State of General Educ LO6708

Jcds@aol.com
Mon, 15 Apr 1996 09:07:39 -0400

Replying to LO6682 --

In a message dated 96-04-15 02:25:32 EDT, you write:

> This discussion brings to mind a study I heard about asking teachers
> what their main problems were in the school systems. The interesting
> thing about the study was the same questions were asked in 1960, and
> then again in 1990.
>
> In 1960, the main problems were, running in the halls, chewing gum,
> slamming and mistreating locker doors. Move thirty years forward to
> 1990, and the main problems were, teenage pregnancy, drugs & alcohol,
> suicide and violence. Faced with these challenges, it's surprising
> that teachers can teach at all.

I had expected that the teachers would have identified more substantive
obstacles. Those of us who teach - whether our students are youngsters or
corporate execs know that the student shows up with ALL their stuff and
are there to be taught albeit reluctantly in some cases.

I have found that it is often the most burdened student who is seeking the
most and frequently benefits the most from my efforts.

Teaching is one of the toughest jobs in the world and when it looks easy
the teacher is really working at it - it is also the most rewarding.

Although my students are now executives I really don't find the skills
needed, the attention needed or the level of my commitment any less than
when I was working with youngsters who carried all the baggage you
mentioned in your post - nor do I find it any less distracting -staying
focused is the main task of the teacher, giving is the strategy.

JC. Dixon
MatchPlay...because change is inevitable, growth is optional
201-228-7499 fax:201-228-5898

-- 

Jcds@aol.com

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