As one reads the newspaper, watches the television or attends virtually any type of educational meeting, it all too quickly becomes clear that there is an element of society that feels not enough learning is taking place in American classrooms. In order to address this belief, politicians have passed legislation, school boards have panicked and teachers have scrutinized what they do. Education is a process that involves three distinct pieces: students, teachers and the learning environment. Like any other puzzle, the pieces of this one come in a variety of shapes and sizes and one must put them together properly to get the result that is desired.

Students are one variable in the educational puzzle over which schools and teachers do not have control. They enter the system with a variety of problems, abilities and desires. However, what can be controlled is what happens to the student and what is expected from them within the classroom. Benjamin Bloom, Jerome Bruner, Lev Vygotsky, Jean Piaget, and John Dewey influence many of the interactions that I have with students. Bloom stated that the instructor through the variables under his/her control should be able to ensure that each learner can attain specified objectives. I believe, as Bloom does, that all students are individuals that can learn and it is the teacher's responsibility to find a way to lead the student to success. This may mean that lessons, assessments or methods must be adapted to meet the needs of individual students. Teachers should look to professional development and colleagues to enhance their skills in finding ways to help students be successful learners.

The theories of Jerome Bruner, Lev Vygotsky, Jean Piaget, and John Dewey indicate that students should be active participants in the educational process and that they best construct knowledge in social situations. Therefore, I focus on constructionist learning techniques and group learning situations. This practice is enhanced through the integration of technology. Technology use facilitates projects and a focus on higher level learning skills. These types of projects and activities have had positive effects on the learning process in my classroom. The students have not only improved their subject knowledge and addressed the standards, but have also increased their teamwork and technology skills.

Finally, though students are individuals and learn in different ways, they are ultimately responsible for their actions or their lack of action. Teachers can adapt lessons, use a variety of methods and seek to involve parents in the learning process, but the students have to want to succeed. So, we as educators must be excited about learning and model behaviors that show the benefits of learning. Whenever someone begins to express a desire to quit school, my students jokingly reiterate my statement that when one stops learning they die. The students know that I see school and learning as a part of life that is as important as breathing.

Teachers should know their subject matter and both the subject and teaching standards for their area. Additionally, the teacher should know how their subject matter relates to other disciplines. Subjects taught in isolation often do not reflect what happens in the world. Education is a process that should prepare students for the life after graduation. In order to accomplish this task, teachers must be willing to become students and/or mentors by actively participating in professional development to enhance the abilities of others and themselves. If teachers do not keep their knowledge current, they can not possibly prepare students for the future.

The last piece of the educational puzzle is vital. The learning environment must encourage and motivate students. It should be safe and understanding and it must be inclusive of and recognize the value of cultural diversity while at the same time also recognizing the value of discipline and a willingness to work. Students are individuals that have an infinite amount of problems. As a teacher, one must be accepting of and embrace the differences in individuals.

When the puzzle is complete, the classroom is a place where students and teachers want to be. It is important to remember that the classroom, the school and the teacher are all in place to help the student. Teaching is a profession that places many demands on those that choose to enter it, but those individuals also must put demands on themselves. Teachers must like what they do and want to be with students and one should not enter the teaching profession without considering the responsibilities that come with it.

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