How do I contribute to the education of myself and others through ...

Sequence 1 Values in EducationFigure 9: Image of Dan, 2005Daniel was a Year 12 Media student that I have taught. His image is above. I amtaking the image. I was immediately surprised by the quality of the work that heproduced: he was a clear grade ‘A’ student within this subject. However, beyond thisI felt that I could connect with him. He was a very mature student but I sensed hispassion for the subject that I so much love. I could understand where he was comingfrom and the comments he made were so reflective of the way I read texts. I wantedto support and help him as much as possible. Partially, I feel, because I felt guiltyabout leaving his group at the end of Year 12 to move to my new school, but alsobecause I believe he had a great deal of potential.Through his Year 12 I worked with Dan closely to help ready him for his exams: helacked a great deal of confidence in his ability. I asked Daniel to reflect on hisexperiences of my teaching because I wanted to know why it was that he wassucceeding within my own lessons. He commented through email:‘Mr. RidingMr. Riding is probably the most highly regarded teacher (at least by the pupils) atWestwood St Thomas. In my opinion he is certainly one of the best, if not, the best.There are many reasons why I think this:One reason that I and many others really enjoy being taught by Mr. Riding is that heincorporates humour into his lessons. He tells jokes (sometimes funny) and alsoallows pupils to join in on the jokes and this allows for a very relaxed atmosphere.The important thing though, is that the jokes are never allowed to take over the lesson40