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Re: will's. won'ts,can's and can'ts
Posted:
Jul 10, 1995 2:55 PM
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I believe it is my responsibility to do all that I am professionally able
to construct a learning environment where all students can learn math IF
they try. For those that won't try and don't have anything preventing
them from trying, I allow them the privilege of failing. Until they
suffer the consequences of failing (and let's face it,
sometimes there are no negative consequences
for failing), these folks won't pass. I try very hard to help those
students realize the choice they are making, I don't know how successful
I am in that effort. I am fortunate, my division and
my school supports my professional judgement. When I taught junior high
and high school and social passing was the policy of the district, it was
much more difficult.
Sometimes the realities of life (fighting for custody of children, spousal
abuse,simple hours spent working and taking care of their families,
addiction etc) make it very difficult for students to put the time
and mental energy into learning that is required. These students also
fail and also need to realize why they are failing. It is not that they
don't want it or that they aren't trying, its that there simply isn't
enough of them to go around to do all that they have to do.
So, my responsibility is to continue to learn all I can to motivate the
"won'ts" and reach out to their different ways of learning. And to
counsel the ones who are stuck to not give up hope. And to fail everyone
who can't demonstrate the skills and attitudes required to pass the
class.
--Laura
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Laura Petersen petersen@lcsc.edu
Division of Natural Sciences PHONE 208-799-2484
Lewis-Clark State College FAX 208-799-2064
500 8th Avenue
Lewiston ID 83501-2698 USA
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