Tuesday, January 22, 2013

I could be a teacher

Yeah, I've got the education method down to 8 easy steps:
  1. At the start of the unit, hand out "note taking aids" that pretty much cover what's going to be on the test, so all the kids have to do is fill in the blanks when they hear me saying something that's on their paper.
  2. Make sure to only talk about what's on the "note taking aid" unless the kids want to talk about football or movies or something.  Just in case they don't notice that what I'm saying is on their note sheet, I can tell them "This is in your notes."
  3. Give a review right before the test with exactly the same material that's going to be on the test, so the kids don't waste any time learning something that may not be on the test.
  4. Give the test.  If possible, make it multiple choice, with at least one choice that is obviously not the answer.
  5. Grade the test.
  6. Hand the test back and allow anyone who wants to retake the test.  Make sure the second test is exactly the same as the first test.
  7. At the end of the term, throw in some extra credit points for attending a softball game or the school play, or even just "for being you."
  8. Make sure to point out that I've never had a class that scored so highly.  "You guys are the smartest class EVER!"
It may not be the same everywhere, but I just had a discussion with a high school kid here in Utah... and that is exactly how at least one class goes.

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