Had the Parent-Teacher Conferences tonight. Most of the teachers only had a handful of parents stop by. I was chasing a record with the Middle School Science teacher for who had the most. We both were hovering aroun 14 or so. I think she had me beat because I had a 20 minute break in the 3 hour session and she didn't have a break. That was a lot of parents. Not to mention some that just showed up. Not bad, it was good to see that many parents involved in their children's academics, especially at this school. Kelly, the MS Science teacher and I were joking as to what we were doing wrong (or right) to have so many parents coming to us.
For the most part it went really well. Most of the parents were of kids who were very strong and just wanted to meet the teacher (which is the case in the States as well). There were a few parents of weaker children who were struggling in my class. I tried my best to make some suggestions and be honest without being too mean. For the most part, the parents agreed with me when I told them I thought their child was lazy or they needed a kick in the butt. However, I had to be careful which parents I told this to. I felt the parents out first and could tell if I could get away expressing myself in those words or if I needed to put the words a little more delicately.
There was one parent who was arguing a 'B' her student got in my class. Unfortunately, it was the last parent of the night and a 10 minute conference ran into about 35 minutes. She was telling me about everything and anything on her mind, the things she didn't like about the school, what she does and her kid being sick (which she has been missing the last few days). She also said that last year, the superintendent (who was removed from the school for various reasons) allowed her daughter to make up some assignments and rework some homework problems because she did not receive an 'A' in the math class. She started to try and pry at me and see what 'help' I could provide for her daughter. I think she was rather dissapointed when I didn't budge, luckily for me, I have the backing of my principal on this one.
Also, I think there has been a little grade changing with my grades. I had one parent who came in and asked me why their child's grade was so low at a D+. When I check my gradebook, that student should have had an F. I didn't have the heart to tell them that it actually shouldn't be that low (plus, I didn't want to make the school look incompetant), so I just explained what the kid had been doing in my class and ways to improve his grade. I always tried to speak of any improvements and things that are going well with these students in my class. I never lied and gave credit where it was due.
I did receive two gifts from parents. One was a keychain from the parent who was trying to get her daughter's grade changed. Don't know if that was a bribe or not, but I'm sure I'll be hearing from this parent in the future, or someone will. From what I've been told, she doesn't understand how her daughter can get a B, it must be all A's. The other gift was a very nice blue and white tie, which will go nicely with several of my shirts that I have. I originally thought it was candy or something, but when I opened it, I was pleasantly surprised. It is a really nice tie. Truly, I am extremely excited to have received it. I do not remember who it was from, but I'm going to find out tomorrow at school and write a note to that parent. This was a great gift.
I don't think a teacher would ever get gifts from parents during this session back home. I have a feeling this has to do with the respect teachers receive in this country. I must admit, it was a very nice feeling to be respected and appreciated.
Aaron
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Break In The Action
There hasn't been a whole lot to write about the last week. We had a week long break for a National Holiday, so not a lot happening in relation to school. I did submit my application for IWU's MEd Online program. I am hoping to start this coming January or February. I would like to complete it before I am done here in Bangkok. Starting either of those dates should put me on schedule to do so, or close to it.
Did get back into the groove of class today. I still feel that I am lacking in reaching these students at times and challenging them enough. For example, today in my Algebra class, we were discussing solving equations with variables on both sides. I had some of the students come up and work the problems for me on the board. The rest of the class seemed to be almost lost and have no idea what was going on. I was extremely frustrated by this because I was trying to give the students a chance to work the problems in front of the class and display their communication skills, but the results for the rest of the class was below expectations.
Part of the problem, I believe is my inexperience and my developing my teaching methods and style. However, I also believe that part of the problem is the wide range of ability within each class. I cannot go too fast or ask problems that are too challenging because the students who struggle will be even more lost. I cannot slow down because the students who are mathematically stronger are already bored and to slow down would only cause more problems.
I am talking with the principal, department head and counselor about splitting up these classes for next year into an advanced track and normal track. That would cause some very small classes, but it is necessary if they are trying to get some of these students into Calculus by their senior year. Every other school I know of has at least two tracks by the time the students are in 7th grade. I am trying to get this for the school next year, but I am not sure how well it will go over. I have a feeling it will come down to a matter of money and the administration not wanting to pay for two classes when one teacher can handle a combined class. I am still going to try though, hopefully it will work out for the best.
Aaron
Did get back into the groove of class today. I still feel that I am lacking in reaching these students at times and challenging them enough. For example, today in my Algebra class, we were discussing solving equations with variables on both sides. I had some of the students come up and work the problems for me on the board. The rest of the class seemed to be almost lost and have no idea what was going on. I was extremely frustrated by this because I was trying to give the students a chance to work the problems in front of the class and display their communication skills, but the results for the rest of the class was below expectations.
Part of the problem, I believe is my inexperience and my developing my teaching methods and style. However, I also believe that part of the problem is the wide range of ability within each class. I cannot go too fast or ask problems that are too challenging because the students who struggle will be even more lost. I cannot slow down because the students who are mathematically stronger are already bored and to slow down would only cause more problems.
I am talking with the principal, department head and counselor about splitting up these classes for next year into an advanced track and normal track. That would cause some very small classes, but it is necessary if they are trying to get some of these students into Calculus by their senior year. Every other school I know of has at least two tracks by the time the students are in 7th grade. I am trying to get this for the school next year, but I am not sure how well it will go over. I have a feeling it will come down to a matter of money and the administration not wanting to pay for two classes when one teacher can handle a combined class. I am still going to try though, hopefully it will work out for the best.
Aaron
Monday, October 20, 2008
Failing Grades
Speaking with our counselor, he expected to be busy the week after the report cards come out. I guess most of the students are not accustomed to receiving F's and the seniors especially are not used to it and need good grades to get into University. Well, the High School AP teacher has given a lot of the seniors F's or low grades because it reflects their effort and performance in class.
I guess, in the past, these students would be given a better grade just to continue on and they were never held accountable for their behavior or effort in the classroom. So, this will be a shock for both the students and families.
I asked about University and how they will survive that without putting much effort forth. He said most of the Thai Universities will allow students to take as long as they need in order to finish. Most of these students will graduate (eventually) with some degree, and it may be some general studies degree, and then through the connections of their wealthy parents, they will begin working for them or some family friends and survive that way. Almost a sense of entitlement that is not earned.
I guess if I think about it, there is a lot of that back home in the states as well. Its more who you know than what you know. I feel its a little more magnified here though due to the disparity between the wealthy and the poor.
Aaron
I guess, in the past, these students would be given a better grade just to continue on and they were never held accountable for their behavior or effort in the classroom. So, this will be a shock for both the students and families.
I asked about University and how they will survive that without putting much effort forth. He said most of the Thai Universities will allow students to take as long as they need in order to finish. Most of these students will graduate (eventually) with some degree, and it may be some general studies degree, and then through the connections of their wealthy parents, they will begin working for them or some family friends and survive that way. Almost a sense of entitlement that is not earned.
I guess if I think about it, there is a lot of that back home in the states as well. Its more who you know than what you know. I feel its a little more magnified here though due to the disparity between the wealthy and the poor.
Aaron
Friday, October 17, 2008
Staff Picture
I almost forgot, I am working on getting a copy of the staff picture for presentations. I did ask for this a while ago, but apparently, things are slow-moving over here and requests are not always processed in a timely fashion. So, when I receive the picture, I will make sure to forward it one to you.
Also, I feel there are going to be more opportunities for pictures with students in out-of-classroom settings in the future. Hopefully they will be more willing to have their pictures taken outside of the classroom.
Aaron
Also, I feel there are going to be more opportunities for pictures with students in out-of-classroom settings in the future. Hopefully they will be more willing to have their pictures taken outside of the classroom.
Aaron
Principal
The last few Friday nights, I've been going to a local bar to watch our school counselor play guitar. He is rather good and I enjoy the place. It has nice food, it nicely decorated and quiet so I can relax after a week of school.
Last night I went there and a fellow teacher showed up for a little while. This teacher has been teaching in Asia since 1983, in Japan, South Korea, Thailand and I think Vietnam, so he has his experiences in many different areas. He actually taught at a DOD school in Japan for a long time and is currently collecting retirement through them along with teaching at ASB. I enjoy speaking with him because he has so much experience, even though he does not teach math, I feel there is so much I can learn from him and so much advice he can give me.
Well, last night we got on the subject of the school's principal. The teacher said that a teacher could work all his career and not find a principal as good as the one we have. I was happy to hear that, because he is the first principal that I am working for full time. The principal definitely makes things a lot easier than they could be and is a major buffer between the rest of the school administration and the teachers. I think he fights for a lot of things for the teacher and makes our lives much easier than they could be.
As happy as I am to have this principal for my first year, I am worried about who will come in next year. This principal is in his second year at ASB and he knew going in that it was only going to be a two year deal for him, which if fine and he can do that if he wants. I worry about the principal for next year and I worry about the principals I will have for the future, when I return back home.
Some of the principals that I have dealt with in schools back in the states have been less than spectacular in my opinion. Hopefully, my first principal is not the best one I will ever have and they will all be down hill from here. Just another way that I feel I may be spoiled teaching over here in Thailand and the adjustment to teaching back home will be a challenge.
Aaron
Last night I went there and a fellow teacher showed up for a little while. This teacher has been teaching in Asia since 1983, in Japan, South Korea, Thailand and I think Vietnam, so he has his experiences in many different areas. He actually taught at a DOD school in Japan for a long time and is currently collecting retirement through them along with teaching at ASB. I enjoy speaking with him because he has so much experience, even though he does not teach math, I feel there is so much I can learn from him and so much advice he can give me.
Well, last night we got on the subject of the school's principal. The teacher said that a teacher could work all his career and not find a principal as good as the one we have. I was happy to hear that, because he is the first principal that I am working for full time. The principal definitely makes things a lot easier than they could be and is a major buffer between the rest of the school administration and the teachers. I think he fights for a lot of things for the teacher and makes our lives much easier than they could be.
As happy as I am to have this principal for my first year, I am worried about who will come in next year. This principal is in his second year at ASB and he knew going in that it was only going to be a two year deal for him, which if fine and he can do that if he wants. I worry about the principal for next year and I worry about the principals I will have for the future, when I return back home.
Some of the principals that I have dealt with in schools back in the states have been less than spectacular in my opinion. Hopefully, my first principal is not the best one I will ever have and they will all be down hill from here. Just another way that I feel I may be spoiled teaching over here in Thailand and the adjustment to teaching back home will be a challenge.
Aaron
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Embarrassed
I had my first embarrassing moment in class yesterday where I could not complete a problem for the students during the class time. The problem dealt with 4 families at a sporting even and ordering popcorn from the vendor. The first family buys half of the bags the vendor has plus one extra bag. The second family buys half of the remaining plus one extra bag. The third family does the same as does the fourth family. In the end, the fourth family buys 2 bags of popcorn. The question was how many bags did each family buy.
Well, I had the answers and after seeing the answers, I could see how they made sense, but I could not come up with an equation that would allow me to solve the equation. I have always struggled with these type of problems, from my middle school classes on up through college. There is something about these problems that stumps me every time I get to them. Well, I couldn't finish the problem during the class time, so I started working on it after class.
It took me about 15 minutes to complete the problem, and the algebra throughout the problem is extremely nasty for and 8th grade class. So I believe I am working the problem the long and hard way, but it still works. I feel there must be another way to work the problem, an easier way. I actually told the students that if the can come up with a formal proof of the problem, I would give them bonus points. We'll see how that goes.
I almost feel that I have hit a slow point in my teacher development. I know it is still early, but I feel that my class has become predictable and almost boring for my students. I struggle to think of activities that would make the class more interesting. I have been using manipulatives, but it seems the students are non-responsive and bored. I am almost second guessing my abilities as a teacher because I do not feel that I am making the class interesting on a daily basis.
I would like to see other Math classes and I think I may do that with the high school math teacher. I may ask if I can observe him once or twice to see what he is doing and how he is presenting the information. I would really like to see if the way I run my class is similar to the way he runs his class. A little more guidance at times throughout the school would be welcome.
Aaron
Well, I had the answers and after seeing the answers, I could see how they made sense, but I could not come up with an equation that would allow me to solve the equation. I have always struggled with these type of problems, from my middle school classes on up through college. There is something about these problems that stumps me every time I get to them. Well, I couldn't finish the problem during the class time, so I started working on it after class.
It took me about 15 minutes to complete the problem, and the algebra throughout the problem is extremely nasty for and 8th grade class. So I believe I am working the problem the long and hard way, but it still works. I feel there must be another way to work the problem, an easier way. I actually told the students that if the can come up with a formal proof of the problem, I would give them bonus points. We'll see how that goes.
I almost feel that I have hit a slow point in my teacher development. I know it is still early, but I feel that my class has become predictable and almost boring for my students. I struggle to think of activities that would make the class more interesting. I have been using manipulatives, but it seems the students are non-responsive and bored. I am almost second guessing my abilities as a teacher because I do not feel that I am making the class interesting on a daily basis.
I would like to see other Math classes and I think I may do that with the high school math teacher. I may ask if I can observe him once or twice to see what he is doing and how he is presenting the information. I would really like to see if the way I run my class is similar to the way he runs his class. A little more guidance at times throughout the school would be welcome.
Aaron
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
First Quarter Grades
So, our first quarter grades are due today. They told us to use a program called GradeQuick because it works well with exporting and other things like that. Well, I tried using it a while ago and it didn't go so well. So I'll try again.
As is the case with many other things at ASB, they tell you to do something but give you no help, guidance or direction on how to complete the task. I think some kind of tutorial would be very helpful, just a little session to show how to use the program. The designated IT Teacher Representative did offer the last two days of support after school for those who have questions. The problem with that is all new teachers had to go to the Ministry of Labor and Department of Employment the last two nights to get our Visa and Work Permit. Which pretty much nullifies any possibility of getting help during those times.
Funny thing is the teachers that had to go to these places after school are the same ones who needed the extra help with the program. Sometimes, things don't work out the way we expect them to and we must simply roll with the punches.
I am coming to find that the package offered by ASB is really not all that great in comparison to other International Schools. For example, all of the fees for processing visas and work permits are the responsibility of the teacher to pay. Now, this may not seem like a lot, but after a few $100 US fees, things start to add up. Also, a fellow teacher new to ASB this year has taught in the Middle East and told me that they offer a free plane ticket back home every year, not just one round-trip ticket for the contract.
The pay in respect to the standard of living in Thailand is great, but not in respect to the pay in the US. This is becoming somewhat of an issue since I have student loans I am trying to pay and the exchange rate is not great. Trying to survive on half a salary over here is feasible, but very challenging.
Everyday, there are some small things that I worry about, some in class, some outside of class.
Aaron
As is the case with many other things at ASB, they tell you to do something but give you no help, guidance or direction on how to complete the task. I think some kind of tutorial would be very helpful, just a little session to show how to use the program. The designated IT Teacher Representative did offer the last two days of support after school for those who have questions. The problem with that is all new teachers had to go to the Ministry of Labor and Department of Employment the last two nights to get our Visa and Work Permit. Which pretty much nullifies any possibility of getting help during those times.
Funny thing is the teachers that had to go to these places after school are the same ones who needed the extra help with the program. Sometimes, things don't work out the way we expect them to and we must simply roll with the punches.
I am coming to find that the package offered by ASB is really not all that great in comparison to other International Schools. For example, all of the fees for processing visas and work permits are the responsibility of the teacher to pay. Now, this may not seem like a lot, but after a few $100 US fees, things start to add up. Also, a fellow teacher new to ASB this year has taught in the Middle East and told me that they offer a free plane ticket back home every year, not just one round-trip ticket for the contract.
The pay in respect to the standard of living in Thailand is great, but not in respect to the pay in the US. This is becoming somewhat of an issue since I have student loans I am trying to pay and the exchange rate is not great. Trying to survive on half a salary over here is feasible, but very challenging.
Everyday, there are some small things that I worry about, some in class, some outside of class.
Aaron
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Extra Credit
Generally, I am not a believer in extra credit. I feel the grade a student receives is the grade he/she earned and that is how I am going to run my classroom. Students get what they put into my class and they know where they stand with their grades. However, I recently graded a few tests and quizzes from my 8th grade and after looking at the scores and review the difficulty, I decided that what I was asking of them for these two assessments was a little too much. I had given them two rather difficult assessments, not taking into account the difference in their ability and mine.
In order to fix this, I decided to give them the option of correcting their mistakes on the one quiz and give it back to me 4 days later for half credit. I figured this would be a great way for them to learn what they did wrong and also get a few points back. I also decided to actually give them extra credit. If they searched the Internet for powerpoints on the subject and sent them to me, I told them I would give them 5 bonus points.
Surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly) the number of students who took advantage of these opportunities was rather low. I would about 25% of the students took advantage of the quiz corrections option and only 3 out of the 20 took advantage of the extra credit option. I was rather shocked because I wasn't actually asking them to create a powerpoint, I just wanted them to find one that was already created and send it to me.
Shockingly, when we had our next quiz, some of the students who did poorly on that one were asking if the could correct their mistakes for half credit. I told them know because not enough people took advantage of my generosity the first time and I see no need to help them out again if they aren't willing to work a little to improve their grade. Give them a little and they want to take a lot. Then they complain when the option is no longer available, the same option they didn't take advantage of in the first place.
I was a little bothered by the participation in these activities.
Aaron
In order to fix this, I decided to give them the option of correcting their mistakes on the one quiz and give it back to me 4 days later for half credit. I figured this would be a great way for them to learn what they did wrong and also get a few points back. I also decided to actually give them extra credit. If they searched the Internet for powerpoints on the subject and sent them to me, I told them I would give them 5 bonus points.
Surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly) the number of students who took advantage of these opportunities was rather low. I would about 25% of the students took advantage of the quiz corrections option and only 3 out of the 20 took advantage of the extra credit option. I was rather shocked because I wasn't actually asking them to create a powerpoint, I just wanted them to find one that was already created and send it to me.
Shockingly, when we had our next quiz, some of the students who did poorly on that one were asking if the could correct their mistakes for half credit. I told them know because not enough people took advantage of my generosity the first time and I see no need to help them out again if they aren't willing to work a little to improve their grade. Give them a little and they want to take a lot. Then they complain when the option is no longer available, the same option they didn't take advantage of in the first place.
I was a little bothered by the participation in these activities.
Aaron
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Different Student Around Mom
I have one 7th grade student who is extremely smart, but he also is extremely active. I truly believe that he gets bored in class a lot because he is so smart and the information comes too easy for him. I feel he should be in an advanced class that I could challenge him more. I may modify his assignments to be more difficult in the future. He is extremely bright.
But as I mentioned, along with that, he is very active and often creates distractions and acts up in class. Well, the other day he dropped the F-word in class. I was rather taken aback by this, but I asked him what he said. He kind of sidetracked around the question, but then I told him to stay after class. After class, I asked him for his Mom's phone number so I could call her and tell her what happened.
I called his mom and told her what happened, she was very apologetic. I had actually met her already, at open house. She was very nice and we had a nice conversation. Other teachers have had problems with her because they said she acts like she doesn't understand English when they talk to her. But when I spoke with her, she understood everything I said.
After school that day, she actually came into my class with her son to speak with me. Again, I started explaining to her what happened and what he said. The student started to speak up and make an excuse for what had happened and his mom just looked at him and said something in Japanese, and he shut up and became very reserved. I thought this was very funny because I will often have to say this student's name 4-5 time before he listens to me, but when Mom says something, he becomes very quiet and reserved.
It was amazing how different he acted around his mom. Everything was short and simple yes or no answers and he was very respectful. After speaking with other teachers, this seems to be common in Japanese students. They have a great deal of respect and obedience for their parents and family elders, but not so much for authority of other adults.
Aaron
But as I mentioned, along with that, he is very active and often creates distractions and acts up in class. Well, the other day he dropped the F-word in class. I was rather taken aback by this, but I asked him what he said. He kind of sidetracked around the question, but then I told him to stay after class. After class, I asked him for his Mom's phone number so I could call her and tell her what happened.
I called his mom and told her what happened, she was very apologetic. I had actually met her already, at open house. She was very nice and we had a nice conversation. Other teachers have had problems with her because they said she acts like she doesn't understand English when they talk to her. But when I spoke with her, she understood everything I said.
After school that day, she actually came into my class with her son to speak with me. Again, I started explaining to her what happened and what he said. The student started to speak up and make an excuse for what had happened and his mom just looked at him and said something in Japanese, and he shut up and became very reserved. I thought this was very funny because I will often have to say this student's name 4-5 time before he listens to me, but when Mom says something, he becomes very quiet and reserved.
It was amazing how different he acted around his mom. Everything was short and simple yes or no answers and he was very respectful. After speaking with other teachers, this seems to be common in Japanese students. They have a great deal of respect and obedience for their parents and family elders, but not so much for authority of other adults.
Aaron
Friday, October 3, 2008
They Don't Understand "NO"
I truly do not think these students have ever heard the word "no". It has become a daily occurance that a kid asks me if they can leave before the bell, or can they turn their homework in late or something else. If I tell them know, they pout and then sit down. No more than a few minutes later, they are asking me the exact same question, to which I respond the same way, no. Without fail, they ask again, the exact same question. By this time I become rather frustrated because I have already said no twice, and I am not going to change my mind after a third time.
I almost feel that these kids are accustomed to their parents giving in after a few minutes of questioning. From what I understand of the socio-economic culture of the school, the kids are very well off and usually get what they want. I do not know what is going on at home, but I can only imagine that these kids do not hear the word "no" very often. When they do, they figure that they can ask again and the answer will change to a "yes".
Again, I feel this is one aspect that has some similarities to the trends in the US culture. I feel many kids in the States are not used to hearing the word "no", or their parents are not willing to upset them by saying it. Therefore, kids become rather spoiled and do not have respect for parents, teachers or anyone else.
I have noticed this lack of respect most in the lunch room. The kids leave plates and trash all over the place. Most of these kids have a maid, if not two and do not have to clean up after themselves at home. They see the cooking staff or the custodians at school and think that it is their job to clean up after everyone. I do my best to catch kids leaving without cleaning up, but I can't catch everyone. I do see this a little bit in the classroom as well, with kids leaving papers all over the place and trash just laying around.
Again, this is not too much different from the culture and attitude of students I have noticed in the states. Some things are not so different across the world. Teenagers will be teenagers no matter where you are on the globe.
Aaron
I almost feel that these kids are accustomed to their parents giving in after a few minutes of questioning. From what I understand of the socio-economic culture of the school, the kids are very well off and usually get what they want. I do not know what is going on at home, but I can only imagine that these kids do not hear the word "no" very often. When they do, they figure that they can ask again and the answer will change to a "yes".
Again, I feel this is one aspect that has some similarities to the trends in the US culture. I feel many kids in the States are not used to hearing the word "no", or their parents are not willing to upset them by saying it. Therefore, kids become rather spoiled and do not have respect for parents, teachers or anyone else.
I have noticed this lack of respect most in the lunch room. The kids leave plates and trash all over the place. Most of these kids have a maid, if not two and do not have to clean up after themselves at home. They see the cooking staff or the custodians at school and think that it is their job to clean up after everyone. I do my best to catch kids leaving without cleaning up, but I can't catch everyone. I do see this a little bit in the classroom as well, with kids leaving papers all over the place and trash just laying around.
Again, this is not too much different from the culture and attitude of students I have noticed in the states. Some things are not so different across the world. Teenagers will be teenagers no matter where you are on the globe.
Aaron
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Grade 8 Meeting
We had a grade 8 meeting tonight with all the teachers. Much like the Grade 6 meeting it went really well. We had most of the same problems and ideas with the students. These meetings always make me feel better about the job I'm doing and my performance as a teacher. When I hear that certain kids are struggling in other classes, it makes me feel better. I definitely enjoy leaning on other teachers for support, which I feel is crucial in my first year, especially being overseas.
One thing I worry about is if I am giving some of these students enough help or modifications. The funny thing is, there are no records of the performance of these students, or close to no records. So the special needs teacher is pretty much developing the IEP and special needs program from the ground-up, using meetings and teacher input. I think its good we are doing this. But I hear some of the other teachers talk about giving certain students extra time to complete assignments and allowing them to have take-home exams. However, these teachers also said that the take-home exam is usually returned with a score of 'D' or something like that. So I begin to wonder whats the point of giving them that chance if they are only going to turn in a 'D' level peformance.
I was so happy for my 8th graders this past week, both classes. Everyday, before I grade homework, I ask if there are any questions. Usually there are not, but this week, both classes asked questions on about 3-4 different problems. So, we worked them out on the board, trying to pull as much from the students as possible instead of me giving them the answer. I was so happy that they were asking questions. Looking at todays lesson, I am anticipating more questions tomorrow. Today's lesson was over creating formulas and equations from word problems, something they struggle with greatly.
In my opinion, their struggle with word problems stems from three areas. First, the culture of Thailand does not promote independent thinking. In my experience, people are placed into a social class and expected to stay there and not try to improve their quality of life. A construction worker or street vendor is poor and will always be so. So the thought of bettering one's life through creative thinking and "thinking outside the box" is not common.
Second, these kids are from very wealthy families and for the most part, they have had almost everything handed to them in their lives. They have not had to work at things and when they don't understand or do not want to do something, they have someone else do it for them or tell them the answer. When they ask me a question, I always respond with a question back. This is one thing they do not like at all. But, I hope that at least it gets them thinking. Right now the major problems I am having are questions that can be answered by looking at the notes on the board, looking at their notes they just wrote down, or turning the page to the examples of that section. It is rather frustrating how lazy some of these students are.
Third, I truly feel some of it is just the age of the students and how teenagers act. I have seen similar characteristics of students in America as I see over here. Some things about teenagers can travel across cultures. A teenager is a teenager no matter what culture or country he/she lives in.
Aaron
One thing I worry about is if I am giving some of these students enough help or modifications. The funny thing is, there are no records of the performance of these students, or close to no records. So the special needs teacher is pretty much developing the IEP and special needs program from the ground-up, using meetings and teacher input. I think its good we are doing this. But I hear some of the other teachers talk about giving certain students extra time to complete assignments and allowing them to have take-home exams. However, these teachers also said that the take-home exam is usually returned with a score of 'D' or something like that. So I begin to wonder whats the point of giving them that chance if they are only going to turn in a 'D' level peformance.
I was so happy for my 8th graders this past week, both classes. Everyday, before I grade homework, I ask if there are any questions. Usually there are not, but this week, both classes asked questions on about 3-4 different problems. So, we worked them out on the board, trying to pull as much from the students as possible instead of me giving them the answer. I was so happy that they were asking questions. Looking at todays lesson, I am anticipating more questions tomorrow. Today's lesson was over creating formulas and equations from word problems, something they struggle with greatly.
In my opinion, their struggle with word problems stems from three areas. First, the culture of Thailand does not promote independent thinking. In my experience, people are placed into a social class and expected to stay there and not try to improve their quality of life. A construction worker or street vendor is poor and will always be so. So the thought of bettering one's life through creative thinking and "thinking outside the box" is not common.
Second, these kids are from very wealthy families and for the most part, they have had almost everything handed to them in their lives. They have not had to work at things and when they don't understand or do not want to do something, they have someone else do it for them or tell them the answer. When they ask me a question, I always respond with a question back. This is one thing they do not like at all. But, I hope that at least it gets them thinking. Right now the major problems I am having are questions that can be answered by looking at the notes on the board, looking at their notes they just wrote down, or turning the page to the examples of that section. It is rather frustrating how lazy some of these students are.
Third, I truly feel some of it is just the age of the students and how teenagers act. I have seen similar characteristics of students in America as I see over here. Some things about teenagers can travel across cultures. A teenager is a teenager no matter what culture or country he/she lives in.
Aaron
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