Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Sickness Problem by Dominic House
The past week I have been sick and have been forced to miss a couple days of school. When waking up in the morning my first thoughts are, " Oh God, now I have all this make-up work to do that I won't understand." Why is it that most teachers don't spend time helping their students whom miss days understand what they missed? "Read" is what they say. But do they not understand that textbooks tend to be confusing? Essentially, you're forced to go to school at the risk of getting those around you sick if you truly want to learn what you would have otherwise missed that day. Should it be the responsibility of the students to learn when they get sick? It's not their fault that an illness falls upon them. Its not to say that there are those out there who fake being but should it come at the expense of those who are? An initiative should take place in which teachers spend time in their prep period to teach those students what they missed. Is it too much to ask? Discovery to learn even when sick.
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Dominic,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your desire to learn and I know your education is serious business for you. But you have to remember that most teachers have 175 students and prep periods are spent preparing lessons, making copies, contacting parents, and grading that there's little time left. I am not sure what the solution is, but I do know that most are trying their best - teachers and students. Hope you are all better soon!
Mrs. Elliott
I agree, Dominic. Whenever I'm sick those thoughts pop into my mind too. Personally, I hate missing my math class when I'm sick. Math is one of my more difficult subjects and when you miss a couple days the classwork and homework just pile up! Luckily, the majority of my teachers are very understanding. I think that is what defines a great teacher: someone who is willing to take a little extra time out of their day/personal time to help out those students who need it. (Luckily for me, my math teacher tutors four out of the five school days). I definitely understand your problem but overall I think most of the teachers at Los Osos deal with problems such as these appropriately.
ReplyDelete-Shelby F.
I really relate to this, but you have to understand that it is going to be the same in the "real" world too. I know that I have to tough it up when I'm sick and have to work because if I don't I personally loose money and it causes conflict with having to switch shifts and getting behind on stocking and other aspects in retail. I totally wish things were different too because I know how much I personally hate text books, but maybe teachers are just subconciously preparing us for what is to come?
ReplyDelete-Keana M.
Sometimes, no amount of reading can replace a good class session, and sometimes it's vice versa. Sometimes, what's confusing in class can be better understood when read on your own. It all depends a great deal on the subject, the sub topic, etc. I definitely agree with your idea that simply telling us to "read" cannot replace them teaching and explaining it to us themselves, as we cannot ask a book questions like we can ask a teacher/instructor.
ReplyDelete-Nick B.
I have the most respect for teachers. And I am certainly not discounting those that have busy schedules and do their up-most best to help all of their students. But sometimes it is obvious when it is an inconvenience for them. Fortunately this year, I do not have a teacher like that but I know in the best of some teachers how I feel could have helped a tad bit more. But thankfully the majority are dedicated and work to help students no matter when.
ReplyDeleteWell its not part of the teachers job to help a student catch up even if they were sick. And we are thankful for those who do try to help, but many do not want to spend the time doing it. So ask a friend in their spare time to help you. Teachers are not the only ones who can teach.
ReplyDelete-A.Mouser
I understand where you are coming from, there have been many times where I have been sick, but I have still csme to school because having to deal with the make up work would not have been worth it. However, I do understand why teachers do not take the time to help each student individually because they missed a day. They have enough work as it is and they do not have enough time to teach everyone individually. I know you said that it wasn't you're fault that you are sick, so they should help you. However, it is not their fault either.
ReplyDelete-C. Rodriguez
As a student who also misses school for various reasons including sickness, I understand your point. I believe high school should somewhat be like college. In college, the professors have office hours to answer any questions that students may have, and in fact, they have more students then any teacher at Los Osos High School. I do agree that your idea of having teachers teach during their prep period is a smart idea, even if they have to prepare their lessons. I realize that teachers have a life outside of teaching, but if they truly wanted each and every one of their students to succeed, they would do anything to help them; I believe teaching or even tutoring during these prep periods is a genius idea. Great work!
ReplyDelete~ Simon L.
I completely agree with this. The idea of staying home from school may seem fun at first but once you go back the next day and realize everything that you missed, it a terrible feeling. Makes it even worse when its an extended period of time. --richard hubert
ReplyDeleteThat same thought lingers in mind whenever I miss a day from school. It's why I rarely do miss school. Make-up work is terrible and going into math class completely lost is never enjoyable but, I definitely agree with Mrs. Elliott. Teachers have so many students and it's not their responsibility to make sure you have all of your assignments and whatnot; they didn't choose for you to be sick either.
ReplyDelete-Bailey
I can totally relate to your dilemma, Dominic, but I have found that I actually HATE having to miss school, which makes me force myself to go. Sometime, teachers will allow you to make appointments with them when you have been absent for a long period of time. Also, if you know you are going to be absent on a certain day, get the work from your teacher ahead of times so that when you come back, you will be up with your classmates on lessons. Also, if you have friends in the classes you are missing, have them help you with the assignments you have missed and get their notes.
ReplyDelete-meredith k.