Karen::
This is written from the high school view point: MAS
>What pushed my button, honestly, probably has to do with my own school
>experiences. I never, not in elementary school, or any other kind of school,
>had a teacher to tried to build self-esteem, hand-held, or rubber stamped
>anything.
< self-esteem concerns are not something to be dismissed with
>anger, contempt, or sarcasm. > NEVER, EVER. This is cruelty. Self
>esteem is confidence and can be developed.
>>My best friend in high school ran away from home. At the time, she
>cited academic pressure. Happens in many situations because parents and
>teachers evolve their expectations which in a sense are an extension of
>their own egos, achievement (or lack of same) and the kid can't face them.
>THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT IT IS RIGHT.
The K-12 educational experiece is fraught with problems. Not the least
that teachers are dealing with
young students who have minimal science training, (as do the teachers). All
(teachers and students ) are dealing with developmental issues. Teaching
and learning is a issue of understanding a concept, testing it, and then
going back to basics to learn, relearn, and examine (real basics). Having
been an AP Bio teacher, there is no reason to demean a student, but there
is every reason to draw them into discussion, and show them fallacies--so
many myths exist in science teaching (I dare not even get started on this
one), the myths may be generated by either student or teacher.
Teachers have to moderate, facilitate and build concepts, as in high school
we are usually dealing with students who do not have extensive background
in the subject matter. It is a matter of leading not destroying the
student.
I have had to review my own personal philosophy regarding AP subjects.
Bluntly I consider that in many cases the teacher (unless they are deep
into adolescent psychology) may be on a ego trip and sees that they have
the opportunity to present a subject (whatever it is) at a higher level
than usual. It is dangerous to fall into the trap of criticism rather than
critique. The end point of my personal belief is that is far better to
teach, and lead students at theHS level into knowledge therefore I
personally dislike the AP concept. Yes, and this has a great deal to do
with my own experiences as a teacher and principal. In 40 years in
education, I have personallly seen only about 5 AP teachers who had
respect for the student, were able to critique rather than brutally
criticise, These were and are people of profound ability and their
students have proven it. These teachers evoked learning and did not
drive a student to suicide (which has happened) because of an AP Grade.
An adolescent has far too much on his/her plate than to be faced with an
ego driven teacher. Karen, I apologize for your experiences even though
you admittedly "learned". The price seems to have been excessive.
Mary Ann
Mary Ann Sesma e -mail
1621 Sunnyhill Drive msesma at bell.k12.ca.us (preferred)
Monterey Park, CA 91754 sesma at aol.com
phone; (323)261-5860
fax:(323)261-8692
