It was another interesting day of instruction. It is pretty certain that the math instructor who left the day before we got here has jumped ship. The students and staff have made it known in more than one way that Erika and I are a breath of fresh air when compared to the last instructor. It saddens and angers me a bit that someone would leave these kids in such a predicament. It only took about half of the first day for the kids to start to open up to us and now it is pretty much like teaching students anywhere else. There are some minor cultural differences in the classroom, but the only real difference is the struggle to teach to students at vastly different levels of understanding/progress during the same period of instruction. Erika and I both agree, however, that it is possible, and there just needs to be a system. If we had more time we could do it.
I feel bad to be leaving these students after our week is up. Today it seemed like the word had spread that new math teachers were on the scene and because of this we ended up with some new faces, one of these faces hadn't been to school in over a week. We've been asked by several students if we are finishing the year here and we do our best to explain the situation.
Hi Jimie,
ReplyDeleteHaving taught at schools in different counties or in the Rio Grande Valley I came to a similar conclusion. Students are students. They are not different :). If you learn as much as you can about their culture, life, families, etc.,you will understand them even better.
PS Rob told me the story-you all collected money for cancer research. Great!
Hi Jimmie, this experience is benefiting not only you and Erika, but the students as well. Great blog. I talked to Dave Frey about St. Baldricks...way to step up to the plate.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work and enjoy the week. You're making a difference.
larry
Your experience with these math classes is a stark refutation of the notion that some kids don't want to learn. As soon as a caring teacher offering decent instruction arrives, the students start coming back.
ReplyDeleteI'm having great fun following your blog.