Addressing the Needs of the Changing Student

How do we respond to the changing student? As teachers, we MUST be concerned with the needs of all students. While some students continue to be able to excel with traditional teaching methods, others are finding themselves incapable of doing well utilizing a lecture format. While part of the issue arises from our “pick and choose” mindset with regard to the information we need/want, the issue also develops from the fact that our elementary, middle and secondary schools have completely changed their teaching methodologies over the last several years. Students are not prepared in the same manner that we were. Gone are the days of working individually in the classroom, long periods of silence and loads of homework that can never be made up if not turned in on time. In their place are mass quantities of group work (even at the elementary school level), constant talking and interaction, and class time to do homework (which if you don’t turn it in on time can usually be handed in until the end of the quarter, many times without penalty).

Consequently, our students are not coming to us with the preparation we would like or would expect. They have not been taught to learn in the same ways that we were. Thus, we must respond to them accordingly. No, we cannot hold their hands. They must be held accountable for acting like adults and must take responsibility for their learning or lack of it. However, we cannot turn a blind eye to the circumstances that confront us. As far as I can tell, we have two choices: change primary and secondary education or adapt to the current circumstances. While I am an advocate of change, wholeheartedly believe that our primary and secondary education systems are doing students an injustice, and plan to work hard to affect change at those levels, I realize that change does not happen overnight. Thus, I must adapt to my students’ needs. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with mixing things up a little. I would be bored to tears if I didn’t change my courses, assignments and teaching style a bit from time to time. Of course in communication, interactive classrooms are a necessity.

Many advocate the position that if students do not excel in the learning format that higher education has typically provided, then higher education is not for them. They believe that teaching in the same lecture-style-only format weeds out the undesirable students. I find this mentality preposterous. Certainly higher education is not for everyone, but it should not be reserved for the elite, the exceptional. Everyone deserves at least the chance to achieve his or her goals. We must work to “think outside the box,” and go beyond our “comfort zones” in order to bring students opportunities to learn in ways they can understand and enjoy. If we do not work to adapt, we face the danger of becoming a country club of learning.