I hate chemistry!
I know a little of it but not much.
I did take chemistry in high school. The following was my typical day in chem class:
(note: this period was interrupted by lunch)
11:35- the bell rings
11:41-11:53- Nap time!
11:53- Lunch Bell
11:55- 12:15- Lunch
12:15- Bell (signifying the end of lunch)
12:15- 12:20- I gather leftover oranges from lunchroom
12:20- 12:45- I juggle oranges until they all drop and bust and I can no longer continue
12:45- Class dismissed
That was an everyday schedule for me in chemistry. I failed that class.
By reading that you may think that I was a class clown. However, that was not the case. I never (almost never) got into trouble in high school. I stayed pretty quiet and was certainly not Mr. popularity.
In fact what I was doing in the back of the room with oranges was pretty standard for that class. I received no attention for the antics I displayed in chem class.
My teacher simply did not care what went on as long as she did not get in trouble. She was an older teacher who would retire just one year after I had her and had basically had enough with playing the game.
I was not a bad student. Had she told me to sit down I would have. I did not juggle oranges in any other class in my school history.
What was the exception with this class?
The expectation of the teacher.
Ms. Chem Class Teacher did not care how I behaved and so neither did I. I learned a few things about my teacher as do all students.
I learned two things in chemistry class that has stuck with me. One, I learned how to juggle. Two, I learned she did not care about me or about the quality of her work/teaching.
Had I ever gotten a real interest in chemistry, which I didn't, I would not have wanted to go to her for help.
It should not be that way. Our students should be able to come to their teacher. Show your students that you care about them rather they care about you or your class.
If you do this then you should not have to worry about a student in the back f class learning how to juggle with oranges.
