Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Teacher Who Can't Teach
Dear Guidance Guy,
I have a teacher who cannot help you in any way possible. First of all, he always does the entire lesson, without ever stopping to answer some of our importantquestions, like "How did you get to that?" or "Can you explain that?" So after the "instructional" part, which no one would call instructional, we ALL ask multipletimes before he even notices we are there, and still no clear answer is given. My mark the previous year was 91%, and now it is probably in the 70's (I haven't gotten first term grades yet).
I am worried because I have plans for medical school and I wonder if this will jeopordize my chances. But when I do get an answer from it, it's the least descriptive and quiet explanation ever. I get the impression he does not know how to instruct well. Also, my friend's brother had him two years prior, and literally more than ten people failed. Please, can you give me some ideas to pass with at least an 80%? Thank you.
Frustrated
*** *** ***
Dear Frustrated,
It would be easier to answer your question if I knew what course this was. My guess is either math or science, based on how you're asking him to explain how he "got to that." If it is one of those subjects, it will be easier than if it's something that is more subjective like English or social studies.
If your teacher's instruction is that poor, it should be brought to the attention of either the principal or assistant principal. Ask for a meeting and bring facts with you, including the number of questions he asks, the answers he gives when asked a question, and even the average grade for the class, if you can find out (not every student may be willing to share this information). Do NOT approach anyone asying he cannot help in any possible way. This will cause you to be taken less seriously. The administrator should do a good job finding out what's going on, but don't be afraid to get parents and central office administrators involved if things don't seem to be going anywhere. Again, facts speak louder than opinions and anger.
One of the things you can do as a group are to get a syllabus for the course so you know what's coming and when. If he hasn't given one out, ask for it. If he doesn't have one, bring this to the attention of one of the school's administrators as well. You can plan ahead and try to figure out what's coming up, either by learning in advance out of a textbook or some other source. You can also study together and in a sense, teach each other. This is being an active learner. If you're planning on medical school, you'll need to become very active in your education. This is a good start.
Hope That Helps,
The Guidance Guy
I have a teacher who cannot help you in any way possible. First of all, he always does the entire lesson, without ever stopping to answer some of our importantquestions, like "How did you get to that?" or "Can you explain that?" So after the "instructional" part, which no one would call instructional, we ALL ask multipletimes before he even notices we are there, and still no clear answer is given. My mark the previous year was 91%, and now it is probably in the 70's (I haven't gotten first term grades yet).
I am worried because I have plans for medical school and I wonder if this will jeopordize my chances. But when I do get an answer from it, it's the least descriptive and quiet explanation ever. I get the impression he does not know how to instruct well. Also, my friend's brother had him two years prior, and literally more than ten people failed. Please, can you give me some ideas to pass with at least an 80%? Thank you.
Frustrated
*** *** ***
Dear Frustrated,
It would be easier to answer your question if I knew what course this was. My guess is either math or science, based on how you're asking him to explain how he "got to that." If it is one of those subjects, it will be easier than if it's something that is more subjective like English or social studies.
If your teacher's instruction is that poor, it should be brought to the attention of either the principal or assistant principal. Ask for a meeting and bring facts with you, including the number of questions he asks, the answers he gives when asked a question, and even the average grade for the class, if you can find out (not every student may be willing to share this information). Do NOT approach anyone asying he cannot help in any possible way. This will cause you to be taken less seriously. The administrator should do a good job finding out what's going on, but don't be afraid to get parents and central office administrators involved if things don't seem to be going anywhere. Again, facts speak louder than opinions and anger.
One of the things you can do as a group are to get a syllabus for the course so you know what's coming and when. If he hasn't given one out, ask for it. If he doesn't have one, bring this to the attention of one of the school's administrators as well. You can plan ahead and try to figure out what's coming up, either by learning in advance out of a textbook or some other source. You can also study together and in a sense, teach each other. This is being an active learner. If you're planning on medical school, you'll need to become very active in your education. This is a good start.
Hope That Helps,
The Guidance Guy
# posted by Larry Hochman : 2:12 PM
