Safety Agents

Teaching is always a challenge. The trick is to impart knowledge or information in a way that is understandable and in a manner that students can then take and actually apply or use. A good deal of repetition is often necessary to ensure the lessons of the day are successfully given. As one who has been teaching for over 40 years both in and outside the United States, my favorite time of teaching is when students ask lots of questions, speak up, and are not shy about commenting on whatever it is we are focusing on at that moment. I like the energy and give-and-take that comes with such interaction. I think the students do, too.

My least favorite time is when the students are not speaking up, especially when I am expecting them to do so. For instance, when I ask a question, I expect the students or someone to take a chance at answering it. There have been times when no one raises their hand or speaks up. Sometimes this may happen in response to a particular question and others times the entire class may be shy about speaking out as a general rule. (I have found this to be the case with a number of the classes I have taught in South Korea.) The result is an awkward silence during which a brief staring contest between the students and I occur.

Putting aside for the moment the specific topic or question or even how the question is phrased, the silence represents a communication challenge. Students need to feel it is safe for them to speak up. After all, many are nervous about giving an incorrect answer or saying something dumb and looking foolish. In this classroom, another key challenge faced by any teacher is to create an environment in which students feel safe enough to themselves heard. If they don't, then lots of unanswered questions will be the result. But if they do, then one is in for a fun and stimulating time. Yes, teachers teach but doing that requires an expertise in a special kind of safety. Consider them agents of safety.