Experience as Teacher: The Importance of Believing
Abstract
Experience as Teacher: The Importance of Believing SAGE Publications, Inc.1983DOI: 10.1177/089484538300900308 C. GilbertWrenn Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona People around us--students, colleagues, clients, friends, family-- are not looking for educators; they are looking for people. We play roles to satisfy the expectations that others have of us, perhaps just to get through the day without too much thinking. People in need are not impressed by roles; people who are impressed by them do not need us. People who are frustrated are struggling with a decision, are feeling out of place and lonely, and need people with whom they can identify. It is difficult to identify with a role. What kind of person are they drawn to...can they identify with? Sufficient brains can be taken for granted; most of us are adequate in that regard. It doesn't take much. The same is true for knowledge. Most of us are knowledgeable in only a few areas, and these may not be applicable to a given situation. Do not be ashamed about ignorance. It is a reality for each of us. Admit ignorance without embarrassment, then seek to rectify your situation if it seems important, or refer the other to a