1. What were your motives for helping this person?
In my current role as an educator, I have learned many “tricks” along the way to help with classroom management, planning, and technology. This year, a long term substitute teacher was hired to fill in for an open vacancy. I noticed that while she did not make it obviously known, the substitute teacher struggled with technology and classroom management. I remembered how difficult it can be entering a new workplace with little guidance so I made myself available to her to offer assistance with anything she may need or have questions about.
2. Did you benefit from this relationship in any way? How?
I benefited from assisting her because it allowed me to position myself to become a better leader and mentor. I typically only teach 6th, 7th, and 8th graders so working with an adult learner taught me new ways of differentiated teaching.
3. What was your role in the helping relationship? In what way do you think you helped this person? Looking back, is there anything that you might have done differently?
When I first helped the person, I assumed she had a basic understanding of technology. Looking back, I would have asked her what her technology experience level was. I soon learned that the teacher did not have wifi in her home nor did she possess a smartphone so she lacked basic technology skills. I would also have typed up notes for her to follow in the event that she forgot something. I definitely feel that I played a major role in helping her feel more comfortable in her first year as a new teacher.
4. Was there anything that this person did, said, or believed that you did not agree with? How did you react?
In this situation, the person did not do or say anything that I did not agree with. Had she did, I would listen to her concerns and continue to assist her in the best way possible.
5. Did you learn anything from this relationship?
From this relationship, I learned to be more patient. The assumption for me was that it would be easier to teach an adult learner than a student but this was proven to be untrue. Adult learners also require patience and for lessons to be broken down into the best learning style suitable for them.