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Answers to Readers' Questions on Getting Good Grades
Teacher is a Jerk
The following 11 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- Recognized trouble was my behaviour
- Teacher complained to father in front of staff
- Biology teacher doesn't like her
- Believe that teachers hate students
- Teacher locked me out of the building
- My spanish teacher is grading unfairly
- Teacher always nags and calls us fools
- Teacher gave me a lunch detention
- My teacher is picking on me
- Chemistry teacher picks on her
Recognized trouble was my behaviour
Question
August 25, 2008
Hello,
I took your lesson/quiz and it has helped alot but i have trouble with several teachers and i have recognised its my behaviour.A meeting was held with my head of year ( looks after my year) and she spoke with my parents.The things that came up were that i get easily distracted,disruptive,talkative,rude sometimes andd also i am a leader of a group.When they were told to me i was very upset, infact i hated school that much that i never wanted to go ,it was very upsetting. So i have decided to put a stop to it. I would like help but extreme help because its driving me and my parents mad.
Thank you !
Sophie.
Sophie - UK
16405
Answer
They said one thing that was very important, and that is that your are the leader of a group. People with leadership skills, sometimes are so outspoken that they offend and disrupt. It takes discipline to control your skills and be able to use diplomacy, so that you can get along with your teachers and fellow students, as well as to lead them by setting a good example.
It is no fun to have someone point out your faults and to criticize you, especially in front of your parents. But it is also a wake-me-up call and it will help you grow into the type of person that you have the potential of being.
Set some goals of being a leader in your class activities, but do it by being considerate to others and using some good people skills. Someone who is rude to others is just building herself up at the expense of others. It is better to be considerate and have others respect you.
Tell your parents that you are glad the teachers pointed out these things and that you will be doing better in the future. (They may be so shocked!)
Best wishes in improving the situation in school and at home. You have the potential, now just go out and prove it.
Teacher complained to father in front of staff
Question
March 12, 2008
to start off, i hate my media teacher. today in media we were doing film analysis and i didnt read the question on the board which we had to answer. she didnt get too cranky, but because my dad works at the school she told him...infront of nearly the entire staff banging on about me and making reference to my friend. so now my parents are forcing me to avoid him, and basically the entire staff thinks im bad.help me please!
Callum - Australia
15524
Answer
That was highly improper of your teacher to make comments about you to your father in front of the staff. First of all, the media teacher should have reprimanded you in class or afterwards before talking to your parents. That is the accepted way of doing things.
But what is worse is that the teacher embarrassed your father in front of other members of the staff. He may not realize it, but the teacher may have some other motives to do that. I don't think what the teacher did is about you as much as some other issues.
The first thing to do is to apologize to your father for getting him involved in this situation in front of the staff.
The next thing is to realize that you have this teacher for the rest of the term. You want to get through the ordeal with as little trouble as possible, as well as getting a good grade. You might talk to the teacher and tell her that you will try to do better in class. Then keep a low profile for the rest of the term.
Now, it is tough to apologize and make nice, but it certainly is better than fighting the situation. Hopefully, you will be able to readily make it through the class, as well as to keep your friend.
Biology teacher doesn't like her
Question
March 28, 2007
Hello :)
My situation is a little different, OK so maybe my teacher is mean to me because he hates his job, or his boss is a jerk, or whatever..but why take it out on just me?
Biology - I sit with my friends, sure I laugh with them, and that apparently annoys him..but I laugh AND work, and my behaviour isn't bad (Yet he gave me C's in my report for behaviour) I'm quite to authority figures, I don't talk back or anything, yet he's moved me away from my friends to sit on my own twice, and I don't know why. Once I dropped my pen, bent down to pick it up, and he told me to move, and sit on my own. What gets me, is the boys laugh loud and deep and talk and talk and talk and they never get told to move, and my friends laugh too...they never get told off or told to move, so I'm getting picked on and singled out which I don't think is fair. And today, I chuckled because my friend dropped her paper beetles everywhere, and he was like "Laura, pay attention!" GRR
And then that same day, (today) the runner comes in with a note saying "Deans office, now" I've never been asked to see the dean, so I go, and he tells me I'm "Struggling" in Biology (Even though I've only been there one term) And tells me to change out of Biology and into Science, which I haven't taken since fourth form, and surely taking something a term in, that is harder for me, that I don't like, and that I haven't done since fourth form, would be more "Struggling" for me then Biology, which I feel I can cope fine with. Obviously my Biology teacher asked my dean to tell me to change classes, made up a lie, and really just wants me out of his class because he cant stand me for some reason? So my dean sends me off to find the science teacher to ask if I can change into his class, and I can't find him, (Thank god) So, the dean says "Don't go to Biology tomorrow! Come back to my office so we can ask [the science teacher] if I can change into his class. Usually they don't encourage copping and changing classes at my school, only if YOU want to change.
I'm confused, I know my Biology teacher has something against me.
Any advise or help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Laura - New Zealand
13448
Answer
It certainly sounds like your Biology teacher has something against you. It is not only unpleasant, but it can also affect your grades.
Think back to see if you remember talking and joking about him to any of your friends. Sometimes a teacher will overhear something and will take it personal. Also, it is possible someone told him you were joking about him.
But whether he thinks you've been talking about him or that he doesn't like your name or some other stupid reason, that is not the way a good teacher should act.
The big problem is that he doesn't want you in his class. It isn't fair that you will be put in some other class, but also it may be unpleasant for you to stay in his class.
One thing you might do is to talk to your Biology teacher after class and politely say, "I'd like to ask you a question: Why don't you like me? Is there something I did to offend you?" That is a risky thing to do, because he may blow a cork, but you also having nothing to lose, as long as you keep calm and don't argue.
You might also talk to the dean and say that you get the feeling that your Biology teacher doesn't like you. Of course, he will deny it. At least it might make him think about the situation.
Before you do anything, though, talk to your parents about the problem. Let them know what you plan to do. They may or may not want to get involved. Your big concern though is to get through the school year with good grades and not some hassle that can make life miserable.
I hope these ideas help. Good luck, and let me know what happen
Believe that teachers hate students
Question
June 21, 2006
WRONG! Why would one teacher give much more homework than other teachers?
Because she hates the students
*that correct, u just dont know it =)*
What would probably happen if you were disruptive in a lousy teacher's class?
He would get angry and maybe quit his job * that correct, u wrong*
3. Why should you act cordial to a mean teacher?
To infuriate him because he knows you hate him *that right one, u just dont know it, maybe i should do quiz =P*
- USA
11369
Answer
Teachers have different concepts on what it takes to help their students learn. Some will give more homework in hope that their students will get higher grades than the students of other teachers. But often that is not fair on the students.
Seldom do teachers hate their students. They may hate their jobs but not the students. Hating a teacher is self-defeating, because it just makes your time in class unpleasant. I believe in having fun in school.
Teacher locked me out of the building
Question
May 16, 2006
what would i do if the teacher locks you out of the building and has other teachers come outside and holler at you ?????
ben - USA
11128
Answer
You must have done something to get the teacher so angry at you. Of course, the teacher should have better ways to handle things than that, but also you probably should be more careful in how you deal with the teachers. It just makes life in school more difficult when teachers get so upset.
My spanish teacher is grading unfairly
Question
November 15, 2005
My spanish teacher is grading unfairly. She gives you extra credit and acts like its a grade. I did all my homework got A+s on every test except i didn't do extra credit. Guess what I got on my report card a 60!!Plus i got 100s 2 quarters back! how is that possible in 4 weeks!
Well I don't know what to do so please help.
- USA
8961
Answer
That doesn't sound right. Extra credit is supposed to be optional. It looks like what she calls extra credit is required work.
One thing you might think about is if there is any reason that she has something against you. Hopefully, you didn't complain about her to some friends, because it might have gotten back to her. Although it is not right for a teacher to lower grades for such a reason, it still happens.
The big thing is that you want to make sure you get the grades you deserve in that class. It would be a good idea to ask the teacher why you only got a 60, when you had done so well in the tests. Make sure you do not try to argue, but act like you simply want to know the reason. If she says you didn't do the extra credit, then see if you can make it up to get your grade up higher.
Whatever the reason she gives, just remember that your goal is to get a decent grade, no matter how unfair she is. It isn't pleasant, but sometimes you have to jump through hoops to get by.
Certainly, try not to get this teacher again.
I hope these ideas help and that you will be able to start getting good grades in this class.
Teacher always nags and calls us fools
Question
November 11, 2005
My chemistry teacher is so proud of herself.Our school's the best one but she always nags that you are fool.She teaches us in a bad way for example in the guestions about yiels she answered us and when we said it's wrong, she said no. then after one important test exam she said about the true way and said:i wanted to examine you.Now please tell me what shal I do and let me know if you know any chemistry teacher who can teach me online for high school,the last year. thanks.
sarah - USA
8911
Answer
Your teacher mistakenly thinks that she can make her students better by belittling them. That is not a good way to teach, and it makes learning uncomfortable for the students. She may also have personality problems such that she is trying to prove she is much smarter than the students.
Although it may not be pleasant to have such a teacher, you will have to cope with her for the rest of the semester. Your big goal is to get a good grade, so you will need to try to figure out what she wants plus do some extra studying on the side. You can use our Chemistry lessons, although they are pretty basic.
If you are having trouble in the class, you might try to get a tutor. Unfortunately, that can be expensive. Another thing is to perhaps try studying or discussing homework with some friends in class.
I hope these ideas help and that you will be able to get through this class with good grades.
Teacher gave me a lunch detention
Question
October 29, 2005
my teacher is mean she will give me lunch detention because i didnt turn in my book report!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- USA
8735
Answer
Sorry to hear you got a detention. I don't think it is right for a teacher to do that for not turning in a book report. The fair way would be to give a zero grade for the report.
My teacher is picking on me
Question
October 12, 2005
hello, my teacher is picking on me. if someone is talking to me i'm the one who always gets in trouble. i am afraid to ask him a questain about my work because i'm sick of him always putting me down and he also tries to embarrass me in front of the class. he says to me if you dont want to be in my class, then just leave. i might just do that next time he says that.
- Australia
8521
Answer
It is unfortunate that some teachers behave so poorly. There is no reason for a teacher to put down a student or embarrass the student. Those are just poor teaching methods.
The big thing is that you want to make it through the class with a minimum of hassle and also get a decent grade. The first thing to do is to completely avoid talking about him to your friends or other students. Often word can get back to the teacher and cause resentment. Another thing is to try to keep a low profile in class to prevent him from having an excuse to pick on you.
Also, keep track of the times you feel he is unfairly picking on your or embarrassing you. You might write down the information. If things get too bad, you might show your parents and then have them complain to the school principal. But complaining should be a last resort because sometimes the principal will side with the teacher, resulting in more problems for you.
Just try to make it through the class and make sure you don't get this guy as a teacher the next time around.
Best wishes, and I hope things work out for you.
Chemistry teacher picks on her
Question
September 21, 2005
what should i do my chemistry teacher does not like me because i am the only one in my class of all girls who is not skinny and dressed in skirts and make up.he only called on my all day no one else in a row he called on one other person after he called on me 2 in a row.I have a c in his class and a lot of the girls in my class are failing but he wont ask them.he even gives them answers on the test if they could flirt enough.this is low and i dont want to deal with this i ended up leaving 10 minutes before class was over because i was in tears.
it was embarrassing to only be the one he wants to answer a question
kim - USA
8226
Answer
It certainly is not pleasant being in a class where it seems that the teacher does not like you and is picking on you. The big problem is that you are stuck in his class for the rest of the semester. Also, it is really difficult to prove to anyone that he is picking on you.
Your goal in this class is to get a passing grade and make it through the semester or term without too much hassle. One thing is not to worry or think about any of the other girls flirting with him or getting special attention. That can just get you more upset and sends out negative "vibrations" that the teacher can pick up. Just try to ignore that stuff and think of what is best for you.
Also, don't think that the thin girls who dress up and have make up are any better or more appealing than you. If you take care of yourself, aren't sloppy or such, then you can appear just as good as them. But if you don't take care of your appearance, you should start. It shows you have respect for yourself.
If your teacher calls on you, one way to look at it is: "I guess he doesn't think anyone else knows this answer, so that is why he is calling on me." What I'm getting at is not to act like it is a punishment. If it looks like you're happy to answer him (even if you don't know the answer), perhaps that will discourage him from bugging you.
The long and the short of it is to be brave and think well of yourself. Try to get through this class without letting your teacher make you feel bad. You might even prove yourself a champion in the class.
I hope these ideas help. Best wishes, and I am sure things will get better for you in your chemistry class.
Summary
Hopefully, this reader feedback has helped provide information about Grades issues.
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