I teach, I touch lives

3/20/2015 – In teaching, it is important to use different strategies because they ensure the student’s continuous and active participation. One of the ways to be creative is the use of other learning materials such as film showing. Our class was introduced to the movie, “Freedom Writers”, which really summarizes how teaching should be.

I have learned a lot from the film. Teaching is a very noble profession which entails a lot of hardship, sacrifice, and dedication. Ms. G worked her way up to get her students’ attention, and eventually, their love and loyalty. More than the very nature of being a teacher, I think the main message of the film is that teaching is not done with an absolute approach. It could be done in various ways which increase the likelihood of learning. Ms. G tried different methods of teaching and assessed which of them actually works. Another thing I have learned from the movie is that you should know where your learners are coming from in order to be able to influence them to change and learn. Ms. G used the journal notebook as her connection to her students. After learning their stories, she began to use teaching materials where her students could relate to.   

As future Physical Therapist, it is important to remember that our profession is one that cares. It is not enough that we treat our clients with our best abilities, we also have to give compassion. We should believe that every person is a person who can change, for the better. We should not lose hope in making a change because the very moment we do so, we give our patients the room to doubt if they can do it. Lastly, it is a wonderful opportunity to teach because you are able to touch lives.