Re: [MATHEDCC] Just a question.

MATH4FOBIX@AOL.COM
Thu, 19 Nov 1998 19:36:22 EST

I've been off-line for a few days and came back to see this long discussion.
I feel that I am one of the lucky ones. One of the classes I have now is the
best I've ever had in overall grade level. The others vary. The pattern I
have seen is not so much one of initial preparation as it is the maturity of
my students. I am fortunate to work with a school which aims at working
adults, though it provides a full range of courses. It is relatively small,
with only three full time people teaching Math and one of these teaches all
physics classes offered. When I get a class of mature students they work
harder and smarter. While most of my evening students are in this category,
my day students may not be. However, even my slowest mature students work
better than my sharpest immature students -- regardless of age. They ask
questions constantly and do what is needed to learn.

Also, I specify clearly what I expect of them and have found that this helps
them a lot -- especially with the less mature of the group. Logical
consequences work wonders with them.

MaryLIz Pierce
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