concept of avoiding punishment and encouraging them throughout every step of the way can also be applied to not only teaching but also parenting. It is incredible how fruitful it can be when mentors use philosophies that encourage children to improve academically or socially by uplifting them.