Breaking Down the Student/Teacher Barrier

As I was watching Half Nelson, I couldn't help but realize the boundaries between the students and the teacher. Ryan Gosling's character did not put up the barrier that almost every teacher has. You could tell that the student's in Ryan Gosling's class were comfortable with him, and able to express their true feelings. One of the problems with the education system in this country, I feel is that students are not being able to be themselves. 

Many students are only concerned about getting good grades, and getting into good colleges. These students create a false identity for themselves while they are in the classroom. They portray a character that they think the teacher wants to perceive. Looking around at my friends in my classes, I can't help but notice how different they are while they are in the classroom. It's almost as if they've taken on an entirely different personality. 

I admit, that I too am different inside of the classroom. If some of my teachers saw me outside of the classroom setting, they probably wouldn't believe that it was really me. In the classroom I am quiet and reserved, I don't really talk much. I do have things to say, but most of the time I am intimidated. I suddenly become more aware of the way my friends and colleagues are perceiving me, and become more afraid to voice my opinion or my response. However, outside of the classroom I am completely opposite. I talk, a lot. I'm extremely outgoing, and I'm sure that none of my teachers would ever think so. Why does this happen, why do students change when entering the classroom? 

I think it's important for teachers to get to know their students as people. Most teachers know their students as students, but not as people. Teachers should encourage students to bring their true personalities into the classroom, and to not be afraid. Teachers should get to know their students outside of the classroom. Ryan Gosling's character got to know his student outside of the classroom, it's unfortunate how they did under the circumstances however. They had a different relationship then the normal student/teacher relationship. Ryan Goslings character made students feel comfortable with him, and they weren't afraid to speak what was on their mind. Ryan Goslings character really connected with those students, I am sure that those students would have remembered everything learned in that class. 

When did the barrier between students and teachers come to exist? This barrier limits so many classrooms. Students are afraid to speak, and maybe teachers are really just afraid to listen as well. Maybe some teachers don't want to know what is going on in their students personal life. This barrier needs to be broken down, teachers should recognize that students are different once they leave the classroom setting. Students need to be reassured that they can make mistakes, and that sometimes there isn't just one right answer. We need to stop being so afraid to be ourselves. 

Students should also learn that teachers, are not only teachers. My mother is an educator, and students are shocked to see her outside of the classroom. I remember a summer day sitting at the pool club with my Mother, when student's that she had that year walked by. They were so surprised to see her there, and that she was really just a normal typical Mother, with her own children. Why would this shock students? Students need to realize that their teachers are people too, and that they also have a life outside of the school. 

When this barrier is broken down, I believe that true learning will take place. Students will really become engaged and become connected in the class. Students and Teachers need to realize that personalities differ outside of the classroom. The personalities outside of the classroom should be brought into the classroom.