Today was a good week. I gave a test in my Senior Algebra II class on Wednesday. The overall scores were astounding for these guys. The mean scores for both classes were in the 70s, but apparently, for students of their skill level, a C average is amazing. I personally disagree and think that they can do better, but I will take what I can get for now. There were some very good scores and to see the students' delight when they got thier tests back was heartwarming. I had one student who was almost bouncing in her seat to get her test back because she knew that she had a 98. It was amusing to see how excited she was to get hers back.
I came across a minor wondering during my grading of the tests and my host teacher's reactions towards the scores. How much does a teacher's expectations affect their teaching of the students? Often, educators hear through the grapevine how students act in class, their skill level, etc. As a student teacher though, I do not have that past experience to judge the students by. Does that mean that I automatically hold the students to a higher standard than a regular teacher who has had the student beforehand? Does that lack of previous experience influnce how I teach the students and what I expect of them? I'd be interested in hearing some other opinions from some of my cohorts.
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