Cranky Jennie ;-p

What a difference a semester makes!

Last semester, I batted one for three for decent teachers.  My math teacher didn’t teach and my chemistry professor didn’t really want anyone to do well.

Lo and behold, I’m batting 1000 this semester.  I’m taking two pretty hard classes - Biology 202 and Organic Chemistry.  In biology, my professor gives you so many different ways to earn points, you’d be a fool not to capitalize on the opportunity.

My “O” chem professor actually wants us to understand what we’re learning, apply it, and do well on his exams.  He takes the time to methodically go through each new concept until we understand what is going on.  If someone needs additional help, he has made himself available on weekends, through office hours and by staying after class and lab.  Amazing!

I am well aware that not all teachers are as dedicated as this, but it is really refreshing to be taught this way.  Granted, you don’t frequently get the average or below student in an organic chemistry class, so that helps.

Speaking of average or below students, I read a comment the other day that drove me crazy!  In essence, it said that there should be no honors or gifted classes because if the teacher were truly doing his or her job, then every student would earn an “A”.  REALLY???!!!!!

This faulty line of thought goes back to my previous post about how we are not equal and how I fully disagree that we can all learn a concept if given the time and attention.

First, to the commenter, you have quite obviously NEVER been a teacher.  Meeting the needs of 30 children in your classroom is no easy task.  What exactly does this moron propose the brighter kids do while Joe Schmo is getting specialized tutoring and attention so he can keep up?

This is exactly why I believe in tracking.  Why are we holding the brighter kids back?  Why are we stifling their learning curve?

I believe there are two universal truths in K-8 education: first, teachers have to “teach to the test” because they are evaluated on how their students perform (which is inherently WRONG), and second, when there are mixed-ability classes, the teacher is forced to “teach to the middle” because that is where most of the students fall.

The beauty of a specialized class in college is that most of the students actually want to be there.  In K-8, teachers also have to deal with home life issues, discipline problems, hormones, etc.

What this means is that there really isn’t a reason to have a college professor who sucks.  It raises the question: are people born to teach or are teachers made?  I believe you either have the ability or you don’t.  Thank GOD, I have two this semester who actually have that trait!