Many of these teachers had completely different approaches to teaching, yet
they were all effective. They didn't realize they were using different
strategies at different times, but they were. In addition they were positive
with their students, letting them know they could do the work. It might take
more time for some to learn but they could do it. They also believed in, and
loved, what they were doing. Later, as I took education classes, names were
given to the different approaches I saw.
Today, as I look back from my position as a grandmother with many years under
my belt, I am surprised at how many students CAN read. When I was a child
there was no teaching of the child now in Special Education. They became the
school dropouts. When a school setup, such as that in the US, tries to
include everyone some of those students won't learn to read. However, when I
look at my dyslexic son-in-law I am glad he was in our "current" system. His
father was not. This young man is an independent trucker running a thriving
business. His business is growing and he hires others to work for him when
the need arises. He has finished high school and earned quite a few college
credits. His father can barely read street signs. He is not an exceptional
reader but he does much more than he could have forty years ago. He is also
good in math. I see people look to go back to the basics and I look at how
far advanced the students are today, from where they were when I graduated in
the 60's. I look at my older students, some of them older than me, and we
talk about learning in those "good old days." For many of us it was a lot
more mechanical than it is today. We weren't taught ratio, but given a
series of steps to memorize. We weren't taught to use a unit fraction to
convert measurements but had to memorize when to multiply and when to divide.
Finding a least common denominator was strictly a process of finding
multiples and checking them. Today we can teach them to find it using prime
factors. We can teach them why instead of just what. Part of this revolution
is due to the calculator, which allows us to explore new avenues of learning.
I realize I've been digressing from the topics but wanted to put something
positive into the discussion and give some kudos to all those effective
teachers who are toiling away every day; those who are contributing to this
discussion and trying to become even better.
MaryLiz Pierce
GateWay Community College
Phoenix, AZ
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