Richard Mole

Background

About Richard Mole

Teaching is one of the most important and rewarding professions I know. I chose to enter the domain of education later on in life, feeling that I needed more life experience before being able to give students and pupils the attention, help and advice they need and deserve. For me, teaching is not solely about knowledge transfer. It is also about enjoying what you do, and about creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can be seen, heard, and feel safe. Communication is, of course, central to my subjects, and remembering that not all students feel comfortable in all situations, I try to include varied activities which encourage interaction in pairs, groups or as a class. I look to the teachers I have ever had, and consider why they were good, excellent, or inspiring, as well as evaluating the ones who were less so. Some of the conclusions I have drawn are that one should enjoy their subject, be knowledgeable in it, and be a person who actively promotes personal development. To do this, you need to take an active interest in the student and know something about their capabilities and prior knowledge in order to find stimulating and challenging assignments. I try to find out what level individuals are at and strive to form activities to encompass this, such as differing levels of questions to suit student abilities. Another important element is making sure a subject is relevant to the students’ own lives, and that they experience a connection between school and their home life and interests. Where possible, I try to involve students’ own interests and backgrounds in tasks and assignments so they feel a connection with what they are doing. One of my personal philosophies concerning teaching and learning is that when helping someone, answers should never be handed out on a plate. I believe in asking questions to help that person find their own solutions. I used this technique when tutoring peers, as I feel it is important that people should use their own perceptions and draw on their own experiences. Although my experience has mainly been with secondary school students, I feel that my beliefs are applicable to the teaching of students of any age or level.