Reflection 1

I have a common comparison I make between the fine arts trade and advertising. In fine arts, when I send a message through my art and the audience doesn't understand it, it's the audience's fault; but as an advertiser, if I send a message through my art and the audience doesn't understand it, it's my fault. However unfair this comparison is to the fine arts, it illustrates the virtue of the advertising world that I admire and I hope to apply to my philosophy of teaching. If my audience doesn't get what I'm teaching, then it's my fault. But doesn't this ignore the responsibility of students to choose to listen, learn, probe, remain conscious, etc.? Yes, but it also means that if I have a student who chooses not to pay attention, I become concerned with what will get his attention again. It means that I will always become willing to tailor my lesson plans and teaching styles to the students I am working with. If I stand to the side and give my students 100% of the responsibility for their failures to learn, then I give up the opportunity to try to connect with them.