As someone hoping to be a teacher of English, Literature someday, I hope to improve our existing education system. Yes, there are problems with it, but there is also room for improvement. I believe to get our education system to "perfection", we need to let our students individually decide what they are interested in, and teach for the sake of teaching, not for the sake of passing a test.
I have always hated it when teachers enter a classroom, telling their students that a test is coming up and if they are not prepared they will definitely fail. What is the point of that? All that does is add stress. And say that a few kids managed to memorize everything the teacher threw at them, and pass the test with flying colors. Doesn't mean they learned anything, it just means they know what the teacher wants to see. Why can't teachers come to class excited about what they will be teaching that day? Why can't teachers make their class something to look forward to? Are you telling me that teachers willing put themselves through years of classes and training just so they can hate their job? No! I believe every teacher is passionate about their subject, but some just don't know how to show it. Instead, they focus on how they can prepare tests, or how many points their students can earn in their class. What is the point of a stressful class? For example, I used to love reading and writing until I took an A.P. American Literature class. My teacher seemed to enjoy watching me fail! Every time he handed back a test or an essay, there would be red marks all over it! But did he ever ask me to see him so that he can find out why I am struggling? Did he ever take interest in what was going on in my life? Did he ever even ask why I was struggling? Nope! He just sat there and let it happen! After that I started losing interest in reading and writing, it took a really good teacher who helped me understand my mistakes for me to take an interest again. But that teacher hadn't been there for me, I would have dropped Literature. That's the problem with our education system. It's all so point based, and when you fail you feel so ashamed.
To fix this, I think we should follow Finland's lead and make school less stressful. In Finland, students don't stress about homework because they hardly get any, tests are not the only way to prove your intelligence, and teachers are much more lenient when it comes to grades. Why can't we be like that?
Inspired by: Teacher from Nick Capo
I have always hated it when teachers enter a classroom, telling their students that a test is coming up and if they are not prepared they will definitely fail. What is the point of that? All that does is add stress. And say that a few kids managed to memorize everything the teacher threw at them, and pass the test with flying colors. Doesn't mean they learned anything, it just means they know what the teacher wants to see. Why can't teachers come to class excited about what they will be teaching that day? Why can't teachers make their class something to look forward to? Are you telling me that teachers willing put themselves through years of classes and training just so they can hate their job? No! I believe every teacher is passionate about their subject, but some just don't know how to show it. Instead, they focus on how they can prepare tests, or how many points their students can earn in their class. What is the point of a stressful class? For example, I used to love reading and writing until I took an A.P. American Literature class. My teacher seemed to enjoy watching me fail! Every time he handed back a test or an essay, there would be red marks all over it! But did he ever ask me to see him so that he can find out why I am struggling? Did he ever take interest in what was going on in my life? Did he ever even ask why I was struggling? Nope! He just sat there and let it happen! After that I started losing interest in reading and writing, it took a really good teacher who helped me understand my mistakes for me to take an interest again. But that teacher hadn't been there for me, I would have dropped Literature. That's the problem with our education system. It's all so point based, and when you fail you feel so ashamed.
To fix this, I think we should follow Finland's lead and make school less stressful. In Finland, students don't stress about homework because they hardly get any, tests are not the only way to prove your intelligence, and teachers are much more lenient when it comes to grades. Why can't we be like that?
Inspired by: Teacher from Nick Capo
Mudita, I can hear your passion through your words! I agree that teaching/learning can't just be about points, tests, and grades. Your post is a great reminder that when students are struggling, the best way to help is for the teacher to ask why. I know you will be that teacher for your students!
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