As always, I have been enlightened by the discussion of teaching and the midterm breaks. As a high school teacher the attempts to promote learning and intrinsic reward are next to impossible, not because of the structure of the class, or the teacher, but because the system itself tends to come in direct conflict with the goals of teaching. Students who are repeat defenders and arrive late, may or may not get punished, depending on how busy the discp. principal is. Attempts by HS teachers to earn respect by giving choices are usually not commended, or rewarded but criticized. Because they require additional time by the teacher themselves, or more effort from the administration (which is already overburdened), or even worse no support from the parent. We live in a cultural that is all about self-gain, and self-reward. Getting an A is no longer a reward, in fact, in some situations it is a discredit. Giving choices, in my classroom, has been the best I can do. However, these choices have some opportunity cost, (as do my choices). I don't believe it is the method used to construct the classroom, it is in the delivery. I am no longer shocked by the attitude of students, but see it as an extension of the culture and my job is to teach the student that any culture always has choices and each one comes with cost. Hopefully, they will learn to balance the cost with the outcome. (not always easily done). But, no matter, how you choose, as the instructor to demonstrate this, you are still reflecting the culture. As a wanna be sociologist, I have attempted to accept the values, norms of the generation, and hopefully teach them to learn the values and rewards of the adult generation. So, thank you Dr. Roberts, once again for your insight and to all the list members, who continually attempt to better themselves. Whether you call it a choice or a punishment, it is still in the hands of the student and as long as they are made aware of the terms, they may choose. For the instructor who makes the choices impossible, they will fail by the reaction of the class. Simply put, power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. You are all doing terrific.
Diane L. Bryant
