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Meena
Posts:
1
Registered:
12/8/04
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have I failed them?
Posted:
Oct 28, 1998 7:52 PM
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I'm a first year teacher and am having trouble with my algebra one
classes. Perhaps someone out there can lend a hand.
I have two classes of freshmen algebra I students and both sections
have done miserably on the latest test I administered. I found that
students will claim they are comprehending the material prior to the
test, but on test day, it is clear that few have caught onto what was
going on in class. My tests are primarily focused on material from
the homework, but also includes questions that require students to
apply the topics to extended or open-ended problems. The errors that
I see on the tests are ones that I could not anticipate. I've
explored different methods of instruction and assessment (i.e.
question and answer, group work, essays, discovery, etc.), but not
much is helping.
I spoke with my department head and he said to maintain my high
expectations and soon enough the students will rise to them. But
they're not rising. This now leads me to wonder am I effectively
doing my job? I put in endless hours of preparation, but I'm
obviously not reaching them. I have a mentor teacher and she gave me
some good advice, but I was wondering if anyone else might have some
additional words of wisdom?
I understand that first year teaching is tough and there can be quite
a bit of heartache, but it's getting to be a bit much. I don't relish
in the thought of being remembered as anyone's dreaded algebra one
teacher from 9th grade. Comments from all are welcome.
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