What should I do?
To provide some background, I want to discuss a particular teacher at my school, whom I’ll refer to as Mrs. Pinkman to protect her identity.
Since the start of the school year, she’s openly stated that she has never studied chemistry, despite teaching the subject, and insists that she’s doing her best.
However, she’s dismissed established theories like Evolution and the Big Bang during her classes, demonstrating a lack of understanding of what these theories actually explain. Additionally, she constantly confuses the scientific method, misunderstanding the term “theory” in science and equating it to “hypothesis.”
Things have improved slightly, but while other classes are already covering concepts like electron configuration, Mrs. Pinkman has only gotten as far as acids and bases.
With the end of the school year approaching, I’m uncertain whether I should speak up about my concerns. In the meantime, I’ve been relying on online resources to supplement what we haven’t covered in class.
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Please excuse any grammatical errors or typos; English isn’t my first language.
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Mods, I’m new to posting, so let me know if I used the wrong flair.
It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation with Mrs. Pinkman as your teacher. It’s great that you’re taking the initiative to seek out additional resources to learn the material, but it’s concerning that you’re not receiving a solid education in chemistry. Here are a few steps you might consider:
Talk to Classmates: Share your concerns with classmates. If they feel similarly, it might help to approach the situation as a group. Sometimes, collective feedback can be more impactful.
Gather Evidence: Document specific instances where you feel the teaching has been inadequate or where misinformation has been presented. This could include noting down topics that were missed or misinterpreted.
Seek Help from Another Teacher: If there’s another science teacher or a trusted faculty member at your school, consider discussing your concerns with them. They might have advice on how to address the situation or could provide additional support.
Speak to a Counselor or Administrator: If you feel comfortable, you might want to share your experiences with a school counselor or an administrator. They can guide you on the best course of action.
Stay Focused on Learning: Continue using online resources and other materials to enhance your understanding of chemistry. This proactive approach will help you succeed academically, regardless of the situation in class.
Consider a Formal Complaint: If the situation doesn’t improve and you feel strongly about it, you could consider filing a formal complaint. This should be a last resort, but it’s an option if you believe it will lead to positive change for future students.
Remember to approach the situation respectfully and focus on your education. It’s admirable that you want to ensure a better learning environment for yourself and your classmates. Good luck!