Students not doing well on tests????

[Andrew Miller]

I have alot of students coming up to me and complaining that they were not doing very well on tests in one of their classes.. They said that when they ask the teacher how to do better, she says that the material is hard and some people will get it and others won't. I am appauled at what her response was. She finshed regiving a test that everyone failed las wednesday and tomorrow she is going to give another test. The kids said she didn't teach them anything!! What should I do???

[BigDaddyTeacher]

Andrew -
Obviously, without knowing you or your students, it's going to be difficult for me to offer a solution; I'll have to make do with my opinions.

Personally, I feel it might be a good idea to get all the facts before proceeding. How well do you know the teacher in question? Do you think he/she respects your opinions as much as your students do, and would he/she be willing to listen to you as their advocate?

After finding the facts, we have to decide: Are the students just whining, or do they have a legitimate complaint? It's possible that the teacher could be presenting the info. properly, and has excellent examples - and the students are just unwilling to learn. A student won't learn what he/she doesn't want to learn.

After these are determined, it might become a situation for the faculty administration. If the teacher is not performing up to proper standards, a review would definately be in order. It is important throughout this process to keep the students informed as to your progress. You need not divulge any priviliged info - a simple reminder that you are looking into the problem would suffice. Once all facts are in and the situation (hopefully) resolved, some type of closure for them would be prudent.

I really hope this helps. If you think I'm blowing smoke, please say so - no offense implied!
Dennis

[Unregistered]

Please find out if the students really hate the teacher for the poor studies
or if the teacher is restricting their former freedom and the students just want her out of the way
If it boils down to her fault you could always ask the teacher the reason for the students query's on a personal level
and emphasis that the students need to perform well in test if she comes up with her usual response then you should contact your head-officer
In case she gives you a legitimate reply then you should bear it up for a while to give her a chance then report it to your head
Given in good faith

[Jack Furr]

What is YOUR motivation? If it is to be the friend/protector to the students then maybe you should do nothing. Let the students take it to a higher level (parents/principal). If you are the mentor teacher then simply come clean. Many has been the time that my students simply did not want to do something/anything. They demanded that I give them the page number if I said "read chapter 3", then they claim I will not help them if my response is "look after chapter 2" or "check the index", they will whine about my lack of help instead of following the suggestion (I would have had to retreive my book and look it up, their book is in their little hands). This is typical behavior, compounded depending on the student level/age. Remember also that students have a "pack" mentality. Several will gang on on a single individual, even if it is the teacher. Lastly, you can always tell when some :eek: children are lying, their mouths are moving and sound is issuing forth. My experience, my opinion after long years working with very diverse populations. :)