End of Semester 1

This is an older entry, I've been trying to stay busy over break which started two weeks ago, one left.

After thinking long and hard about what to do with my class and their final exam, I made a decision.  I averaged the grades they gave themselves with the ones I gave them.  Seeing as no group received a higher grade than a D from me, as I was a bit appalled at their work, I didn't think that was fully fair.  Some of my students had e-mailed me trying to explain, and although I still think I was right to be upset, I realized that we (the students and I) had very different expectations about this presentation exam.

Thus, I wrote my students a very very long e-mail in which I explained my academic history--where I'm coming from.  Then I explained what they should've known about their exam (no talking, no profanity, etc).  Finally, I explained where the disconnect might be and then offered them a choice.  I told them I'm your psychology teacher until May.  I've made my choice and will do my best to teach you.  But you have a choice: do you want to learn from me?  (I gave them the, if yes..., but refused to write an if no as that's not hopefully a realistic option...finger crossed).

It may not be teaching-kosher, and this may be where I show the fact that I have never been trained at teaching.  However, I got a WONDERFUL response from my students.  Some showed critical thinking and self-awareness while writing apologies for their behavior for the whole year.  I couldn't believe that they even read the e-mail!  Also, they explained a lot of their side about this experience; something that is really helpful.

Maybe I've watched too many "Freedom Writers" type movies where teachers show tough love and get a response, but that's me!  I am a teacher who will explain to my students, especially as they are 17 and 18, why they are in trouble.  We learned in psychology that that's good parenting and boy are teachers parent-figures.  Yes, you may have had a bad teacher once, or twice, but some of those "bad" teachers are great teachers--ones like good parents who are tough, but loving.  Though as there are strict teacher-student guidelines, it's much harder as a teacher to show the loving side and, often, not always appropriate.  So I try to show it with explanation.

I had to send, let's say, Walt, a kid who rarely does any work out to the principal's office as he refused to do any work after several warnings.  I finished teaching the period and then rushed to the office to find him chatting with other students!  The principal was out as Mark often is as he has another school, but I can't send kids to the Chinese principal as he's irrational when it comes to discipline and the kids don't respect him.

So I took Walt out into the hall and asked him what's going on.  I was surprised by his lack of response to me.  I even dared ask him if he understood English, he said he did.  Okay...so, what's going on?  I realize with hindsight that a teacher has probably never asked him this before.  He's had his study habits for a while.  But I remember those kids when I was in high school.  I felt sorry for them as prior teachers would talk to new teachers and the poor kid was doomed to always be pegged as a slacker, non-worker, sleeper, etc.  And I know those studies where they lie to teachers and tell them these students are star students where they're really weak students, but then drastically improve.  But not when I'm the teacher.  Everyone deserves a chance, maybe even two or three, especially when you're 17 or 18!

Eventually Walt spoke.  He felt there was no reason to try in my class because he was failing and there was no way he could pass. EUREKA!  That's it??? THAT'S IT??? Alright, he bit; he gave me information, now to use those people skills!  Walt, you came to the class late and are failing because you've never even tried.  You came in the first day, looked at me, and decided I wasn't worth your time.  I'm still willing to teach you, but YOU have to at least give me a week.  Pay attention for a week, I promise I say interesting things...it's psychology: we talk about all of you and how you feel, think, behave, and more!

After our talk, he returned to class with his head up.  He's kept up the behavior since, though the semester ended soon after.  But what a learning experience?  After studying psychology for the past 4 years I have come to one big conclusion: there is always a reason.  I find if I can expose those reasons for actions I don't understand, not only can I act with greater understanding, but I find it easier to resolve conflicts when I know what the cause might be.  Walt trusted me enough to explain, and thus, my hopes are restored.

So I treated the class with that e-mail in the same way: I trusted them.  Teaching, like parenting, takes immense trust.  I'm pleased to say that all but 4 of my students passed my class, which is high for our center.  Sure, my class is easier than Physics C, Stats, Econ, and the other APs, but I also made it a goal to pass them.  Which again, may seem strange, but if a student fails once (like most of the students have in years past...it's a flawed system) then if I can pass them, maybe it'll be the spark to rekindle their passion for learning.  It's hard to want to try when you feel there's no hope.

Which brings me to my semester goal: rekindle their passion for life.  These kids spend hours upon hours playing video games and doing not much else.  But these kids could be so interesting!  I've assigned them a chapter to read and questions to do as well as a special assignment: do something that inspires you over break.  I feel this is crucial as these kids are so burnt out that I fear for them next year.

It's going to be a very interesting semester.  I can't wait.