I might have to disagree a bit here. I do change my teaching style to fit the learning styles of my students. For instance, students who are far behind in math are not going to grasp the concepts unless they can be taught a different (and sometimes fun) way.
I also vary my style depending on the group or level. It sounds like this guy didn't, and it sounds like it didn;t matter for him anyway.
I moved from an exemplary school to a struggling school. The biggest difference for me was parental support. Sometimes when I called parents, they yelled at me for bothering them at work, or their numbers had been disconnected. Maybe this does have to do with location, location, location.
Don't get me wrong. I put parental support as the most important reason for a student's success. When the parents show they care, it's a big factor. However, the teaching style and planning have to be altered to meet the child's understanding of the topic. And, the teacher has to also instill in that child that they have the ability to achieve. Some schools do have it easier than others. And, when the administration has control over discipline, it makes it easier for both teacher and student.
My kids went to a Long Island school and while the teachers are no better (maybe not as good) as teachers in NYC, the difference is the Long Island schools are funded by property taxes. If the children came home with low grades the parents would be at the school in a moment. When you pay high property taxes you expect your kids to do well. it's like private school. When the parents pay, the students better get good grades or else!
There is some truth in this idea that "the teacher is the only variable." Specifically, the teacher is the only variable within a school.
Naturally, these are not the same statements.
That's true, to a certain extent, and I certainly don't deny the importance of good teachers. But the kids are there too. And while I must control my classes, the time I devote toward doing that can be time taken away from instruction. The amount of time I spend will vary from class to class, depending on which kids I happen to get.
Commenting by HaloScan
