Two Clarke Central High School students argue whether student teachers provide a helpful service or are detrimental to the learning environment.
By AURORA FONSECA – Guest Writer
“Who was teaching?”
“The student teacher.”
“Again?! I hate it when she teaches. I never get anything she’s talking about.”
Let’s face it: most Clarke Central High School students have heard or participated in a similar conversation. It is true that student teachers are especially unpopular when they stop observing classrooms and begin to teach. While I am sympathetic to the fact that they are still learning, student teachers are often detrimental to student learning in the classroom.
Because student teachers lack experience, they can’t always effectively get their point across. If they cannot adequately explain a subject, then their students are at a disadvantage and do not receive the education they are expected to have.
When student teachers become the instructor for the classroom, it is often difficult for students to adjust. Because student teachers don’t carry the same amount of authority as the fully-trained instructors, they often are unable to manage the classroom. Students can take advantage of their inexperience, causing behavioral problems and disruptions. Once a student teacher has lost control of a classroom, it can be very difficult to reclaim, causing even more lost instruction time and putting the students even further behind.
These issues are frequently exacerbated, when student teachers are left alone with the students. Although they might be capable adults, they still require supervision in the classroom. When they lack the guidance of the primary teacher, they can teach things that are not entirely accurate to students who have no means to know the correct information.
Student teachers who don’t know what they’re talking about can often create large problems when students are taught incorrectly lead to confusion. Once something is learned the wrong way, it is generally difficult to correct the situation.
Student teaching may be a necessary process, but at times it can be a disservice to the studetns attempting to learn new material — leaving them iritated and confused.
By HANNA HARPER – Guest Writer
Eighty-seven minutes can seem like an eternity for students. However, when student teachers take over the class, I have observed many students sit at their desks with new-found energy, eagerly awaiting the instruction from a different instructor.
In contrast, other students feel that student teachers help CCHS students feel more comfortable in school, since they are closer in age. Cartoon by William Kissane.
Teachers at Clarke Central are typically exciting and stimulating, but when something — or someone– new is added to the class, these student teachers can spark a new light in the subject’s interest.
Student teachers are extremely beneficial to students. When one instructor is preoccupied, the other will almost always be another available to provide assistance. Personally, waiting for ages with my hand raised has become a game of patience, and often times I lose or even forget my question. This is eradicated with student teachers.
A student teacher also tends to be closer to the students’ age, which can make it easier or more comfortable for a student to communicate and, overall, connect with the teacher.
It’s also important to remember that the student teacher is there for their own sake, not just for helping out a group of rambunctious high school students. They are there to earn an education degree, or at least gain some sort of knowledge in the teaching field. So, in a way, we’re helping them in return for their effort.
Judging from past experiences, student teachers can bring something new to the table that usually helps me find more interest in that class. While my teachers provide a fulfilling educational experience, having a fresh face in the classroom that is ready and happy to help is additionally encouraging.
