In the first chapter of Fires in the Bathroom, the authors and students talk about the ways that a teacher should get information about his or her students, as well as the importance of doing so. The students that are quoted speak about how valued they feel when teachers take the time to give out questionnaires, and give opportunities for them to express their feelings, concerns, etc. in the class. It is also suggested that teachers allow a small amount of time for students to write things in a journal, so that they can communicate with the teacher things that they might not otherwise be willing to divulge.
When reading this portion of the chapter, I was struck by the usefulness for all involved of having a questionnaire or journal or some kind of non-formal communication. I remember how I have felt in the past when teachers have given me the opportunity to respond to their teaching, the subject, or to just tell the teacher something I want him or her to know. This has always made me feel valued, and not just like a number in their class. Reading this chapter really opened my eyes to the other side of it and how I, as a teacher, need to find ways like that to allow my students to communicate to me. I feel it is important to reach out to the students and to know how they feel about what they are learning.
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