Embracing the Elephant in the Classroom: Shifting focus from Teaching to Learning

What is the Elephant in Our Classrooms?

The phrase “the elephant in the room” is often used to describe an obvious issue that everyone ignores. Interestingly, the origin of this idiom can be traced back to a fable by Ivan Krylov called The Inquisitive Man. In it, a man visits a museum and enthusiastically recounts every tiny detail he observed—except for one: the elephant. He had missed the largest creature right in front of him. This tale resonates deeply in education today, where we, as teachers, may also overlook our own “elephants” in the classroom.

The elephant in our classrooms is the fact that we are often teaching in ways that don’t align with how children actually learn.

Reflecting on my own teaching journey, I remember my early years in a desert classroom. At first, my approach was textbook: I planned, taught, and assessed the way I thought I should. Yet, out of a class of 35, only a handful of students seemed engaged or even understood my lessons. The rest were tuned out, some even standing on tables or tossing chairs. I had to confront the reality that my teaching style didn’t meet their needs. It was incompatible with how they learned.

Despite these challenges, that class went on to become my favorite. By adapting my teaching to fit their needs and discovering what truly engaged them, we unlocked possibilities I never imagined. At their graduation, my connection with them was so strong that I struggled to deliver their farewell speech without tears. These students had transformed not only their own learning experience but my teaching philosophy as well.

Shifting Focus from Teaching to Learning

Seeing the elephant in our classrooms means acknowledging that the traditional, one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Instead of focusing solely on “teaching,” we must focus on creating an environment where “learning” thrives. This shift isn’t about placing blame on teachers or systems; it’s a call to look inward, to question and adjust our practices.

At Silvermist Academy, we’re committed to challenging conventional education models. Here, we explore what learning could look like when students are at the center of their educational journey. By adapting to each student’s needs and interests, we create a dynamic space where learning becomes an exciting, collaborative endeavor.

When we recognize the elephant in the classroom and choose to embrace it, we don’t just change how students learn—we transform the entire learning experience, opening doors to growth, curiosity, and meaningful education.