Frustration with My Biology Teacher
I’ve had my fair share of teachers, but my biology teacher definitely ranks among the least effective. His teaching consists mainly of repeating what the textbook says, filled with complex jargon that doesn’t really help anyone understand the material. He struggles to explain concepts in his own words, which makes grasping the content that much more difficult.
When he does decide to engage with us, we’re often left to tackle lab assignments on our own, many of which are just copied from the internet. These labs frequently have little to do with our textbook material, and to make matters worse, he hands out AP-level labs despite us not being in an AP Biology class. While we’re trying to navigate our assignments, he stays behind his desk glued to his phone.
As if that weren’t enough, he’s also not approachable. When I do muster the courage to ask him a question, he simply repeats what’s in the textbook, failing to clarify anything. It would be one thing if the classwork prepared us well, but the tests are a different story. They are significantly more challenging than what we’ve covered, and with only 25 minutes for a 25-question test, it’s incredibly difficult to keep up.
Every time, the class average on tests hovers in the low 70s, and he never fails to point it out. I’m putting in so much effort, yet my grade remains frustratingly low. I’m truly at a loss for what to do next.
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re having such a tough time with your biology class. It sounds incredibly frustrating to deal with a teacher who doesn’t seem to engage with the material in a way that helps students understand. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when the tests are significantly harder than the preparation you’re getting in class.
Have you considered talking to him specifically about how you’re feeling? It might be worth expressing how the teaching style and the lab assignments are affecting your understanding. If that feels too daunting, maybe you could reach out to a counselor or another teacher for support and advice on how to navigate the situation.
Additionally, study groups with classmates can also be really beneficial. Sometimes, explaining concepts to each other can help fill in the gaps that aren’t being addressed in class. Using online resources or videos can also offer alternative explanations that might resonate better than the textbook or the way your teacher presents the material.
Remember, you’re not alone in this, and it’s totally valid to seek out the help or resources you need to succeed. Hang in there!