Ninth grade geography. They had their unit test.
I had warned them of the unit test for two weeks. I reminded them daily that their work for the unit was due on test day. I gave them time in class to complete some of it.
The day before the test, near the end of the period, I gave them an extra credit assignment. It was a review of the unit, so they'd have extra practice on the concepts before the test. It was due on test day.
The extra credit was due before the test.
Test day. The class arrived. I told them to turn in their packets and their extra credit.
And some of them were still surprised...
I mean, I can't learn it for them. I did what I could.
They had time after the test to start working on assignments for the next unit. (Or they could play games on the computer. I wasn't closely policing them at that point so long as they weren't disturbing anyone who was still working on the test.)
A couple of them chose then to work on the extra credit. The review of the previous unit. After they'd done the test. Sigh.
I did not accept that extra credit. And I did not even feel bad about it. If they can't pay attention...
Freshmen. Sigh.
The learning process is as much about following directions and being organized as it is about the substance of the class, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteMore so, I think. When I was in school, they didn't do nearly as much as they do now about teaching them to follow directions and organize themselves. And yet...
DeleteReminds me of some of the clients I had. You tell them over and over and then they act surprised when you ask them for the information....sigh.
ReplyDeleteYup. It starts early. I can guarantee they were like this in school.
DeleteIt was also a test on how many of them actually listen to you when you talk.
ReplyDeletePaying attention is an important life skill. If they don't learn the skill in school, they will either learn it in the School of Life or (scary thought) they may never learn it.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who's ever worked retail can tell you that many never learn it.
DeleteIt's a shame so many of them didn't do the work!
ReplyDeleteHope your week is going well and you have a nice weekend ahead of you :)
Away From The Blue
Thanks.
DeleteI honestly think that like most men, they hear what they want to hear.
ReplyDeleteVery much so.
DeleteI recall and my son did same thing, wonder why I have to learn geography.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
It's the only way they (might) learn. Good on you for sticking to your guns.
ReplyDeleteHow frustrating! Seems you did everything apart from take the test for them!
ReplyDeleteI was not that shocked, though. I rather expected them to be surprised. This is why I repeated myself daily.
DeleteYou are the absolute Soul of Patience. Instead of tearing out your hair, you just say, "It is what it is," and crochet an octopus hat. Kudos.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lesson for them. Maybe it'll teach them to pay attention. Someday.
DeleteCynthia's remark cracked me up. lol But how sad they can be that oblivious. Wow...
DeleteYou have no idea. And, it wasn't terribly surprising either.
Delete