This text is an interview with gunta Berzina, a teacher at Cesis State Gymnasium. She discusses her experience teaching a “breeding class” (likely a class focused on character development adn practical skills) and her philosophy on education.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Her Teaching Philosophy and Approach:
Fulfilling a Dream: gunta Berzina saw the possibility to teach this class as a fulfillment of a personal dream.
Holistic Education: She believes in educating students beyond academics, emphasizing experiences like visiting theaters, going on excursions, and even camping.
Student-Led Learning: She supports students’ choices in what they want to explore and learn, believing that this fosters deeper engagement.
Building trust and Responsibility: She stresses the importance of proving trustworthiness before granting freedoms like excursions. She also teaches about not being wasteful and sharing.
Encouraging Proactive Learning: She advises students to start studying from the tenth grade and to utilize opportunities outside of school.
Being a “Rock” for Students: As a teacher and a mother, she understands the challenges students face and acts as a supportive figure, helping them navigate difficulties with teachers and solve problems.
Inspiring Through Guest Speakers: She invites people with relevant experiences, like her son who served in the military, to inspire her students. This has led some students to choose military service.
Engaging and Dynamic Lessons: She believes in firm, organized, and engaging lessons. She incorporates music and rhythm into sports classes, teaching dances like the waltz and folk dances.
Giving Students Freedom of Choice: When students have performed well, she allows them free choice for the last 15 minutes of class, whether it’s exercise or playing sports.
The Importance of Sport:
Environment and Personal Well-being: She sees sport as an integral part of life and the environment she lives in (Cesis is a sporty town). As a former trainer and sports teacher, she needs to stay in shape.
Practical Skills: she’s willing to share practical skills with students, like making a candle.
Community and Continued Engagement: She highlights how people from various professions participate in sports teams, and how sports can be a lifelong passion, similar to dancing or singing.
Overall Impression:
Gunta Berzina is a passionate and dedicated teacher who believes in nurturing well-rounded individuals. She prioritizes experiential learning,student agency,and building strong relationships with her students. Her approach is characterized by a blend of firm guidance and supportive encouragement, aiming to equip her students with not onyl academic knowledge but also life skills and a sense of responsibility.
