An Algebra teacher writes a problem on the board, one that the students have never seen before, and tells the class to solve the problem together in groups. Whenever someone asks a question, the teacher says things like "try something different," or "ask someone in your group."
In Algebra II (a rather difficult class, I might add), if a teacher introduces a problem, I believe that the teacher should explain how to solve a simple version first, and then send the students off to solve a more difficult version of the problem. If I were this teacher, having the students work out the problem on their own not only demonstrates good problem-solving skills, but allows said students to build up their group-working skills. Teaching students to work together to solve an unknown is a great way to prepare them for college and any career involving people.
On the other hand, students walking into the classroom will find that in order to pass that day's assignment and get participation points, they have to work with a group to discover the answer to a problem they've never seen before. To make matters worse, the teacher won't give any help-just cryptic clues like "try something different," or "ask someone in your group." I know from experience that a student in that situation will have already used as many resources as possible (i.e. flipping through notes, reading the glossary in the back of the math book, pounding fellow teammates for answers). In most students' point of view, this is a classic nightmare.
I've had a few of those nightmares, myself-oh, the horror! But a teacher like this, in my personal opinion, wouldn't be that bad. Does that mean I'd like a teacher like this? No, but even if I did, I don't think I'd complain. To me, it matters more about whether the teacher is nice about it, or if they explained it afterword.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
blaze23lov - Blog Promt #2
CSAP test have always the test that kids dread these days. We either try our best or not at all. Most of the student body chooses not to try at all. This is usually the reason why the schools test scores are so low.
I think that they should not put CSAP scores on transcripts. This is a test where others don't try. There are too many test, such as math, reading, and writing, that we have to take. Students who see how many test they have to take just give up. Another factor is the quantity of the tests. There are numerous questions a test and it just brings others down.
Since TVHS wants to put CSAP on transcripts I think that they should reduce the quantity of the test and focus on quality. This way it will raise our focus and we would try harder. Plus, the school may have an increase in numbers if they do so.
I think that they should not put CSAP scores on transcripts. This is a test where others don't try. There are too many test, such as math, reading, and writing, that we have to take. Students who see how many test they have to take just give up. Another factor is the quantity of the tests. There are numerous questions a test and it just brings others down.
Since TVHS wants to put CSAP on transcripts I think that they should reduce the quantity of the test and focus on quality. This way it will raise our focus and we would try harder. Plus, the school may have an increase in numbers if they do so.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Knudeps-Blog Prompt #2
I believe that our CSAP scores should not be listed on our transcripts. A lot of students get test anxiety and don't do well on them. Others just do not take them seriously enough. Either way, they could harm the future of students who get good grades and try hard in all their classes. I do feel differently about using the scores for other things, though.
If students do well on their CSAP's, I think they should receive an academic award at the ceremony. It won't affect their future, but it could raise the self esteem of the student receiving the award. As for NHS, I am not quite sure what to do about it. I don't know that much about the National Honor Society, but generally I view the test as pointless, so I don't think it should be used for important things such as NHS.
If students do well on their CSAP's, I think they should receive an academic award at the ceremony. It won't affect their future, but it could raise the self esteem of the student receiving the award. As for NHS, I am not quite sure what to do about it. I don't know that much about the National Honor Society, but generally I view the test as pointless, so I don't think it should be used for important things such as NHS.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Blog prompt #1
This teacher's teaching style is not effective because the students have no knowledge on how to solve this problem. Therefore rendering the students incapable of learning this new concept effectively. While in class, practice time is supposed to be used for practicing the new concept after the teacher has thoroughly explained the concept, this teacher however is using practice time in the classroom for the students to try and figure out this concept on their own. Which I feel is an unacceptable method of teaching.
If I was caught in a classroom environment with a teacher that is not teaching, I would be very upset because he is paid to teach us not for us to teach ourselves. I would also try and switch out of this class because of my past experience with teachers of this mindset, where they can be lazy. This class i had last semester with a teacher who thought this method of teaching was acceptable. Well it was not okay with me. I barely skimmed by with a B, all because a teacher thought it was okay not to do their job.
The reasons above are ones that I believe in strongly. Teachers should not stand by when students are struggling and asking for help with a concept that they know nothing about. They should be doing their jobs and teaching the young minds of tomorrow.
If I was caught in a classroom environment with a teacher that is not teaching, I would be very upset because he is paid to teach us not for us to teach ourselves. I would also try and switch out of this class because of my past experience with teachers of this mindset, where they can be lazy. This class i had last semester with a teacher who thought this method of teaching was acceptable. Well it was not okay with me. I barely skimmed by with a B, all because a teacher thought it was okay not to do their job.
The reasons above are ones that I believe in strongly. Teachers should not stand by when students are struggling and asking for help with a concept that they know nothing about. They should be doing their jobs and teaching the young minds of tomorrow.
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