In high school, Jared Heidinger (BSc/BEd ’00) was banished to the hallway for clowning in class. He continued to listen through the door, however, and when the instructor asked a question Heidinger shouted the answer through the grate. Grinning, his teacher opened the door and invited him back in. That day Heidinger learned a lesson in classroom management. Today he carries that lesson – striking a balance between clowning and control – into his own teaching practice.
At Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge, Jared Heidinger shepherds students through the complexities of science by engaging them on their terms. He often uses popular movies and YouTube to explain concepts. His students learn about photosynthesis and anaerobic respiration by baking bread, and they learn cell structure by building pizzas with toppings representing various cell components. A remote control “news helicopter” delivers quizzes.
“I fly the chopper around the class, land it, then put on a video as if it’s reporting from a live scene,” says Heidinger.
Personalities such as professional hockey player and former pupil Kris Versteeg deliver the assignment.
“The kids aren’t as bitter about a quiz when they see the chopper,” says Heidinger.
For Heidinger, YouTube and Twitter are educational aids. For example, students who participate in a weekly Twitter chat at #scistuchat earn extra credit.
“Some students now see Twitter as a resource,” he notes. “Parents are also realizing its educational value.”
Connecting with students as individuals is important to Heidinger.
“I’m passionate about kids knowing someone cares,” he says.
He shares his life through stories, hoping to reach students who might undergo similar circumstances.
“When you can relate your life to kids they know you’re a person,” he says.
His stories range from comical to poignant, and often illustrate points in his teaching.
“I love teaching. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I like seeing kids learn new things and view the world differently than they did before.”