Mr. Koe's Classroom

   Teacher as a Hiking Guide

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I like to think of the teacher as a Hiking Guide. I can show my students beautiful formations and landscapes and give them interesting facts about the things we are seeing. I can train them to prepare for the mental and physical exhaustion they will feel. I can provide them with safety training, about how to avoid fatigue and how to care for themselves in nature.

I can orient them to move in the right direction and showcase the various paths that will lead them to reaching their goal, but they have to do the work!

 

They have to use the map! They have to follow a plan! They need to prepare for the mental and physical rigors. They are the ones who need to take the steps to get to the top!

 

As their guide, I have responsibilities: I need to have planned a route that is navigable and at the appropriate skill level for my students, and at times alter that plan to ensure that each student can be successful. I need to be attentive to the needs of my students and intervene and assist them with a safety rope when they might be getting off track. I also need to continuously keep my skills sharpened so that I am prepared for any questions, or issues they may face along the trail.