Tuesday, January 16, 2007
History Teacher Not Doing The Job
Dear Guidance Guy,
Hello, I was wondering if you could offer any advice on this teacher. She's been teaching AP US History for a while now, however I'd heard earlier from graduates of her class that she does not prepare her students well at
all for the AP exam. Our class noticed this earlier in the semester. This teacher had been away for quite a few weeks due to illness and in her place was substituted a retired AP US teacher. The contrast between them was quite immense.
My complaints are that our teacher is away too much for her illness (although this can't be helped). She is very knowledgeable but the fact of the matter is that she does not teach well. As I have concluded, the only way for her students to be prepared for the national exam is to read the entire textbook, and that renders sitting in class an unnecessary task.
Do you have any advice for us?
Thanks,
Q
*** *** ***
Dear Q,
It's difficult to give you specific advice because you don't say what this teacher doesn't do well. Does she explain things poorly? Does she give tests that don't make sense? Does she not answer questions?
What you can do is figure out exactly what you find difficult about her teaching, then make an appointment and talk with her about it. This needs to be done with respect. Address the problem; don't attack the person. Bring examples of what you find to be a problem. It will be important to listen to what she has to say, so you can work together to find a solution.
It's possible she will feel attacked when you and/or other students go to her. If she isn't willing to discuss matters, you can bring it to the next level. You or your parents can bring this to a principal or supervisor. Make sure you talk about what you've tried and how it worked.
As far as her being absent a lot, if you have a teacher now who is doing a better job, I don't see a problem. It looks like you got some good luck. Take advantage of it while it's here!
Good Luck,
The Guidance Guy
Hello, I was wondering if you could offer any advice on this teacher. She's been teaching AP US History for a while now, however I'd heard earlier from graduates of her class that she does not prepare her students well at
all for the AP exam. Our class noticed this earlier in the semester. This teacher had been away for quite a few weeks due to illness and in her place was substituted a retired AP US teacher. The contrast between them was quite immense.
My complaints are that our teacher is away too much for her illness (although this can't be helped). She is very knowledgeable but the fact of the matter is that she does not teach well. As I have concluded, the only way for her students to be prepared for the national exam is to read the entire textbook, and that renders sitting in class an unnecessary task.
Do you have any advice for us?
Thanks,
Q
*** *** ***
Dear Q,
It's difficult to give you specific advice because you don't say what this teacher doesn't do well. Does she explain things poorly? Does she give tests that don't make sense? Does she not answer questions?
What you can do is figure out exactly what you find difficult about her teaching, then make an appointment and talk with her about it. This needs to be done with respect. Address the problem; don't attack the person. Bring examples of what you find to be a problem. It will be important to listen to what she has to say, so you can work together to find a solution.
It's possible she will feel attacked when you and/or other students go to her. If she isn't willing to discuss matters, you can bring it to the next level. You or your parents can bring this to a principal or supervisor. Make sure you talk about what you've tried and how it worked.
As far as her being absent a lot, if you have a teacher now who is doing a better job, I don't see a problem. It looks like you got some good luck. Take advantage of it while it's here!
Good Luck,
The Guidance Guy
# posted by Larry Hochman : 12:25 PM
