cooperation

From: John Bernard <jbernard@direct.ca>
Subject: cooperation
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 20:40:21 -0800

Hello Whoever is reading this;

I teach in an 'accredited post secondary education situation' for adults
between 17 and up to fifty and 60 years of age.  Because of this variety of
ages I see many situations arise as to how people of different ages relate
and respond to diverse teaching approaches.

There are many criticisms about public school systems and possibly some
with merit.  I think I have a good idea of what the ideal teaching
situation would be but it seems that there are two basic points that the
teaching fraternity and society tend to forget..  They are; how do we make
the best with what we've got, and society isn't preparing their children
for school and supprting the school system.

I am fascinated at how people of differnt ages respond to different
learning environments.  Older sutdents are out for a career change and are
very goal oriented and generally are higher achievers.  Younger students
require so much guidance that they tend to sap teaching resources and use a
disporptionate amount of class time.

As far as I'm concerned, too much time has to be spent trying to conduct a
class (plus discipine) and make it entertaining for the students.  A lot
of effort goes into making things entertaining because students don't
appreciate the effort put into their education.

John Bernard