are the student learning what they don't want to learn?
@encik_khairul (183)
Malaysia
February 13, 2007 10:56pm CST
one of the issues i'm facing as a teacher is the student seems not to react positively towards the class. to some of them, attending class is just a formality. doing assignment is just because they are told to do so. one student once asked 'why are we learning this?'
it is common that most of my student doesn't have a clear picture of what will they pursue next. some of them even choose to pursue some jobs which is not related to what they have studied.
seldom i asked myself, 'how can i fix this situation? am i teaching them what they don't want to learn?'
could somebody with similar situation share their experience?
2 responses
@wayz12 (2059)
• United States
14 Mar 07
We learn what we are most interested in. In the current educational environment, teachers have much to compete with. Students can gain information from many other sources. Furthermore, these sources are entertaining and fun.
This is the challenge to the modern teacher: to make yourself relevant and worthy of attention. Gone are the days when students will just listen and accept every word you say as gospel. In some ways, that is good. That means they are thinking. In some ways, it can be bad for the teacher who cannot change with the times. He or she will go down the path where the dinosaurs went, outdated, outmoded, no longer needed.
The cry of today's youth is "Be creative, teacher. Make me learn. Make me see how the things you are making me learn today will affect my future." If you do not know the answer, then maybe teaching is not for you.
@encik_khairul (183)
• Malaysia
15 Mar 07
spot on!
but sometimes teacher do have limitations - time wise and facility wise. sometime headmaster are those who prefers teaching the orthodox way and most likely listen to new ideas. you'll get 'what you know about teaching?' or 'how long have you been teaching?' whenever you suggest a slight unorthodox way of teaching.
maybe i should put your question into posters and stick it at my teacher's room.
thanks.
@wayz12 (2059)
• United States
16 Mar 07
I totally agree with you. It's amazing how as the world becomes more progressive, the current school system becomes more antiquated. Teachers are charged more duties that have nothing to do with teaching. Academic freedom is lost as teachers are subject to the whims of the headmaster, parents, the community and the government. I do not envy you with your challenge. I commend you for wanting to be a part of educating our youth, though difficult the task have become.
1 person likes this
@blacknight000 (1397)
• Philippines
14 Feb 07
no!...most students want to learn when their interested!...i've done it during my school years!...i dont whant to learn things that will never help me in my daily life!...i just wanted to learn things that will be applicable in my daily life!...i dont want to waste my time listening to my teachers discussing about certain things that really irritates me!...
@encik_khairul (183)
• Malaysia
14 Feb 07
sometimes, teachers need to teach things that might not really bring any interest to a particular group of students. for example, history.
if some student thinks that there is nothing to be learned from history, what is your opinion the best to handle these kind of students?
