That is a big question. Instead of answering that question first, I'd like to tell you a story about my class today. In class, I sat next to a boy named Matt. Matt is a college sophomore as well (all the students taking School and Society are). He attended a private Catholic grade school and upon entering 9th grade he was placed in the public school. This is important. Remember that.
Now, today we were told to work with the person sitting next to us (in my case, Matt) and discuss the following question: "What should you, as teachers, expect from your students?" I told Matt that I would expect students to listen during class, pay attention to what is happening in class, and complete their assignments and try their best. Immediately Matt told me that would not work. He said that in public school many students simply sit in class. Nothing more. And that there was no way I could expect those things from all of my students. He said the only way I could expect all of those things in a classroom was if I was teaching at a small private school. Even then, he said, that would be pushing the limit.
I attended a private grade school (K and 1st grade), was homeschooling for four years, and then attended a private school for grades seven through twelve. I was expected to do many things. I was expected to do my homework. I was expected to attend class. I was expected to raise my hand to answer or ask questions. I was expected to participate in activities. I was expected to try, and to try my hardest. The idea that some students not trying was revolutionary.
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| First day of Kindergarten |
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| First Day of Second Grade |
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| First Day of Seventh Grade |
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| High School Graduation |
I never thought of someone not wanting to be in school. Yes, I understand that going to school is mandatory in the U.S. But I never really considered that someone could just slide under the radar. I immediately felt hopeless. If I cannot expect a few things, that I think are essential, from students what can I expect? At the time it seemed like the answer was nothing.
I left class feeling down and out. I started to ask myself why I wanted to be a teacher in the first place. My first instinct was to call my boyfriend, Matt. (Not the same kid as the one in my education class...I know a great many Matt's.) I told him how I felt and then asked his opinion. Matt told me that yes, in high school many students do not try. He used his brother as an example. He did not try in class or always complete his assignments. He said too, that when he is teaching Physics in the future and a student is not doing well he would try to work with the student. Matt thinks that completing homework is important. At the same time, he understands that not all students are good at homework, like some students are not good at tests.
That got me to thinking. If my students are not trying, or simply not doing well, then what can I do to make the situation better and help them? I have since come to the conclusion that a teacher should expect something from students. In addition, I have also concluded that the students should have expectations for the teacher as well.
Also, if a student is not contributing, well, that is the way it is. But I can change that. I can help students. I need to hold expectations for my students. And if the expectations are not met, I can try my hardest to help. If even then the expectations are not met, so be it. Maybe it would do a student good to fail a class rather than slide under the radar. Isn't that what teachers are really here for? To teach? I will not be a teacher if all that is expected of me is to give students high grades. That is not the point of teaching.
The point is to convey information, ideas, and questions to students in a way that makes sense to their current condition. The point is to engage students in the hunger for learning: to make students think and most importantly, I believe, ask.
I hoped this made sense. But if it did not, so be it. If you want clarification, ask. Asking questions brings greater thoughts into the mind of students. And we are all students, are we not?
May you always learn through the grace of God,
Alycia
