Exit slip: Frank McCourt

 What stood out to me the most about Frank McCourt’s story is his ability to connect with his students by encouraging them to pursue their own inquiry questions that interested them, such as when he encouraged his students to explore and explain why they hated the novel that they were studying. I think this approach is likely more effective than ignoring criticisms and just pushing through with the lesson plan.

I think that Frank McCourt demonstrated inquiry throughout his life. Firstly, by having a "hunger for knowledge" and reading on his own while living in poverty and secondly, by being open-minded and willing to learn from his students. I agree with his statement that being a good teacher means also learning from your students. In my opinion, teaching should ideally be a collaboration and a conversation between teacher and students where ideas, questions, and feedback flow in both directions.

Reflecting on how this might affect my own teaching style, I remember being quite annoyed with some of my teachers who blathered on and on about their personal lives and I do not intend to follow their examples. However, I see now that some limited sharing of personal stories at appropriate times can help to make a connection with the students that will ultimately benefit the learning environment. So when I go out on the practicum, I will definitely try to take the time to share a few details about myself and establish that relationship with them from the start.