Yesterday was the start of this new career, this new life that I am beginning. I am leaving the world of dry, boring, automotive engineering in pursuit of the ever changing days that are teaching.
The first day was a fairly typical day based on all of my experiences (which are only those of a student). Don Yeatts really focused on putting the students at ease. We talked initially about making the students feel as if physics is not that hard. This goes against all of their preconceived notions. I could tell that they believed that since there is math and science involved, it will automatically be difficult. However, Yeatts goes on to say that physics is actually the most basic science that exists. It focuses on the "why" of science.
We went on to discuss that there are many levels of physics, but each level is not due to complexity, it is merely a result of how accurate the outcome must be. Calculus is only involved if accuracy is needed. The faces quickly became relaxed and more comfortable.
Yeatts' move that would throw people the most came when the class clown was involved. I consider myself to be a bit of a punster, but this guy was over the top and lewd. Don did not even flinch. I thought that he was letting his behavior go, showing the class that this was acceptable.
Once he was finished with the syllabus and moved to the short in class assignment, he went over to the student that was causing the scene. I went over because I thought he was going to address the outbursts and I was interested to see how he handled it. He did more than handle it... he did something unthinkable. He got to know the student. He asked him questions about sports that he plays and then asked him about where he lives. He made several connections between himself and the student. They ended up laughing and saying a few quick one liners.
I asked him after the class about the situation and the fact that it goes against the typical behavior control methods of nipping the problem early. He only stated, "You always want the students on your side."
That was all I needed to hear, I understood where Don was coming from... but more importantly the student did as well.
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Hey, Phil, I concur with your mentor. I think half of the battle in teaching Physics will be reducing the students anxiety. Sounds like your mentor is on it.
ReplyDeletePhil, it's really hard for me to see you ever being in the boring world of automotive engineering. You're too vibrant to be doing something boring!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing how your teacher handled that situation. That definitely would not have been my first instinct on how address the student but I connect with it. What your teacher did is a little sneak peak into the wisdom we can look forward to gaining form our experiences with our mentors.