17 Dec 13
Originally posted by sonhouseAs I understand it, we were talking only about Algebra II being required for graduating HS. Those students that want to learn Algebra II will pick it, if they find Algebra I interesting. There is no need to require Algebra II or Spanish II to graduate. If the students are interested in learning more in these areas they will pick them.
Here is the thing: A HS student most often does not know WHAT he or she will be taking in college. It is best to be well rounded educationally and algebra trains you in problem solving techniques that can have benefits in other areas even if it is not directly involved in math. So you can't say when a kid is 16 in most cases just what they want to do 2 or 3 ...[text shortened]... want after all. Can't have people actually using their brains to think through your line of BS.
17 Dec 13
Originally posted by googlefudgeI am basing my observation on 15 years of teaching in 2 different districts and 4 different schools, as well as my year substitute teaching for many different schools and school districts.
Are you basing your opinions upon empirical statistically significant surveys of large
numbers of school children from a representative range of backgrounds in a representative
range of schools... Or are you basing it on your own limited perspective as a teacher where
the students likely to stand out and be noticed are the trouble makers and those that don't
want to learn?
17 Dec 13
Originally posted by EladarA teacher with this attitude will probably find his/her pupils do not want to learn.
It would be better for everyone if those who don't wish to learn were not in school at all.
Schools are jammed packed with kids who don't want to learn,
In my experience all students want to learn. It's the tasks we provide them
with that they sometimes find boring. (My experience is only up to Year8
so I admit I haven't had a class of older teens trying to act cool!)
17 Dec 13
2 edits
Originally posted by wolfgang59Exactly what is your experience? A student's experience is very limited.
A teacher with this attitude will probably find his/her pupils do not want to learn.
In my experience all students want to learn. It's the tasks we provide them
with that they sometimes find boring. (My experience is only up to Year8
so I admit I haven't had a class of older teens trying to act cool!)
Btw, it was not an attitude. It was an observation. You can ask any teacher in the public school system who teaches general level kids and they will repeat what I've said.
19 Dec 13
Originally posted by RJHindsSpeaking of sports, the local school district canceled school today because the football team made the state championship game!
It appears to me that most students at the HS level are more interested in learning how to be popular and sports than in learning academics.
04 Jan 14
Originally posted by EladarYou teach? I guess they mean it when they say only dumb people are teachers... how did they word it? Oh yeah... those who can't do, teach.
I am basing my observation on 15 years of teaching in 2 different districts and 4 different schools, as well as my year substitute teaching for many different schools and school districts.
04 Jan 14
1 edit
Originally posted by MISTER CHESSI've seen a lot of pretty stupid teachers.
You teach? I guess they mean it when they say only dumb people are teachers... how did they word it? Oh yeah... those who can't do, teach.
My math test scores consistently placed me in the top 95th-99th percentile. In 7th grade I took the SAT as part of a program out of Princeton.
I've taught everything from 7th grade math through AP Calculus.
04 Jan 14
Originally posted by humyYou Knew RJ when he was in High School? Wow.I believe that forcing kids to take a class that they do not learn from is a waste of time.
So are you implying that kids cannot learn maths so it is a wast of time trying?
If so, then it is strange that both I and, with just one exception, all the kids that I knew at school learned maths just fine; the exception being a certain psychop ...[text shortened]... choose to be a toilet cleaner if you don't know maths and insisted on never learning it.
Originally posted by sonhouseActually it just goes to show how ignorant humy actually is when it comes to the problems in education we have in the US.
You Knew RJ when he was in High School? Wow.
I'd say you are probably pretty ignorant too. How many years have put in the classroom beyond your student years?
05 Jan 14
Originally posted by MISTER CHESSIt takes, or should take, only minimal wits to insult the likes of Eladar without also insulting all teachers everywhere. Effin' moron.
You teach? I guess they mean it when they say only dumb people are teachers... how did they word it? Oh yeah... those who can't do, teach.
05 Jan 14
Originally posted by SoothfastAs you can see from my reply to his post he was completely wrong about me, but was right about many other teachers.
It takes, or should take, only minimal wits to insult the likes of Eladar without also insulting all teachers everywhere. Effin' moron.