My teacher keeps telling the whole class that an atom's mass number is how many protons and electrons are in it when it should be how many protons and neutrons are in it. I asked her if she meant atomic number but she said no and really meant mass number. I checked on a couple of websites and they all agree with me. My teacher is pretty stubborn as well, when ever we argue(which is alot) She ends it by saying " you can argue with me all you want but my answer is always correct".
This is a science classroom so I'm pretty sure arguments should be embraced.
How can I tell her ? Or am I missing something?
2007-09-27 10:46:22 · 12 answers · asked by Lin X 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Most of the time, it's the whole class arguing with her.
2007-09-27 12:46:52 · update #1
Why does it matter? Yes, students and teachers like being correct, and yes, maybe your teacher is wrong, but telling the teacher she is wrong repeatedly only gets you a bad grade and a teacher that doesn't enjoy you in her class. It's not like teachers are *always* correct, that would mean that teachers are perfect, but everyone is wrong, and so are you in life, so just deal with this one thing.
2007-09-27 10:55:47 · answer #1 · answered by JustAGirlX 6 · 1⤊ 5⤋
Well, it sounds like you are learning your science with or without superior teaching! Kudos to you!
I assume you are in secondary school (high school), not college or elementary.
First, don't argue with her ever again. Or contribute to a bad attitude among the other students. Dis-unific seeds eventually grow to produce problem fruits.
Also: respect creates respect. Treat yourself and the teacher with the greatest respect, and she will be motivated to treat you with more respect. Find other ways to accomplish the goals that motivate you to argue.
Look at the big picture.
Overall, is she an adequate teacher to get y'all trough the course? If not, you need to document the situation and get your info to the attention of the school administration, parents, and, in extreme cases, (if all else fails) the school board or even the media.
If she is adequate overall:
1. Do you want to stay in that class? Do you have options to transfer to another teacher?
2. If you stay you need to both
A. Quietly give her the correct information, perhaps anonymously and
B. Keep a journal of these problems and inaccuracies -- including your concerns about the non-investigative atmosphere in the classroom. Put a copy in the box of the department head every month (perhaps anonymously) and at the end of the course make an appointment with the principal and say that, in search of the greater good, you need to share this info about the teacher.
Oh, and, of course the atom's mass isn't determined by those teensy tiny electrons!
2007-10-03 01:18:18 · answer #2 · answered by eatcarrots 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's a silly attitude for a teacher - she should do some research and either admit she was wrong or prove to you otherwise.She should also appreciate having a good student like you who doesn't sleep right through class.
She is apparently not a good teacher.
Having said all that - a word of caution. I recently asked the following question - ' Is the carbon diamonds are made of organic or inorganic' ?
The correct answer was : 'It depends on who you ask' .
Geologist and chemistry teacher.
2007-10-03 12:39:34 · answer #3 · answered by Shark 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Out of curiosity, what is her source? What does your text say? BTW, from what I've read, you are right, but it would still be interesting to know why she is so adamently clinging to her opinion.
But truly, you cannot just let it go without addressing your question at all, because then you are not truly sure of what you are learning. Is it true or not? It may not make a difference in her class if you learn "chemistry according to Mrs. Whomever," but it will down the road when you start pulling the wrong facts from your brain and looking foolish.
2007-09-27 12:43:12 · answer #4 · answered by heartintennessee 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Her sister must work at my school! This one teacher asked me if we could still use a ruler with mm (millimeters) when the experiment asked for cm (centimeters!)
Since these teachers are SO stuborn, you have to leave the info- highlighted on her desk otherwise she will just get angry.
But look what is happening! You are going to the internet and checking the data- how scientific is that! If you can get more kids to to that, then you guys are going to learn a lot more than she can teach!
2007-09-27 18:05:04 · answer #5 · answered by atheleticman_fan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree w/the first poster- leave the information (from several sources) on her desk or in her box. No one is always right all the time. Your teacher sounds like a loser if she's not willing to embrace arguments. That's...you know...a bit part of the whole learning thing you guys are supposed to be doing. :)
2007-09-27 16:59:27 · answer #6 · answered by elizabeth_ashley44 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How conveniant, the same thing happend to me. My advice is to either show her/him written proof or just say whats on your mind becuase if you do, the teacher will probably just help you and in her mind shell be saying you know what this student has the courage and smartness to confront me with this. Hope that helps
2007-09-27 10:56:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a teacher and not always great at spelling....one day when teaching my fourth grade class, a kid quietly came up and said.."MRS..____ You spelled ____wrong....." I looked and agreed and thanked him. I told the class that even teachers make mistakes......and we all have our little faults.....tell her in a nice way
2007-09-27 11:47:06 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make an appointment to talk with the Principal, quickly before she confuses people forever.
2007-09-27 10:55:29 · answer #9 · answered by Kraig P 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't tell her. Either let it go or leave the website refs on her desk. There's absolutely no point in making sure that she knows you're right.
2007-09-27 10:53:58 · answer #10 · answered by Lex 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋