My Question of the Day for 04 February 2010 – UPDATED
My Question of the Day: If students are failing, it’s because teachers aren’t teaching. Agree or Disagree?
My 2 Cents: As a former teacher, I’ll have to agree with the commenter who said that if a few students aren’t doing well, then it’s probably not the teacher’s fault. If most of the students aren’t doing well, it’s more than likely the teachers inability and/or unwillingness to actually educate.
Contrary to popular belief, everyone can’t teach. Standing in front of students and lecturing, and/or handing out homework assignments does not a teacher make.
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Take a few moments to check out the tweets from Twitter on this subject:
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chela816 Teachers, students, AND parents all have an important role to play. Deficiency in any of the three can impede learning.
BLKMGK No simple answer for this question. Sometimes its the teacher’s fault; most of the time its the parents’ fault.
JoshDamage they may be teaching but not effectively.
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The commentary doesn’t have to end!
Please feel free to continue to add your comments below.
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i've been wanting to address this question for a while (since i have first seen it) just haven't had time to really put it all down.
I want to say that we are all responsible for a child's education. “it takes a village to raise a child” rings ever so true. But lets be realistic. it does start with the parents- firstly, before they child is even born. was it planned pregnancy or was it an “accident”. if mommy is married and has her child out of love with her husband .. there is certainly a lot more care involved (from both parents) than if a child is born on “accident” out of wedlock. Now don't get me wrong, there are some mothers whom in fact turn it around for the betterment of the child but the majority does not. I know this because I work in the education system and I know the majority and the minority.
this care for your child, affects how education is viewed. Is it something that is pushed and encouraged or is it something that just is… if its encouraged, than the help from the parents will be there, (homework etc), parent conferences… if it really isn't encouraged then hey ITS THE TEACHER FAULT, ITS THE SCHOOL, ITS THE DISTRICT, ITS THE SUN, THE MOON.. u see, eventually it just ends up bein a pointed finger.
in reality most teachers care, some dont, most do… with a lil support from the village and the teachers doin their job, hey than we would have no failing child.
if you see your child is having trouble, call the teacher, set up meetings, develop strategies. Don't wait for years, or even months to go by. You as the parent are the main guardian of your child. demand more from the school because we can only go so far as the education system has a protocol to follow and usually that is not in the best interest of your child. If you dont get your self involved in bettering your child, we as the educators will look at you as “one of those” parents who like to point. Id also like to mention that a child will fight you in certain areas, but you are the parent and you have to fight your child back. you have to win the battle, you have to put your foot down and parent. eventually u will get a thank you, (dont hold your breath, it might be years)
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LikeDislikeThey say a bad workman blames his tools. If some students are failing this may be the case. If all students are failing maybe it is the teachers.
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Today’s educational system needs the ‘whole village’ approach to educate our students. Teacher’s are dealing with a much different environment, than previous years. Being restricted to teach to a test (NCLB) causes an undo hardship on what can be taught.
I applaud today’s Teacher, may they all use their skills to the highest level to teach our future leaders!
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LikeDislikeDisagree. I belive some kids dont know how to learn a subject. If you are not taught everything wont be easy to you, and to keep trying. When you come to a problem you will run away or give up.
So if the teacher is doing thier best it wont matter if the kid wont or cant try.
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LikeDislikeI completely disagree. Somehow the idea of “personal responsibility” has become an old ideal. If the entire class is failing, then yes- the teacher should be directly looked at. On the other hand, if 1 or 2 students are failing, and the rest of the class is succeeding- then, the students need to be looked at. Are they not doing homework? Are they seldom in class? Are they goofing off in class? Do they have any help from their parents after school? These questions need to be answered before you make a blanket statement. A student failing is seldom due to one factor.
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LikeDislikeThat’s hard to say. I think apptitude plays a part in it as well as the teachers ability to effectively convey and teach the information.
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LikeDislikeDisagree.
As it has been said, there are other factors involved. A teacher can only do so much. Without support from the parents or a particularly self-motivated and/or intelligent student, failure is inevitable.
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LikeDislikeIt depends on what’s being taught…And what the teachers are actually teaching…How the child is receiving what’s being taught…How the child is acting…And how the parent(s)/guardian(s) are helping the child at home.
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LikeDislikei think they lack motivation. every student is an individual and should be dealt with accordingly. methods that work well 4 Amy will not work at all for Steve. teachers should be trained to recognize this early and make adjustments to fit each child. no child can be successful without the encouragement and backing of the family. families must do their part as well. if the child is having difficulties, reach out to school administrators for help. there are all types of mentoring, tutoring, etc. programs available.
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