Sal Khan Reflection

I first heard about Khan Academy in 2019 when I was trying to get into the School of Education. I enjoyed using the program because it made studying easier and allowed me to learn on my own terms. For context, I took the Praxis exams more than five times, and Khan Academy was the program that motivated me and helped me pass all of them. I began recommending it to some of my colleagues who still needed to pass their Praxis exams, and it benefited them as well.

After listening to the podcast, I realized how much time, effort, and love for learning Sal Khan put into creating this program for people around the world to use. As a Kindergarten teacher, Sal Khan’s story reminds me that every child learns differently and should be given the time and support they need. In my classroom, some children understand a lesson quickly, while others need more practice, repetition, or a different way of explaining it. I believe young learners should not feel pressured to learn at the same pace simply because they are the same age. Khan’s approach encourages me to be flexible and patient so that each child can grow at a pace that is right for them.

I also relate to the way Khan helped his cousin Nadia build confidence. In Kindergarten, confidence is often just as important as learning letters, numbers, and other basic skills. When a child says, “I can’t do it,” I try to guide them with questions, encouragement, and small steps until they begin to believe in themselves. Sal Khan’s story reminds me that teaching is not only about giving answers. It is also about helping children feel supported, capable, and excited to learn.

Sal Khan’s quote, “What we think is reality isn’t going to change unless you change your thinking,” reminds me that the way I respond to challenges often depends on my mindset. As a teacher and a mom, there are times when I feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or convinced that a situation will not improve. However, this quote encourages me to pause and look at things from a different perspective. Instead of focusing only on what is difficult, I want to become more open to new ideas, possibilities, and ways of understanding others.

In the future, I would like to work on broadening my mind and extending my patience, both in the classroom and at home. Children learn, communicate, and express their emotions in different ways, and I want to remind myself that their behavior may reflect needs they cannot yet explain. By changing my thinking, I can respond with greater understanding instead of reacting immediately. I know this will take practice, but I believe that becoming more patient and open-minded will help me grow into a better teacher, a more understanding mom, and a calmer person.