Let's see... I plan daily, grade daily, tutor twice weekly, keep an extensive classroom website, and rarely take lunch or restroom breaks. What do I see for all my efforts? Most of my students are doing well. Then there are those who SHOULD do well - but repeatedly fail.
Why is this? They are not idiots. They are capable of doing the work (and getting help if they need it). What makes an easy thing so difficult for some? Turning in "quality" work, ON TIME is my biggest pet peeve right now. How hard is it to get it in on time? My students rarely get an enormous amount of math problems to solve. They get a select few daily .. 20 minutes worth of true effort.
Sometimes I wonder if the fault lies with me. Then I look at the grades and see that most are doing well and have no trouble getting work in on time. So, I guess it's not 100% me. So, what's the answer. How do we, as teachers, motivate those students who are no more lively or care than a brick wall? I have certainly not found the answer. Perhaps it will come in time. Perhaps it will never come to me. I will never give up, but I sure do feel defeated some days. It scares me too. These are the people who will one day be "running our country". Will they get it together soon? Will some other teacher be able to light a fire under their feet? I hope that for some, I am that one teacher who inspires them. For others, I hope that I am able to plant a few seeds that other teachers can nurture and bloom.
Well, tomorrow is another day. I look forward to new opportunities and challenges and hope I have the strength and creativity to meet them both.
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