Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Hard To Understand Math Teacher
Dear Guidance Guy,
My son is in a grade nine math class with a teacher who literally cannot beunderstood. She not only has a very heavy accent but her command of theEnglish language is not very good. I've spoken to her and had to concentratevery hard just to understand what she was saying so you can only imaginehow hard it is for the children to understand her and grasp the mathconcepts. My son is doing well in the class, thanks to a $200 a month tutorbut every parent I have spoken to has the same issue and each parent has atutor for their child. Is there anything we can do?
Sheryl
*** *** ***
Dear Sheryl,
I don't know where you live, but in some areas of the United States, qualified math teachers are very hard to come by. Of course, that doesn't mean any child should have to try and learn from someone who doesn't communicate well with students.
There are a few different options. Some of it will depend on whether or not this is the actual teacher (certified and/or licensed, depending on the state) or a long term substitute. It would be pretty unusual for an American school to hire a teacher for a permanent position who doesn't communicate well in English. You are within your rights to ask the principal, the supertintendent or the school board about this person's qualifications. The students would do better with someone who may not teach as well but can at least be understood.
But let's assume she is qualified, or at least there is no one more qualified who is available. One idea is to work with high achieveing students from 11th or 12th grade. Most high schools have chapters of the National Honor Society, and there may be a tutoring program available. Another option is any local college that has a teacher education program. No doubt there would be many eager upper level students who would work for much less than you're paying now. They often make up in enthusiasm and patience what they lack in experience.
And finally, families can organize study groups where several students get together and literally teach each other. Assuming this is Algebra or Geometry and much of the learning is done from a textbook, a parent can work with the kids and help move the process along. Who knows...maybe the parents will learn something new right along with the kids!
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
My son is in a grade nine math class with a teacher who literally cannot beunderstood. She not only has a very heavy accent but her command of theEnglish language is not very good. I've spoken to her and had to concentratevery hard just to understand what she was saying so you can only imaginehow hard it is for the children to understand her and grasp the mathconcepts. My son is doing well in the class, thanks to a $200 a month tutorbut every parent I have spoken to has the same issue and each parent has atutor for their child. Is there anything we can do?
Sheryl
*** *** ***
Dear Sheryl,
I don't know where you live, but in some areas of the United States, qualified math teachers are very hard to come by. Of course, that doesn't mean any child should have to try and learn from someone who doesn't communicate well with students.
There are a few different options. Some of it will depend on whether or not this is the actual teacher (certified and/or licensed, depending on the state) or a long term substitute. It would be pretty unusual for an American school to hire a teacher for a permanent position who doesn't communicate well in English. You are within your rights to ask the principal, the supertintendent or the school board about this person's qualifications. The students would do better with someone who may not teach as well but can at least be understood.
But let's assume she is qualified, or at least there is no one more qualified who is available. One idea is to work with high achieveing students from 11th or 12th grade. Most high schools have chapters of the National Honor Society, and there may be a tutoring program available. Another option is any local college that has a teacher education program. No doubt there would be many eager upper level students who would work for much less than you're paying now. They often make up in enthusiasm and patience what they lack in experience.
And finally, families can organize study groups where several students get together and literally teach each other. Assuming this is Algebra or Geometry and much of the learning is done from a textbook, a parent can work with the kids and help move the process along. Who knows...maybe the parents will learn something new right along with the kids!
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
# posted by Larry Hochman : 3:05 AM
