Two Teachers, Two Results

I looked up at the bus driver and she was a pale as I probably was. But this has nothing to do with my teachers. Thus, I digress.

I had already read Ordeal by Hunger , the tragically true account of the doomed Donner Party. This completely engrossing and somewhat gross account was suggested to me by a new friend. Off to the public library and it was completed before I even started school. By chance, Mr. Browning had us write a journal or diary entry from any one on that ill-fated journey.

I chose (Martha) Patty Wells. I remember writing an appropriate diary entry wherein she told of the riverside campsite in the fall of 1846, the Sierra as a backdrop and all the hopes in the world for their new home just waiting over the mountains. I received a D-.

Never having received such a low grade in all of my years, I went to my teacher and asked him about it. “This is too good, you couldn’t possibly have written it yourself. Where did you copy it from?”

I was so shocked at this accusation that I was barely able to sputter, “I wrote it!”

“Well, I’ll give you a B-, but I don’t believe you.”

I loved history, but no more. Never again did I take a history class. I kept as far away from that subject as I could.

Now mathematics. This was my own doing, I figured this out. “Self,” I said, “if you want a better grade in math you’d better start paying attention.”

For my Sophomore year I chose geometry. I purposefully picked a classroom desk in the front row, slightly off center. There would be no way I would be able to fall asleep or doodle now! And, I paid attention. I really paid attention.

I learned geometry. Mr. Berna was a great teacher, and he appreciated my hard work. He answered my questions clearly and concisely. Of course, I didn’t have that girl to bug me, so question asking was much easier.

I was so elated when I received my first A in math! To this day the pride I felt when I opened my report card is still with me. As is the humiliation of being accused of plagiarism.

Teachers beware. A student could love your topic but you have the power to squelch any fondness for the subject matter. Or a student could hate what you teach but together you can show her the light and she can go on as far as one semester of calculus.

As a teacher, you hold the keys and have the ability to have your students either learn or turn off. May I suggest the Berna approach over the Browning? Or, if you follow my history teacher’s example, some child may be doomed to repeat my story.