Response to Washington Post article "Teacher spends two days as a student and is shocked at what she learns"
I recently found myself nodding in agreement as I read the article in the Washington Post titled "Teacher spends two days as a student and is shocked at what she learns" (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/10/24/teacher-spends-two-days-as-a-student-and-is-shocked-at-what-she-learned/).
"I was drained, and not in a good, long, productive-day kind of way. No, it was that icky, lethargic tired feeling. I had planned to go back to my office and jot down some initial notes on the day, but I was so drained I couldn’t do anything that involved mental effort (so instead I watched TV) and I was in bed by 8:30."
As a tutor, I meet my students in the evenings or the weekends, usually scheduling around extra-curricular activities such as sports, dance, or music practice. I can see that they are tired, so I greatly admire their determination to put additional effort and review into their studies. These young people have such full plates, partly because they choose to be challenged, and partly because they feel the pressure to have an impressive college application. My students work hard and I should, too. That is why I firmly ask for digital copies of quizzes and tests, so I can evaluate their needs and prepare instruction ahead of our session. Their time is just as valuable as mine, so I seek to maximize the benefits of our sessions together.
"...but suddenly, when I was the one taking the tests, I was stressed. I was anxious. I had questions... I feel a great deal more empathy for students after shadowing..."
As a life-long learner and educator, I admit that "knowing" the content, techniques, and processes is not enough to get a good grade. So much of earning a high mark relies on test-taking skills which include pacing your time and energy, confidence, and familiarity with test question formats. When I review a question with a student, especially a word problem such as on the SAT, I ask how she would approach the question and the steps necessary to find the solution. This way my student has already thought out her method and regained a bit of confidence in her ability, before she puts pencil to paper.
One great thing about my position as an independent educator is that I have the luxurious opportunity to individualize my student-centered instruction, as I usually meet one-on-one with the maximum class size set at 4. I recognize young people as are more than my students or clients, they are our future college graduates, talents, workforce, and change-makers. They work tirelessly now not only to prepare for their college education, but also toward their future contributions to the global community. So huzzah to young folk and your dedication!
What was your reaction after reading the article? Did you learn anything new about a high school student's day at school? Did anything surprise you? What did you think of Ms. Alexis Wiggins' suggestions? What are you some of your ideas on how we can improve student life inside and outside of school?