I find it interesting how much of this situation is affecting the rest of the country. The protesters are absolutely crippling this nation and the economy which is heavily dependent on tourism. The problem is that this will affect the tourist industry for at least the next 6 months and maybe even longer. In speaking with the teachers who were hear for the last coup in 2006, it does not appear that I am in any danger. It would seem that this does not really affect Westerners. We simply continue on with our daily lives as if nothing is happening.
I also think its interesting that these protesters are allowed to overtake the airports and no one is really doing anything about it. Despite what the news may say, most of them are rather peaceful. But hidden in the peaceful protesters are the instigators with guns and violence on their mind. If you see them, the protesters have music playing and they are dancing like its one big party. I believe most of them are simply puppets and paid by the rich to be there for numbers. When something bad happens, the poor who are being paid are the one's who get hurt and so it looks bad for the government.
Today, I started to think of the long-term effects this may have on me. Right now, the only thing I can think of is my trip back home in April. It is possible that, even that far off, countries will not want to fly to Bangkok and therefore my flights or flight schedule could be changed or even cancelled. Its crazy that a flight 5 months away could be affected by this incident. I hope there are no changes, but its a distinct possibility that there will be changes.
In my opinion, the protests are more annoying than anything else. However, I would like to reiterate that I am safe and would have to search for danger in order to be in trouble.
Aaron
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Protests and College Entrance Exams
I will start with the college entrance exams. I was speaking with the school counselor and he told me of a college entrance exam of one of our seniors. This student did not have anyone proofread the essay before submitting it and only gave it to the counselor after submitting it via the website. The counselor told me the essay was very poorly written and that some of our 4th graders write journals better than this essay. I did not read the essay, but the counselor told me the girl actually used the phrase, "back in the olden days" in her essay. Apparently, this was also one of the girls top choices for a university.
I would have to say that this is just another example of how the academic standards at this school have been low in the past. If a senior cannot come through a school without being able to write a decent essay, then that student has not been challenged. From what I've been told, this is partially due to the fact that students have been allowed to fail a class in the past and move on to the next class without making up any work. This practice is currently changing. I truly feel this could be a very good school, but there needs to be some changes. I feel some of these necessary changes are underway as we speak and it is simply a matter of time until definitive results are visible, but we are heading in the right direction.
Now, onto the protests. For most of the protests up to this point, only Thais have been affected. However, now that they have shutdown the airports, it has affected the international community and the economy of Thailand, which depends heavily on tourism (not to mention the fact that I may not get my Christmas care package of Mom's cookies. Thats enough to make me go down there and break this thing up myself!!!). The way I see it, the PAD (the protesters) have been allowed to protest because no one wants to make anyone else mad and they all want to safe face (part of the Buddhist's culture).
But the army is not willing to disperse the PAD nor are they willing to overthrow the government, either result would lead to bloodshed, partially because of the money involved in both sides. The government is not willing to step down either, and therefore the PAD is not willing to stop protesting. So we are at a crossroads. The problem is, Thailand has done this before, the army set up a coup and an election was held, only to be back in the place that we are a year or two later. Its a cycle over here, some people don't like whats happening so they protest rather than allow the democracy to work out the kinks and change through elections.
Honestly, I believe this will end with more violence. I do not feel I am in danger, but I do believe that there will be major violence in Thailand before this is over. I keep telling my family that I am fine and in no danger, which is 100% true and I am not lying when I say that. Today, for the first time, I thought about what I would do if I had to leave Thailand for my safety. I think I would probably try to stay in Asia and maybe go back to Taiwan. Yes, I know, Taiwan and China currently do not have the best relations and that is another potentially dangerous place. But I enjoyed my time there and would like to go back.
But this is all contingent on the fact that I need to leave Thailand for my safety. Like I said, I don't see that happening because I am not involved in the Government and neither side really cares about me. The only time I have even seen a protester is when I was getting off the BTS and there just happened to be a rally on the street below. I didn't even go down there until it was over, just waited. I would literally have to search for trouble over here to find it.
As a final thought, I do find it interesting that the PAD is allowed to shut down an airport and pretty much cripple a nation. I cannot think of another country where this would be allowed or accepted. I feel that by doing nothing, the army is promoting this behavior, which is why it is happening now because it was allowed in the past. I am interested what other countries will do about this since it now affects the international community.
Aaron
I would have to say that this is just another example of how the academic standards at this school have been low in the past. If a senior cannot come through a school without being able to write a decent essay, then that student has not been challenged. From what I've been told, this is partially due to the fact that students have been allowed to fail a class in the past and move on to the next class without making up any work. This practice is currently changing. I truly feel this could be a very good school, but there needs to be some changes. I feel some of these necessary changes are underway as we speak and it is simply a matter of time until definitive results are visible, but we are heading in the right direction.
Now, onto the protests. For most of the protests up to this point, only Thais have been affected. However, now that they have shutdown the airports, it has affected the international community and the economy of Thailand, which depends heavily on tourism (not to mention the fact that I may not get my Christmas care package of Mom's cookies. Thats enough to make me go down there and break this thing up myself!!!). The way I see it, the PAD (the protesters) have been allowed to protest because no one wants to make anyone else mad and they all want to safe face (part of the Buddhist's culture).
But the army is not willing to disperse the PAD nor are they willing to overthrow the government, either result would lead to bloodshed, partially because of the money involved in both sides. The government is not willing to step down either, and therefore the PAD is not willing to stop protesting. So we are at a crossroads. The problem is, Thailand has done this before, the army set up a coup and an election was held, only to be back in the place that we are a year or two later. Its a cycle over here, some people don't like whats happening so they protest rather than allow the democracy to work out the kinks and change through elections.
Honestly, I believe this will end with more violence. I do not feel I am in danger, but I do believe that there will be major violence in Thailand before this is over. I keep telling my family that I am fine and in no danger, which is 100% true and I am not lying when I say that. Today, for the first time, I thought about what I would do if I had to leave Thailand for my safety. I think I would probably try to stay in Asia and maybe go back to Taiwan. Yes, I know, Taiwan and China currently do not have the best relations and that is another potentially dangerous place. But I enjoyed my time there and would like to go back.
But this is all contingent on the fact that I need to leave Thailand for my safety. Like I said, I don't see that happening because I am not involved in the Government and neither side really cares about me. The only time I have even seen a protester is when I was getting off the BTS and there just happened to be a rally on the street below. I didn't even go down there until it was over, just waited. I would literally have to search for trouble over here to find it.
As a final thought, I do find it interesting that the PAD is allowed to shut down an airport and pretty much cripple a nation. I cannot think of another country where this would be allowed or accepted. I feel that by doing nothing, the army is promoting this behavior, which is why it is happening now because it was allowed in the past. I am interested what other countries will do about this since it now affects the international community.
Aaron
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thai Cultural Workshop
Attended a Thai Cultural Workshop last weekend at school. It is actually a requirement for continued employment at the school, and in Thailand actually. It was interesting and I learned a lot about the culture of Thailand. First, they are very proud that they have never been conquered or occupied by any other countries. Other countries around them have been under the control of other countries at some point (England, France, etc.) but not Thailand. This is a great source of pride for the thai people.
Part of this pride is shown through the support of their athletes. Thailand is not known as an Olympic powerhouse, but they do have a few sports in which the perform very well, such as boxing. When these particular athletes are participating in that sport, they are the center of attention and Thai's all over the country support that athlete. This pride is very strong and something I have witnessed first-hand while watching the Olympics this past summer.
Second, it would appear that even though Thailand is attempting to become a Democracy, and has declared itself so for many years now, it does not seem to work very well. It would appear that everytime someone is elected to office and there is a problem with that individual, rather than let the elections run their course, there must be a coup and a big protest. To me, this doesn't make much sense because it defeats the purpose and meaning of a Democracy.
One other aspect I have noticed about Thailand and its people is the overwhelming support for Barak Obama. Whenever I tell someone I am from America, they're first response involves Obama. It would almost appear that Obama is viewed as a savior by some people in Thailand, someone who will fix all the problems of the world as soon as he takes office. I am not sure it is so much that these people think Obama is going to solve all the problems, but rather a joy that Bush is no longer in office. Not trying to get into politics too much, but I would say there are many Obama supporters in Thailand.
Aaron
Part of this pride is shown through the support of their athletes. Thailand is not known as an Olympic powerhouse, but they do have a few sports in which the perform very well, such as boxing. When these particular athletes are participating in that sport, they are the center of attention and Thai's all over the country support that athlete. This pride is very strong and something I have witnessed first-hand while watching the Olympics this past summer.
Second, it would appear that even though Thailand is attempting to become a Democracy, and has declared itself so for many years now, it does not seem to work very well. It would appear that everytime someone is elected to office and there is a problem with that individual, rather than let the elections run their course, there must be a coup and a big protest. To me, this doesn't make much sense because it defeats the purpose and meaning of a Democracy.
One other aspect I have noticed about Thailand and its people is the overwhelming support for Barak Obama. Whenever I tell someone I am from America, they're first response involves Obama. It would almost appear that Obama is viewed as a savior by some people in Thailand, someone who will fix all the problems of the world as soon as he takes office. I am not sure it is so much that these people think Obama is going to solve all the problems, but rather a joy that Bush is no longer in office. Not trying to get into politics too much, but I would say there are many Obama supporters in Thailand.
Aaron
Thursday, November 20, 2008
No Rice In The Lunch Line
Yesterday, I was talking with a girl I tutor in math and she said something about her little sister being fat. I told her that her sister was not fat and that she should see the kids in the states. I told her about all the overweight kids in the states and how I believe it is because they eat nothing but junk food all day and the lunches provide them with food that isn't always good for them. I began telling her what type of food schools had and she was shocked that rice was not one of the options.
As we were talking about the lunch lines, I started to think that I cannot remember a time during all my high school and since working at high schools, that a school had rice as part of the meal. I think it would be a good thing for the students to have along with being cheap and easy to provide. I felt it was interesting because rice is something that is so common in Asia, but seldom used in the states. This girl could not imagine a day without rice, and students in the US hardly ever eat rice.
Just another cultural difference that I find interesting.
Aaron
As we were talking about the lunch lines, I started to think that I cannot remember a time during all my high school and since working at high schools, that a school had rice as part of the meal. I think it would be a good thing for the students to have along with being cheap and easy to provide. I felt it was interesting because rice is something that is so common in Asia, but seldom used in the states. This girl could not imagine a day without rice, and students in the US hardly ever eat rice.
Just another cultural difference that I find interesting.
Aaron
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Parent Observations
Yesterday, the school allowed parents to come in and observe the classes of their children. I thought this was a very interesting policy because I do not think that any school back home in the states would allow or promote this action. Not that I think its a bad thing, but I could definitely see a problem parent coming in to class and causing even more problems, either during the class or after the class.
I did not have any parents in my classes. I was a little happy about that, not that I care if parents come in and watch my class, but I would rather just have my class be my class and not have an audience other than the students. I understand that administration has the right to come in and observe me, and I think that's a good thing because they can provide feedback. But the fear I have with parents coming in and observing is the parent of the child who is struggling and then becomes a problem because they feel I do not give their child enough time or I am not doing enough to help out their child and then it becomes a problem for me and the administration.
Either way, I am still surprised by this policy and believe it is something that would not happen back home.
Aaron
I did not have any parents in my classes. I was a little happy about that, not that I care if parents come in and watch my class, but I would rather just have my class be my class and not have an audience other than the students. I understand that administration has the right to come in and observe me, and I think that's a good thing because they can provide feedback. But the fear I have with parents coming in and observing is the parent of the child who is struggling and then becomes a problem because they feel I do not give their child enough time or I am not doing enough to help out their child and then it becomes a problem for me and the administration.
Either way, I am still surprised by this policy and believe it is something that would not happen back home.
Aaron
Monday, November 17, 2008
Observation
The math department head came into the end of one of my classes yesterday and was watching me explain something to the students. He was actually there to ask me a question, but he caught the end of my lesson. I was explaining the Trigonometric Ratios and why Sine and Cosine could not be greater than 1. He was impressed with the explanation and the way I was presenting the information to the students. I was having them explore the problem a little rather than just give them the fact that the Sine and Cosine must be less than 1, I had them discover the reasons for this fact.
I asked him if he could observe me in the future so I could get some outside feedback on what I needed to improve upon and what I was doing well. He said that he could do that, but the only class he has free would be during my 6th grade class, which is my worst class. I actually think that would be a good thing. I do not simply want to know how my best class is going, but also how my worst class is going. By observing that class, I will be able to see what I need to improve upon for other classes as well.
I do feel that my development as a teacher has be hindered by the fact that I have not received any feedback or been observed yet. I have no idea if I am doing a good job, if I need to change my methods or what is happening in my class. Therefore, I feel that I am not growing as much as a teacher as I should be. Again, though I do not necessarily agree with the mentor program in the State of Indiana and how the paperwork is set-up, I do feel that having a mentor to observe lessons is a good thing as a whole and can help develop a young teacher into a stronger teacher.
As it is right now, I feel that I am flying by the seat of my pants and have no knowledge of what aspects of my teaching need improvement.
Aaron
I asked him if he could observe me in the future so I could get some outside feedback on what I needed to improve upon and what I was doing well. He said that he could do that, but the only class he has free would be during my 6th grade class, which is my worst class. I actually think that would be a good thing. I do not simply want to know how my best class is going, but also how my worst class is going. By observing that class, I will be able to see what I need to improve upon for other classes as well.
I do feel that my development as a teacher has be hindered by the fact that I have not received any feedback or been observed yet. I have no idea if I am doing a good job, if I need to change my methods or what is happening in my class. Therefore, I feel that I am not growing as much as a teacher as I should be. Again, though I do not necessarily agree with the mentor program in the State of Indiana and how the paperwork is set-up, I do feel that having a mentor to observe lessons is a good thing as a whole and can help develop a young teacher into a stronger teacher.
As it is right now, I feel that I am flying by the seat of my pants and have no knowledge of what aspects of my teaching need improvement.
Aaron
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Teacher Appreciation
Last night (Saturday), I went with some other teachers from the school to a student's house for dinner. There were about 10 or so teachers here for the party. As I was there, I noticed several things that surprised me. I would also like to note this was an Indian family, so I am not sure how the following plays into cultural relationships amongst Indians.
First, back home in the states, I do not think a family would ever invite a group of their children's teachers to their house for dinner. The parents wanted to have the teachers over simply to thank them for the hard work and the things they have been doing as teachers. Coaches might go over to the houses of their athletes, but that would be as a team dinner with the rest of the team present. This was the parents, students and a bunch of teachers.
Second, the father was serving alcohol to us as if it was no big deal. Originally, I was skeptical about drinking. But all the other teachers were drinking as well and I think he would have taken it as an insult if I had not had a drink. Now, no one became out of control and everyone kept their drinking level to a minimum, but the fact that there was alcohol and we were drinking at the house of a student was amazing. Back home in the states, all of the teachers present would be suspended and probably fired for something like this. Over here, it is almost accepted. It should also be noted that the children, one who is a freshman, were not drinking at all.
Third, and not related to education so much, but the food was amazing. It was all Indian food and it started when we arrived as appetizers. I was loading up on those, thinking that was all we were going to have. Well, as it turned out, at about 10:30 or so, they brought out a 7 or 8 dish meal that was absolutely stunning. It was truly amazing to have this appreciation and celebration for teachers at the house of a student. Like I said, I do not believe this would ever happen back home in the states. If it did, I think I would almost feel akward with the family and student, and of course, the alcohol would not be present.
Aaron
First, back home in the states, I do not think a family would ever invite a group of their children's teachers to their house for dinner. The parents wanted to have the teachers over simply to thank them for the hard work and the things they have been doing as teachers. Coaches might go over to the houses of their athletes, but that would be as a team dinner with the rest of the team present. This was the parents, students and a bunch of teachers.
Second, the father was serving alcohol to us as if it was no big deal. Originally, I was skeptical about drinking. But all the other teachers were drinking as well and I think he would have taken it as an insult if I had not had a drink. Now, no one became out of control and everyone kept their drinking level to a minimum, but the fact that there was alcohol and we were drinking at the house of a student was amazing. Back home in the states, all of the teachers present would be suspended and probably fired for something like this. Over here, it is almost accepted. It should also be noted that the children, one who is a freshman, were not drinking at all.
Third, and not related to education so much, but the food was amazing. It was all Indian food and it started when we arrived as appetizers. I was loading up on those, thinking that was all we were going to have. Well, as it turned out, at about 10:30 or so, they brought out a 7 or 8 dish meal that was absolutely stunning. It was truly amazing to have this appreciation and celebration for teachers at the house of a student. Like I said, I do not believe this would ever happen back home in the states. If it did, I think I would almost feel akward with the family and student, and of course, the alcohol would not be present.
Aaron
Friday, November 14, 2008
Projects
I gave both my 7th and 8th grade projects to complete the last few weeks. The 8th grade turned theirs in and I was happy with them. However, when it came time to collect the projects from my 7th grade, I was very disappointed in the quality of the projects and the number of projects that were actually completed. Of the two classes, one had everyone turn their projects in, while the other class, only about half of the students turned the projects in to me.
I reminded the students the whole week before the projects were due that they must complete these projects. I told them this everyday of the week and they seemed to not even care about the projects. These projects counted as test grades, so a lot of these students received zero's on these projects and thus their grades are suffering.
Which is another thing that is upsetting to me. I have told these students that this quarter is shorter than the others and they should not get behind early thinking they have time to catch up because they do not. Well, grades this quarter are much lower than they were last quarter. I believe some of this is because we are covering new material and not reviewing old material as we did in the first 2 chapters or so. But it is frustrating because I take that personal and view it as a reflection of my teaching ability.
Aaron
I reminded the students the whole week before the projects were due that they must complete these projects. I told them this everyday of the week and they seemed to not even care about the projects. These projects counted as test grades, so a lot of these students received zero's on these projects and thus their grades are suffering.
Which is another thing that is upsetting to me. I have told these students that this quarter is shorter than the others and they should not get behind early thinking they have time to catch up because they do not. Well, grades this quarter are much lower than they were last quarter. I believe some of this is because we are covering new material and not reviewing old material as we did in the first 2 chapters or so. But it is frustrating because I take that personal and view it as a reflection of my teaching ability.
Aaron
Monday, November 10, 2008
Taking It Easy
I have found that I must relax with the lessons a little. As I stated earlier, I feel the class has become boring and I am stuck in somewhat of a rut as far as my teaching is concerned. Last week, for some reason, I took to a slightly slower and more relaxed approach of the lessons and the students responded very well and I enjoyed the classes much more. We still got through several sections and completed work, but it was at a slightly lighter pace.
This week, I plan on playing a game with one a few of the classes and trying some other things with the others. One problem I have come across as a first year teacher is the lack of knowledge of activities for lessons. I'm sure this becomes easier as time goes on, but it makes the first year rather challenging. Also, I am sure that even when I move to a new school, the first year at the new school will be easier than the first year teaching in general because of the resources and activities I would have completed in the past. I may have to recreate some of the manipulatives, but the ideas would be there. That may be another interesting study (and one that I know was mentioned in Dr. Cheryl's book), the adjustment for a teacher during his/her first year at a new school. If my knew school just so happens to be another school in Asia, that may provide an even more interesting twist.
One thing I have noticed with my 6th grade class is that the smartest kids in that class are the one's who complain the most and try to get away with the most. This is something that I definately have not experienced in the States. Again, this may be due to the age of the students, but I do not feel that is the driving factor. I know in Thailand, the culture tells the individual to become part of the group and work together for a common goal. Along with that individuals are not supposed to be individuals and strive for something greater. Rather, they are supposed to accept their position (whether it be in economic or social) and help others around them. Thus, cheating is not viewed as a negative practice in Thailand, but it is seen as helping others around you.
The problem here is the students who are complaining and whining are not Thai, they are Korean (but they may have spent their whole lives in Thailand, which could play a part in this behavior). However, I will again come back to the thought that these students have a sense of entitlement, that they do not have to work if they do not want to. Most of these students have maids and drivers at their beckoning call. They rarely have to clean up after themselves and have almost no responsiblity.
Perhaps it is the fact that these students are simply bored in my class and they are lashing out in anyway possible. Either way, I find it very interesting because never had I experienced the most intelligent students in a class I taught also be the laziest and complain the most.
Aaron
This week, I plan on playing a game with one a few of the classes and trying some other things with the others. One problem I have come across as a first year teacher is the lack of knowledge of activities for lessons. I'm sure this becomes easier as time goes on, but it makes the first year rather challenging. Also, I am sure that even when I move to a new school, the first year at the new school will be easier than the first year teaching in general because of the resources and activities I would have completed in the past. I may have to recreate some of the manipulatives, but the ideas would be there. That may be another interesting study (and one that I know was mentioned in Dr. Cheryl's book), the adjustment for a teacher during his/her first year at a new school. If my knew school just so happens to be another school in Asia, that may provide an even more interesting twist.
One thing I have noticed with my 6th grade class is that the smartest kids in that class are the one's who complain the most and try to get away with the most. This is something that I definately have not experienced in the States. Again, this may be due to the age of the students, but I do not feel that is the driving factor. I know in Thailand, the culture tells the individual to become part of the group and work together for a common goal. Along with that individuals are not supposed to be individuals and strive for something greater. Rather, they are supposed to accept their position (whether it be in economic or social) and help others around them. Thus, cheating is not viewed as a negative practice in Thailand, but it is seen as helping others around you.
The problem here is the students who are complaining and whining are not Thai, they are Korean (but they may have spent their whole lives in Thailand, which could play a part in this behavior). However, I will again come back to the thought that these students have a sense of entitlement, that they do not have to work if they do not want to. Most of these students have maids and drivers at their beckoning call. They rarely have to clean up after themselves and have almost no responsiblity.
Perhaps it is the fact that these students are simply bored in my class and they are lashing out in anyway possible. Either way, I find it very interesting because never had I experienced the most intelligent students in a class I taught also be the laziest and complain the most.
Aaron
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Projects
I gave my 8th graders a project two weeks ago in which they had to prove that a triangle has 180 degrees when we take the sum of the three angles. Overall the proofs went really well. I would say that most of the proofs were strong, with just a few minor mistakes here and there. I think it was the first proof for many of these students, so I was very pleased. Some of the students did not do as well as I would have liked them to do, but I am sure that happens with students all the time.
I also gave a project to my 7th graders a few weeks ago and will be collecting that project tomorrow. We were discussing probability in class one day and I told them that I would buy them a pizza party if they could beat me at a game. If anyone in the class could correctly guess ten straight coin flips, I would provide the party for them. Well, no one did accomplish the task, and we have even played since with no one completing the task.
Their project was to find out the probability that someone correctly guesses 10 coin flips in a row. I gave them a little bit of a heads start and hint in the project. However, as of Friday, only a few had even started on the project. I am fearful as to how this will work out for the 7th graders.
Aaron
I also gave a project to my 7th graders a few weeks ago and will be collecting that project tomorrow. We were discussing probability in class one day and I told them that I would buy them a pizza party if they could beat me at a game. If anyone in the class could correctly guess ten straight coin flips, I would provide the party for them. Well, no one did accomplish the task, and we have even played since with no one completing the task.
Their project was to find out the probability that someone correctly guesses 10 coin flips in a row. I gave them a little bit of a heads start and hint in the project. However, as of Friday, only a few had even started on the project. I am fearful as to how this will work out for the 7th graders.
Aaron
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Nationalities
I find it refreshing to speak with other teachers about their problems and issues. More bouncing ideas off of each other than anything else, or venting about certain students. One teacher from Canada who I have been playing basketball with quite a bit lately tells me that some of his worst experiences have been with the parents of Indian students. From what he says, all of the Indian parents think their child is going to be either a doctor or a lawyer, and therefore they have them taking AP Calculus, AP Physics and AP Chemistry during the student's senior year.
According to my friend, there are two problems with this theory...
1. The school only offers AP Calculus at this time and so there is no way AP Chemistry or AP Physics is even an option. Which I feel is unfortunate that this is the case with the school.
2. Most of these students have no business being in any of these classes because they are barely passing Chemistry I.
I have not had a problem with Indian parents yet. The only problem parent that I have had has been Pakistani. We did have a parent-teacher conference and she was unhappy that I did not change her daughter's grade from a "B" to an "A". The parent sent a text to the guidance counselor the next day and told him she wanted to talk to him about the math teacher.
So after meeting with the guidance counselor for about 5 minutes he calls her back and she tells him that she doesn't like the way I handle my class and homework procedures and other things. The counselor agrees with my procedures and continues to support me and my classroom management style (which is a good feeling to have support).
I think parents all over the world would have their own thoughts and feelings about certain teaching styles and methods. However, I am shocked that a parent would actually ask a teacher to change grades. Maybe this happens in the States more often than I realize, but it was shocking for me to experience. Almost a lack of responsibility for the student receiving the grade he/she received and more of an entitlement to a certain grade. In the parent's defense (but it is not much of a defense), grades were changed last year, so I can see where she might think it would happen again.
Another interesting aspect I learned about the school after speaking with the department head, when he arrived at ASB about 4 years ago or so, there was only one track for math all the way through high school. This was only about 4 years ago, 2004 or so, and a high school has only one track of math for all students. That right there is absolutely shocking.
Aaron
According to my friend, there are two problems with this theory...
1. The school only offers AP Calculus at this time and so there is no way AP Chemistry or AP Physics is even an option. Which I feel is unfortunate that this is the case with the school.
2. Most of these students have no business being in any of these classes because they are barely passing Chemistry I.
I have not had a problem with Indian parents yet. The only problem parent that I have had has been Pakistani. We did have a parent-teacher conference and she was unhappy that I did not change her daughter's grade from a "B" to an "A". The parent sent a text to the guidance counselor the next day and told him she wanted to talk to him about the math teacher.
So after meeting with the guidance counselor for about 5 minutes he calls her back and she tells him that she doesn't like the way I handle my class and homework procedures and other things. The counselor agrees with my procedures and continues to support me and my classroom management style (which is a good feeling to have support).
I think parents all over the world would have their own thoughts and feelings about certain teaching styles and methods. However, I am shocked that a parent would actually ask a teacher to change grades. Maybe this happens in the States more often than I realize, but it was shocking for me to experience. Almost a lack of responsibility for the student receiving the grade he/she received and more of an entitlement to a certain grade. In the parent's defense (but it is not much of a defense), grades were changed last year, so I can see where she might think it would happen again.
Another interesting aspect I learned about the school after speaking with the department head, when he arrived at ASB about 4 years ago or so, there was only one track for math all the way through high school. This was only about 4 years ago, 2004 or so, and a high school has only one track of math for all students. That right there is absolutely shocking.
Aaron
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Changing The Courses
I made a suggestion to my principal the other week that I feel we should have two seperate tracks for math in the middle school, an advanced track (course) and a normal track. My reasoning for this suggestion is that some of the kids in my classes are bored because we are not going fast enough and they are not being challenged. Unfortunately for them, I cannot go any faster, because some of the students are struggling at the pace I am going right now.
This would allow me to challenge the more advanced students and spend more time on material for the weaker students. I feel this would benefit all the students in the school. I was actually rather shocked when I saw that the school did not have this, the math department does branch off into two seperate tracks but not until about grade 10 or 11. Grant it, two tracks would create rather small classes, but they have AP classes in the high school that have only 5 students in them. If they can justify and AP class with 5 students, there is no reason we cannot have an advance middle school math class with 8 students.
Also, this forces the school to hire another part-time math teacher or find someone currently on staff to teach a math class or two. That may be the only thing keeping this from going through. However, it would also open my schedule up and almost guarantee me a high school math class for next year. Last I heard, this was going to happen and I will be getting my high school math class.
I spoke with some of the parents about this option at the parent-teacher conferences. Some of them were rather upset the school did not already have this option, which I agree with them and their argument. I feel the school is often behind the times on certain issues and slow to keep up with things as them develop in the education field. I honestly believe this is attributed to the fact that the school director has complete power over things in the school and determines what happens. If she does not feel something should happen, it doesn't happen. Its her school and the final decision is hers to make. However, personally I feel this hierarchy has hurt the school in the past.
Aaron
This would allow me to challenge the more advanced students and spend more time on material for the weaker students. I feel this would benefit all the students in the school. I was actually rather shocked when I saw that the school did not have this, the math department does branch off into two seperate tracks but not until about grade 10 or 11. Grant it, two tracks would create rather small classes, but they have AP classes in the high school that have only 5 students in them. If they can justify and AP class with 5 students, there is no reason we cannot have an advance middle school math class with 8 students.
Also, this forces the school to hire another part-time math teacher or find someone currently on staff to teach a math class or two. That may be the only thing keeping this from going through. However, it would also open my schedule up and almost guarantee me a high school math class for next year. Last I heard, this was going to happen and I will be getting my high school math class.
I spoke with some of the parents about this option at the parent-teacher conferences. Some of them were rather upset the school did not already have this option, which I agree with them and their argument. I feel the school is often behind the times on certain issues and slow to keep up with things as them develop in the education field. I honestly believe this is attributed to the fact that the school director has complete power over things in the school and determines what happens. If she does not feel something should happen, it doesn't happen. Its her school and the final decision is hers to make. However, personally I feel this hierarchy has hurt the school in the past.
Aaron
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