Debunking Those Classroom Myths

Based on a Blog by Ben Johnson

Original Publication Date June 29, 2011

The blog by Ben Johnson addresses many of the classroom myths purported in the teachers’ lounge.   He takes each myth and offers a different and in my opinion more valuable position.

1.        Don’t Smile Until Christmas:  This myth is an attempt at classroom discipline and control.  Instead of drilling the classroom rules on the first day he proposes that teachers use that first day to “hook” students, teach something meaningful, and to laugh.  “Give the students reasons to want to stay in our classrooms” (Johnson, 2011).  There will be plenty of time to cover the classroom rules and procedures.

2.       Never Turn Your Back to the Students: Mr. Johnson states that building trust is the first thing a teacher should do.  Get to know your students and let them get to know you and make a commitment.

3.       Teacher Knows Best:   Teachers can and do learn from students.  Even if this is just what the problem is and not the solution.  Students are extremely valuable contributors in the classroom and help us become better teachers.

4.       Students aren’t interested in learning. They just want to have fun.  Having students complete homework assignments is often a large task.  However, but by making the assignments meaningful, exciting and truly extend the learning that is taking place in the classroom will help accomplish this task.  Most students are “adverse” to learning I think they just want the work to be relevant and at the appropriate ability level.

5.       Students Hate School:   According to the author students don’t hate school; they only hate what happens in the classroom.  We typically don’t teach the way students learn and need to adjust our methods to reach students and make our lessons more engaging. 

6.       Every Child Can Learn:  When I first read this I was a little shocked to see it in a list of myths about education and schools.  However, the myth is listed because it avoids the acceptance of responsibility and should read “Every child WILL learn in my classroom” (Johnson, 2011).

Interesting thoughts about typical statements heard in just about every school around the country.

Johnson, B. (2011, June 29). Debunking those pesky classroom myths [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/debunking-classroom-myths-ben-johnson