This blog is my attempt to keep the lines of communication open with students and parents. I will post things here from time to time to keep you informed about my class, and about teaching and learning in general. Please check back occasionally to see what's new!
Last week I shared this article with my classes and we discussed it afterwards. The article discussed the differences between an eastern and western mindset when it comes to achievement in school. Please read the article, but I will try to summarize:
In Western culture, we tend to emphasize the "final answer", and have a tendency to relate academic success with a student's intelligence ("You got a good grade on that, aren't you so smart!"). Eastern culture, however, tends to embrace the struggle, and considers learning and success a process involving hard work ("You did well in that competition because you worked so hard for it!").
I was very impressed with the conversations that we had. We talked about the advantages and disadvantages of each way of thinking. We talked about the pressures of the "western" way of thinking, how there seems to be an emphasis on getting things right the first time. We discussed the pressure for grades, and how my grading policy fits with the topics discussed in the article.
I shared this article with my students and now with you for a reason. I think it sheds some light on my own philosophy about teaching and learning. One phrase I can be heard saying often in my class is "If you aren't confused yet, you probably aren't trying hard enough!". There are only two groups of people that aren't confused by material we are covering in class: those who already get it and those who don't care to get it. I try to encourage students to embrace the confusion, and that it's OK, as long as they are trying to work their way out of it.
Another phrase I use frequently is "If you knew it already, it wouldn't be learning!". Too many students think that if they don't "get" or understand something right away, that they never will, or that it's too hard. I remind them that they didn't always know how to walk either. But they kept trying, made a LOT of mistakes (I'm sure you parents can attest to that!), and eventually figured it out. I hope that they have the same perseverance with physics!
We are at a time of the school year when students come to parents, counselors and to me saying things like "physics is too hard", "I just don't get it". That's probably because for a lot of my students school has always come easy. However, I think we can all agree that they should get used to the struggle because college, career, family and life can be way harder! If your student comes to you with these claims, ask them what they did to overcome the confusion. Have they completed their assignments? Asked questions in class? Take notes? Did they seek help from a classmate or study buddy? Did they come in to get extra help from Mr. Mason? Did they seek online resources (like those that I have collected under the Useful Links tab of this webpage or the online curriculum for the AP class). In many cases, they have not. Encourage them to try everything before giving up!
Please read the article "Struggle For Smarts" and feel free to comment below. And as always, contact me with any questions or concerns.
Have a great week!
R. Mason
Last week I shared this article with my classes and we discussed it afterwards. The article discussed the differences between an eastern and western mindset when it comes to achievement in school. Please read the article, but I will try to summarize:
In Western culture, we tend to emphasize the "final answer", and have a tendency to relate academic success with a student's intelligence ("You got a good grade on that, aren't you so smart!"). Eastern culture, however, tends to embrace the struggle, and considers learning and success a process involving hard work ("You did well in that competition because you worked so hard for it!").
I was very impressed with the conversations that we had. We talked about the advantages and disadvantages of each way of thinking. We talked about the pressures of the "western" way of thinking, how there seems to be an emphasis on getting things right the first time. We discussed the pressure for grades, and how my grading policy fits with the topics discussed in the article.
I shared this article with my students and now with you for a reason. I think it sheds some light on my own philosophy about teaching and learning. One phrase I can be heard saying often in my class is "If you aren't confused yet, you probably aren't trying hard enough!". There are only two groups of people that aren't confused by material we are covering in class: those who already get it and those who don't care to get it. I try to encourage students to embrace the confusion, and that it's OK, as long as they are trying to work their way out of it.
Another phrase I use frequently is "If you knew it already, it wouldn't be learning!". Too many students think that if they don't "get" or understand something right away, that they never will, or that it's too hard. I remind them that they didn't always know how to walk either. But they kept trying, made a LOT of mistakes (I'm sure you parents can attest to that!), and eventually figured it out. I hope that they have the same perseverance with physics!
We are at a time of the school year when students come to parents, counselors and to me saying things like "physics is too hard", "I just don't get it". That's probably because for a lot of my students school has always come easy. However, I think we can all agree that they should get used to the struggle because college, career, family and life can be way harder! If your student comes to you with these claims, ask them what they did to overcome the confusion. Have they completed their assignments? Asked questions in class? Take notes? Did they seek help from a classmate or study buddy? Did they come in to get extra help from Mr. Mason? Did they seek online resources (like those that I have collected under the Useful Links tab of this webpage or the online curriculum for the AP class). In many cases, they have not. Encourage them to try everything before giving up!
Please read the article "Struggle For Smarts" and feel free to comment below. And as always, contact me with any questions or concerns.
Have a great week!
R. Mason