A few days ago
Purity

I have a bad teacher!!?

My math teacher is horrible. I have been taking accelerated classes, so I know what I am talking about. I have joined a summer school that teaches us courses in science and math. However, I had taken accelerated classes, so I know so far everything we have done in math. But, my teacher who is teaching everyone, is telling everyone to follow one single way to solve equations. I learned it a bit differently in my accelerated class, which was actually easier. Now, tomorrow, she will give us a test on what she had taught us. She said that we can only use her way, and no other. I am used to doing it a different way, but I DO understand her way. The problem is that when I tried to show her the way I learned it, she is saying that it is the wrong way. There are a few students in my class who went to the accelerated class with me. They also agree with what I am saying since they learned it the same way too. What should I do?

Top 8 Answers
A few days ago
teach2learn0707

Favorite Answer

If you understand her way of solving the problem, then go ahead and use it for her class. It is not worth the conflict to pursue your case if she is set on her way. Just smile and take the test. When this class is over, go back to doing those problems the way you like best. I always tell my students that there is usually more than one way to solve a problem. It is too bad that this teacher isn’t more flexible, but save yourself a headache and just play along. It doesn’t sound like she will change her mind any time soon.
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A few days ago
Savannah’s mommy
If it were me personally, I would have a serious one on one talk with her b4 the test. Tell ur teacher how u feel. Try not to yell or anything. I know that u are frustrated. If that does not work, try talking to ur principle. Tell ur principle the situation and how u feel. Explain to ur principle that u are not trying to be a tatail tail but u feel that this teacher should learn from u as well. A teacher told me once that a good teacher, just doesnt teach, but also learns from their students. A teacher should always be opened minded about learning new ways of doing things bc u never know it might actually be a better way. Not that ur way is a bad way but there might be a more simple way.

Im not saying that ur math teacher is a bad teacher Im just saying that she should stop and listen bc she doesnt realize or know that this way is probably a little bit easier than the way she is teaching and for those students that are somewhat struggling, the easier way might actually help them. Maybe suggest to her that try showing a couple different ways to solving a problem and letting the students choose the easiest to them.

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A few days ago
my2luvsJK
I don’t know your teacher but, it sounds like she is on a power trip!!! I’m the teacher, and you must do it because I said so sort of thing. Well, if you can prove to her that you can still get the same answer by doing it your way then what’s the harm? As for being in an accelerated class you are expected to know and study beyond school hours. Right? My point is, if you can get the same answer by doing it your way then do it. If she’s going to penalize you for doing it another way that’s not hers then, do it her way until you finish up summer school. I am sorry that there are bad teachers out there but, that is the sad truth. Don’t be discouraged, hang in there and perhaps you can transfer back into the general ed classes next school year. Good luck! Remember, this is what you don’t want to be like when you grow up. -Teacher
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A few days ago
fancyname
In your accelerated class you were taught different ways to solve equations, this is just one more way which you are not as comfortable with. There may be a reason for her teaching this particular method that will come to light later when she attaches it to the science component. It may be the wrong way for what comes next. If you know how to do it her way, do it so you do not hurt your grade. She might be wrong, but it doesn’t make her bad. How would you like it if she called you bad because you insisted on doing it YOUR way. You are both alike. LOL.
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A few days ago
Anonymous
HMM…I agree with NightSerf on this one. It is a question of MATURITY not math approaches. “I’m in an accelerated class”, “I’ve done accelerated maths”, “I know what I’m talking about”.etc….okay relax…You’re NOT the teacher..You aren’t trained as a teacher…just do what you’re asked to do…I don’t understand why you feel you have to make a point? surely it’s not that important? In the long term it’s sometimes best to curb one’s ego…
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A few days ago
apbanpos
Do it her way. Get your A. Move on.

Do you want to be right? or do you want to be happy?

This is a lesson you will soon have to learn once you have a boss that has a way – as off as it may be – that you will expect to follow – even it makes no sense.

And perhaps, just perhaps, there is a method to her seeming madness and she does have a very good reason for wanting you to do it her way.

Good Luck

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A few days ago
nightserf
The lesson to be learned in this situation has to do with maturity, not math. One of the surest signs of immaturity is the constant underlying assumption of one’s own superiority and correctness. Let this go and celebrate your newfound flexibility.
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A few days ago
Twiggy
And, of course, you`re the perfect pupil………?
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