Navigating Educational Challenges: When Effective Teaching Fails
As a parent, it's every parent's nightmare: watching your child struggle with a subject due to an ineffective teacher. So, how do you address the issue and ensure your child does not fall behind?
Addressing the Problem: From Teacher to Governors
When faced with an ineffective teacher, it's important to handle the situation professionally and progressively. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do:
Speak to the Teacher: Begin by discussing the issue with the teacher directly. Perhaps the teacher is having difficulty, or there may be a communication gap. Use this opportunity to express your concerns and ask for ways to improve the teaching approach.
Engage with the Head Teacher: If the initial conversation with the teacher does not resolve the issue, take your concerns to the head teacher. They can provide additional insight and may be able to intervene or suggest alternative strategies.
Contact the School Governors: If the head teacher's response is unsatisfactory, escalate the matter to the school governors. They are responsible for overseeing the school's operations and can take necessary actions to address the issue.
However, it's important to remember that not all issues can be resolved internally. If, after these steps, you still believe that the teachers are not taking the necessary steps to help your child, consider external options. Unfortunately, sometimes the best course of action may be to find a different school environment, which can come with its own set of challenges, such as potential bullying.
A Punctual Example: My Experience in High School
For me, this scenario played out quite differently during my high school years. Back then, I was a bright student, but I didn't apply myself fully and managed to get an A-B average. My math skills were particularly strong, as I was two years ahead of my grade level when I entered freshman year.
The situation took a turn for the worse when a new law required staff members who were coaches to also be teachers. The solution? They chose our longstanding football and track coach to teach a math class. This was a big problem. The coach had no experience with teaching and simply read from the math book in class. He could not explain concepts or provide alternative examples to help students understand.
The initial class ended with me receiving a D. The following year, I was forced to retake the class. Unfortunately, the new teacher was on the verge of retirement, so his teaching style was even less effective. He assigned many problems for us to work on our own, promising to go over it the next day if anyone had questions. This meant we were typically taught how to solve problems only after turning in our assignments. It was not a productive learning environment, and majority of my classmates struggled, which led to berated scores.
After reflection, this situation made me realize that effective teaching methods are crucial. If a majority of students are not learning with a particular method, it might be worthwhile to try a different approach. Sadly, these two teachers convinced me that my math skills weren't strong, and my interest in architecture was derailed.
While it's vital to address these issues internally, it's also important to question the organization's priorities. Keeping a football coach at the expense of hiring a capable teacher is not always the best decision for the student body. In my opinion, the football team's performance suffered, as we only won one game during my senior year.
It's crucial for parents, teachers, and school authorities to work collaboratively to ensure that every student receives the effective teaching and support they need to succeed in their academic journey.