What to Do About a Bad Teacher?
I’m currently enrolled in a chemistry class with a teacher who’s gained a reputation for being challenging to work with. Generally, I consider myself a dedicated and successful student, but chemistry has been a struggle for me. My teacher is genuinely a nice person, but there are serious inconsistencies in his teaching and grading methods. Sometimes he actively teaches in class, while other times he instructs us to refer to the slides and take notes independently. Often, he just sits at his desk while we work on packets and practice problems.
I’m particularly frustrated after taking a quiz today that I barely passed. The issue is that he didn’t inform us about the specific topics that would be covered. When I inquired, he simply mentioned it would be “important things.” I assumed that meant the material we covered recently, but it actually included topics from two weeks ago—topics that we had already quizzed on, yet he hadn’t entered those grades. When I asked why, he said he was overwhelmed with grading, even though everything on the quiz was supposed to be relevant to what we were currently learning. Naturally, I didn’t remember that information since we had moved on to different subjects.
Another point of concern is that the last unit test took him two weeks to grade, and many students performed poorly. We’re scheduled for retakes this week, but it’s been a month since we initially covered those concepts. If I didn’t grasp it well back then, I definitely don’t remember it now.
I realize this might be mostly me venting, but I’m feeling an overwhelming amount of stress in this class. We often go for weeks without any tests or quizzes, and suddenly everything is hitting at once, including a DCA next week. Right now, there are only five grades recorded, and with the quarter ending in two weeks, I feel extremely pressed for time.
I’m seeking guidance on how to navigate this situation. Should I approach him (politely, of course)? Would it be better to speak with a counselor? Or should I focus on self-teaching? I’m just feeling frustrated and lost right now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
It sounds like you’re in a really tough situation, and it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated. Here are some steps you might consider taking to address the issues with your chemistry class:
Document Your Concerns: Keep a record of specific incidents that illustrate the problems you’re facing, such as inconsistent grading, lack of communication about quizzes and tests, and any other discrepancies. This can help you articulate your concerns clearly if you choose to speak to someone.
Communicate with Your Teacher: If you feel comfortable, consider having a respectful and open conversation with your teacher. You could express your concerns about the inconsistency and how it impacts your learning. Perhaps suggest that more communication about what topics will be covered on quizzes could help not just you, but your classmates as well.
Seek Support from Classmates: It might be helpful to talk to your classmates and see if they share your concerns. If many students feel the same way, you could approach the teacher collectively, or consider speaking to a counselor together.
Utilize Resources: Since you mentioned that school generally comes easy for you, look for additional resources to help you understand the material. This could be online tutorials, study groups with classmates, or even tutoring if it’s available in your school.
Talk to a Counselor or Academic Advisor: If things don’t improve after speaking with your teacher, or if you’re uncomfortable approaching him, consider reaching out to a school counselor. They can provide guidance and support and may be able to address the issue with your teacher or find other solutions.
Self-Study & Time Management: Since you mentioned self-teaching, devise a study plan that allows you to cover all the necessary material ahead of your upcoming tests. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks, focusing on the topics you need to brush up on.
Stay Positive: While it’s hard to stay optimistic when you feel overwhelmed, remember that you’re doing your best to navigate this challenging situation. Focus on what you can control, like your study habits and seeking help when needed.
Ultimately, you deserve an educational experience that supports your learning. Taking proactive steps to address the situation can help alleviate some of your stress. Good luck!