Dissatisfied with English Class?

Question

The high school I attend is an all Gifted and Talented school (that is, there aren't levels of difficulty for classes beyond Pre-AP and AP) that advertises its classes as being discussion-based and encouraging critical thinking. We just got a new English teacher for the juniors and we were all very excited because she had assigned lots of good literature to read over the school year. Now that we're almost six weeks into the school year, it's turned out that instead of discussing the books we're reading in class, we are doing endless grammar worksheets and prep work for the AP test-which is in May. I know the AP is important, but is it really necessary to be working on it so much in September? Also, it seems like a waste to be reading The Color Purple, Dances With Wolves, The Scarlet Letter, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and so many other great novels when all we do with them is read and then take a multiple choice test. Should we approach the teacher about this or let it be?

Answer 1

If there is no discussion within the class, maybe you could ask the teacher if 20 minutes of one or two classes a week could be regulated to break-out discussion groups -- where 3-5 students get together to discuss a certain book (so there may be several small groups). -- You might suggest that you all turn in discussion questions prior to the discussion or keep a journal of the experience (if the teacher seems skeptical and needs "proof" that you are discussing -- though I personally feel that if the teacher floats a bit from group to group then he/she can get a good feel to the quality of discussion.)

If the teacher refuses to do this in class, ask if she will sponsor an after-school discussion group because you feel you won't be prepared for college courses if you and your peers don't spend some time thinking and *talking* about the book from different perspectives. You might not have time for an after-school group, but this is to show her that you really want to do this --and if you keep your requests non-threatening, maybe she will get the clue that you want to really experience the literature, not reguritate it.

And you are right, those are all great books to be reading right now....

Hope this helped a little.

Answer 2

There are some effective ways to deal with this.

1. A group needs to go to the head of the dept. with proof of what is going on. You will need the work sheets and the assignments. Also take detailed notes about the classwork and ask that someone observe the class without notice to the teacher.

2. If that doesn't work, have your fathers (NOT mothers) call the principal, one at a time and complain. It's sad but true that they will pay more attention to a man's complaints.

It is very difficult to get a teacher dismissed. However, if this is a new teacher, she may not have tenure yet and she can be fired or at least assigned to a less demanding class. You may have to suffer through the semester. If so, continue to read on your own. Don't let this teacher ruin your love of reading and writing. Ask the dept. head for a list of books for your level. Maybe you can form a book club and discuss books at lunch. You sound like a leader who can get this going. What a shame to waste the time of a bright group of kids. I wish I could teach your class.

Answer 3

The Catch-22 of education.

As a teacher, I understand your teacher's need to "teach to the test." In my state, we get paid a bonus if enough students make certain scores on state tests. We get punished if too many students fail the test. My school is currently "under review" because we have failed to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) for two consecutive years. If this continues, the school may be taken over by the government. Everyone over your teacher is probably pressuring her to teach to this test. I know I start teaching grammar from the beginning of the year because the higher level writing and grammar skills are based on basics that my students lack (as ninth graders they have had virtually no experience with grammar). While worksheets are not the only way to teach, many teachers see "drill and practice" as the tried and true method. It's also hard to come up with a fun and creative way to teach grammar. Odds are good the literature won't be on the test (at least it's not in our state), so the teacher grazes over it. It makes sense if you consider what the teacher is being told to do.

As a person who is passionate about literature, I think this is a travesty. Grammar and reading skills should be taught from an early age so by the time you are in eleventh grade these things are more of a review, with a few new skills. Fine literature should not be glazed over with a simple multiple choice test (although, I admit, I use these for many of my lower achieving students). There are so many options--discussions, projects, essays, group presentations--to show learning. A test, while easy to grade, does not necessarily show comprehension.

And so we are left with the question. What should be done about this problem? I think it's fair to address your teacher. Make sure you do it one-on-one and in a non-confrontational way. Do it outside of class time. I would be more likely to listen to a student who took extra time to speak to me after school regarding this kind of issue than I would be to listen to a student who interrupted my class to complain about it. Let the teacher know you had expected more group discussions on the novels and that you would like more creative ways to extend your learning than just tests. Hopefully, your teacher will be open-minded to your ideas. Good luck!

Answer 4

Your teacher has an agenda she is not sharing with you. Possibly a class requirement that is crucial to the curriculum. Give it some more time. In the meantime, set up a reading discussion group to fill in the gaps in your program. Select people in the group to research off the web or library to make sure you are on the right track. Do this outside of class--sooner or later, she will catch on. B.

Answer 5

that's the main precise bible interior the worldwide. that's the only bible in the worldwide that has God's call in all of its appropriate places. If every physique say that's no longer the main precise they are in simple terms being bias and function achieved NO study! i understand because of the fact i'm a instructor.