Ok...we're not torturing them. But often we're much tougher on them than we need to be.
Why do we give pop quizzes? Why do we put kids on the spot? Why do we give assignments that are just busy work? I know that we need lots of grades for kids because parents demand that especially with the new online programs where parents can check grades constantly.
But my main feeling is that we're not creating positive environments that make kids want to learn. I taught math for 25+ years, a subject most kids hated. I would tell them that although they might not like math particularly, the were most likely going to be enjoy being in my class. They did enjoy it because I created a caring supportive environment for them.
Funny thing is when you do create that kind of classroom, kids thrive and begin to push themselves much farther than they intended to go. I remember one young man who was in my Algebra II class. He wasn't expecting to like math but he enjoyed the class so much that he signed up for Advanced Math the following year. It was the tougest year of his life math-wise but he perservered and passed. He is now a new husband, father, police officer and recent returnee from Iraq. Who can say whether how he pushed himself in Advanced Math helped to make him the wonderful man he is today?
For those teachers who are creating an adversarial type classroom, please think about how different life could be for your students...and for you...if you made their one year journey in your class a fun adventure.
And for those of you who are having fun while nurturing and challenging our kids to grow...my deepest thanks!
1 comment:
Bravo! I have been saying this in the lunch room (to many rolled eyes) and to my adult students in their masters programs. I am often labeled the "idealistic" teacher... but, I am still here-- excited, passionate and happy to be touching the lives of kids. We teach students first, subject matter second. Why do so many forget why they entered the teaching profession in the first place?
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