Schmidt Chapter 2: Eptness

When I first started reading this chapter, I was not completely sure what "eptness" was. As I continued reading, I gathered that the word "eptness" refers to a classroom environment that encourages student learning in every possible way. It is the teacher's job to make sure this happens in the classroom, and in order for this to happen, students need to feel safe in their environment. In a culture of eptness, according to Schmidt, students expect to play the roles of the learner as well as the teacher. The students also share in making decisions about their learning, they understand connections between their classroom and the real world, and they feel they are an asset to the class. Schmidt says that, "Great teachers consistently use strategies that convey their passionate belief that every child is capable of learning, teaching, leading, and becoming an expert" (25). I want to make sure that I create a culture of eptness in my classroom because I believe that every student deserves to learn in a safe environment.

In this chapter, it talks about ten teacher behaviors that promote eptness. One of the behaviors that is talked about is expectations. A lot of teachers form expectations very early in the year, and a lot of the time, it is not based on academic ability. I am going to make sure that I do not judge my students, but instead, get to know them for who they really are. Once I know my students well enough, I am going to set high expectations for each and every one of them, and by doing this, they will know that I believe in them.

Another behavior that is addressed in this chapter is encouragement. Encouragement is something that comes very naturally to me. I have always been there to encourage my friends, family, teammates, and students. I feel that through encouraging others, I also lift myself up. When I encourage my students, they will know that I have confidence in them. I hope that my students, knowing that I believe in them, will have confidence in themselves. I encourage my students with verbal praise, high fives, or even just a thumbs up and a smile. This is a constant reinforcer to them that they are capable of so much, and that they can do anything.

Schmidt also talks about how teachers should model being a learner. Sometimes students think that teachers have all the answers to everything. As a teacher, I need to make sure my students know that I am still learning just like them. I will do this by bringing in books that I am reading, or talking to my students about something I just learned. If my students know that I am still learning, then hopefully they will want to continue to learn as well.