General James Baxter Speaks

THE HANDS OF THE TEACHER

By e-mail:
choicemaker@thegrid.net

THE HANDS OF THE TEACHER

After 30 years in the classroom I am convinced that the personal example the teacher sets before the
student is the single most important reason learning occurs. Example offers a behavioral definition of
character that may determine a student's perception of his own value, the value of others, and reciprocal
rights and responsibilities. Since emulation is both an early and an on-going learning method and because
everyone passes through the hands of the teacher, the example of the teacher-leader is, I believe,
fundamental to the successful human experience.

When standards are personalized and manifest in teacher conduct, the student's perception of other
criteria for measuring other values and options prior to decision-making becomes more and more comprehensible.
Such a comprehension may be considered critical to the student's personal ability to anticipate consequences
of choice and insure survival and progress.

Because decision-making is the proper domain of the mind in the hierarchy of the person (spirit/mind/body),
it is essential that enlarged opportunities for observation and awareness be encouraged and available.
Such opportunities go far toward raising the qualitative level of selectivity on the part of the student.
Additionally, because selection occupies the fulcrum point of the creative process in the individual, it is
essential that criteria be available to the intellect of the student in order that evaluation and progress will
occur.

We are reminded that the unique individual person is the basic unit of value and a prime source of social
values in a free society.

Consistent with a criteria concept and personalized value definition, the individual student should
continually experience high levels of challenge, expectation, and goal orientation, eliciting and
reinforcing standards of excellence. Such a conceptual environment teaches, encourages, and reinforces valid
self-esteem.

It is thus that the teacher completes the appropriate fulfillment of his role: Enabling the student to become
a self-directed, responsible, choice-maker in freedom.
Psalms 25:12 119:30,173 Joel 3:14

  +semper fidelis+
James Fletcher Baxter
  +vincit veritas+

                          + + +

choicemaker@thegrid.net
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/2728

[Reproduction permission granted. JFB]
Books Tapes Video                          

                     
Thanks for visiting General James Baxter
This Page Freely Sponsored By The warrior's Brigade

Last modified on Friday, October 02, 1998