Thoughts on teaching and non-compulsory education

A recent educational experience has got me thinking about the dynamic between teachers and students and the role that trust plays in that relationship. In theory a teacher should possess a set of skills or have knowledge that is sought after. The student needs to have a willingness to learn and to commit their time to the teacher. I think it's important for a course to be properly structured so that information comes at a pace which allows for steady progress to be made. Alongside the content provided I believe that consideration should be made by teachers to make clear their method. This is so that pupils don't find themselves entirely in the dark and can see just enough of the bend in the road that is their own learning curve. At the same time, a student ought to approach the course with patience before applying some critical thinking in order to decide if the teacher's method, manner and material are suitable and in line with their expectations. It's reasonable for both parties to agree on ground rules before the course begins so that this judgment can be made. In reference to my recent experience, it became difficult to continue the course I had undertaken due to a breakdown in communication and a lack of support which meant that my focus was drawn away from the material I had chosen to study. This led me to question what motivated my teacher and undermined my trust in him. I have also had good teachers, people who display their qualities through humility and show you that they too are students. This natural authority is something I very much respond to and whilst people learn in different ways I find it difficult to criticize the style. I find it possible that with a stage and an audience, those who teach may fall prey to the power dynamic on offer. This I experienced as an unsympathetic tone, with the teacher seemingly believing that the material was more important in itself than the reception of it. For me, I applied a sceptical concern to the situation and realised the balance in the relationship I had with my teacher was lost. Over time relationships change. My dad has always told me that people get the relationships they deserve, meaning that the effort put in from both sides equals the resulting connection or lack thereof. For a proper learning dynamic, students and teachers must preserve their good intentions and evaluate the course progress as it develops ensuring that mutual respect is intact, otherwise even the best ideas can spoil.