Today I learned a valuable lesson, or at least I'm in the process of learning a valuable lesson.
The lesson:
It's ok to have very high standards; just don't beat yourself up over it if you don't meet them.
Also, it's ok to challenge your students with those same high standards; just make sure that they understand that you're going to help them rise to the occasion after you've knocked them down a little.
How this all came about is a little interesting.
I was really off my teaching game today. I was so worried about the shear volume of stuff that we needed to cover today that I forgot that sometimes I need to be a little less blunt and a little more diplomatic.
My students have their first assignment due on Friday, and I was scrambling to try and get through as much material as I could so they had all the tools they need. We didn't quite get through it all, but that's not the point. I have to deal with that problem in Thursday's class. Today's problem, or at least I think so, came about when I was laying out the ground rules and my expectations. I figure that it's only fair that that everyone knows the rules before they play the game, mostly so the students know where I stand, what is expected and how they can get there. I believe that being straightforward is the most effective way to get those expectations across. I was maybe too straightforward today. Might have even come across as a crusty bitch....I'm not too sure. Bottom line, I was too distracted with the list of stuff we needed to plow through, that I forgot what it was like to sit in the "student chair".
I explained to them where their grades were likely to land, unless they are able to take the material and go above and beyond. I explained that if they want an exceptional grade, they need to go beyond the notes that I give them and really do some thoughtful application. I challenged them to challenge my expectations and rock my foundation. I hope they understand where I'm coming from.
I explained the situation to my buddy tonight, who has way more life experience than me, and he came up with these words: (or something very similar)
"Dena, you have very high standards; and you know what you're capable of. You probably didn't do as poorly as you think, but because you have such high expectations, when you fall short, you're the first to pick it out, and probably too hard on yourself."
He's right. I do have high standards, very high standards. I don't settle for mediocrity. I shouldn't have to settle for mediocrity. I've always been a very high achiever, and I've worked hard to get where I'm at. Why stop and settle now?
I feel like I should apologize to my class.
We came to a different conclusion....which I think is much, much better. Miles better.
I'm not going to apologize for high standards. I'm not going to apologize for being a straight shooter, and I'm not going to apologize for laying it all out. That's who I am. I don't put up with bullshit.
My standards are very high because I place a lot of value on the ideas, concepts, conventions and philosophies that I teach and practice and they will not be compromised. Somehow, I'm going to have to explain to my students that I set such high standards because I feel that the skills they're going to gain and apply in my class will be incredibly valuable, not just now but for their entire lives. I won't set an expectation that is out of their reach, and I want to challenge my students to meet my high expectations. I may knock them down, but I will also help pick them up and get where they need to go. They just have to meet me halfway.
I think I'm still partially jaded from the group of students I had in my delinquent class last year. I could also be placing a lot of pressure on students that may not be ready for it too. I guess I'll find out on Thursday when they do their mini-speeches. I could just be a neurotic mess too....
I'm sure some of my students will always think that I'm a bitch. I can't please everyone. But, I can try and push them to new levels. They may not like me now, but they'll thank me in the future.
As a teacher I can completely relate. And as a teacher on the brink of Final Exams I completely appreciate your perspective. Lately I've been challenged with the idea of standards. If you set the bar so that everyone succeeds (and perhaps even excells) you help instill self confidence but it is fake confidence because once they step outside of your class they will realize that they were duped into learning watered down content. If you set high standards you are perceived as a bitch (at times) but the students who want to succeed always will and the ones who don't put in the extra will fail. And you are giving them the tools they need to succeed so it's good to challenge their thinking rather to regurgitate random facts you've taught them to memorize.
ReplyDeleteSo here's where I see it if you have no/low standards it's a bandaid solution and no one wins in the end because the students have been babied. If you are up front with them, explain your perspective and reassure the students that you are their ally and not a power-tripping monster the ones who want to succeed really will. Let's face it, not everyone can be good at everything all the time. It's more important to know what you're not good at and what you are good at and use those skills to your advantage.
I think you made the right choice, but remember to stick to your standards throughout the year and always be there to help them out. Don't worry, you'll be awesome.