Autopia in the classroom

Hey, Moe! · 02-11-06, 07:21

As some of you know, I am a high school teacher, working mostly with freshmen.

In the 31 years that I have worked at this profession, I have prided myself in being very thorough about taking the time to make my students aware of upcoming tests and quizzes, and spending the time the day before to review. Also, I do a little quick review before the test (gee, maybe like a little QD), and ask if anyone has questions.

I gave a quiz late last week, and I was not happy with the results. Actually, I haven't been happy with the work habits all year.

After thinking about it, I began to realize that they were relying on my review procedures, and not doing much studying on their own. Sort of like trying to build a house without a foundation.

In my mind, I was searching for a way to get this point across. I wasn't going to rant and rave. As much as it seems like the way to go, yelling at teenagers for the most part does not produce results.

Suddenly, I realized that what they were doing was akin to trying to put an LSP on a car that had not been prepped.

I couldn't explain it in Autopian terms to them, but my mind got going, and I said, "What you are trying to do is the same as trying to put wax on a dirty, dull, dingy car."

I noticed heads nodding throughout the room. And there am I, thinking, "Here's your sign!"

When you really think about it, proper car care procedures really do parallel proper procedures in a lot of life's pathways, doesn't it?

flatstick · 02-12-06, 03:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey, Moe!

As some of you know, I am a high school teacher, working mostly with freshmen.

In the 31 years that I have worked at this profession, I have prided myself in being very thorough about taking the time to make my students aware of upcoming tests and quizzes, and spending the time the day before to review. Also, I do a little quick review before the test (gee, maybe like a little QD), and ask if anyone has questions.

I gave a quiz late last week, and I was not happy with the results. Actually, I haven't been happy with the work habits all year.

After thinking about it, I began to realize that they were relying on my review procedures, and not doing much studying on their own. Sort of like trying to build a house without a foundation.

In my mind, I was searching for a way to get this point across. I wasn't going to rant and rave. As much as it seems like the way to go, yelling at teenagers for the most part does not produce results.

Suddenly, I realized that what they were doing was akin to trying to put an LSP on a car that had not been prepped.

I couldn't explain it in Autopian terms to them, but my mind got going, and I said, "What you are trying to do is the same as trying to put wax on a dirty, dull, dingy car."

I noticed heads nodding throughout the room. And there am I, thinking, "Here's your sign!"

When you really think about it, proper car care procedures really do parallel proper procedures in a lot of life's pathways, doesn't it?

Well I must say that is a unique approach. wish you were teaching where my kids go to school. to say study habits are bad is being kind. I tell our kids that they have it made when it comes to information. we had to go the library for info, they just turn on the PC. good luck and I appreciate the fact that there are some teaches who are willing to help our students learn. keep up the good work.

BlackSunshine · 02-13-06, 04:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatstick

Well I must say that is a unique approach. wish you were teaching where my kids go to school. to say study habits are bad is being kind. I tell our kids that they have it made when it comes to information. we had to go the library for info, they just turn on the PC. good luck and I appreciate the fact that there are some teaches who are willing to help our students learn. keep up the good work.

My problem in college was I would always turn on the PC when it was time to study, and I'm not talking about the personal computer.

flatstick · 02-13-06, 04:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackSunshine

My problem in college was I would always turn on the PC when it was time to study, and I'm not talking about the personal computer.

now that is a hands on approach to studying

Accumulator · 02-13-06, 08:01

Hey, Moe!- Yeah, that was a good approach, cool way to engage them. My wife and I used car-stuff analogies all the time, including car-control lessons from driving schools.

And yeah#2, there *IS* a lack of fundamental critical thinking skills among young people today; they seem sorta clueless about how to really learn things, no real assimilation and synthesis going on.