A few days ago
Aoiffe337

How would you respond in this situation?

My major is English and I have been teaching it for years. This year I was assigned to teach Language, Mathematics and Social Studies to three students who were classified as vocational..For some reason they have not accepted me in this new assignment. Other students told them I was giving them ‘baby work’ so they rebelled and suggested I give them ‘harder’ work. The so called ‘baby work’ was foundational.One student did not know how to divide; but she knows now. When it came to fractions, some had problems, so I helped them with that situation. I gave them ‘harder’ work according to their expectations and one of them wanted me to explain it first.That is the problem.When I explain,they tell me they know the work so I am wasting their time.They compare me to the teachers from last year. I am new to Maths and Social Studies because Language and Literature are my forte.Even with my subject, they are questioning whether they need it.What should I do?Some days I feel like going fishing.

Top 1 Answers
A few days ago
Anonymous

Favorite Answer

It’s like blocks, or building a house. They’ve heard at least part of it before. What they don’t know is what you are going to teach them next. They are not allowing you to make sure that they have a steady foundation so that they can learn the next step. Instead, as soon as they hear something familiar, they associate it with things that they have done before or past teachers.

Maybe you should just explain it like that to them. We are building a house, and you may know how to lay the bricks down, but I want to get to the plumbing or electrical work, so just stick with me for a moment.

And, as a teacher, it’s valuable work. Treat them as though they were geniuses. Challenge them, encourage them, and be surprised by them.

Great work!

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