The school year is starting back up once again. Students are getting familiar with their teachers and classes, while teachers are getting to know their students and learn more about them. It can be an overwhelming and stressful time period for many students. From observing different classes, I’ve come to the conclusion that students want teachers to have awareness of the other responsibilities the students have to manage. Plenty of students have other priorities along with their academic learning. Many students partake in extracurriculars such as sports, clubs, arts, jobs, and so much more. Teachers can create a safe and understanding environment for students when learning inside the classroom.
To inform teachers, the Clarion has asked multiple questions to some students, so that teachers can better educate their students, while understanding the additional activities a student may have to face outside of school.
The Clarion spoke with sophomore Jaselle Desnoes, a kind and hardworking student-athlete. The Clarion wanted to get Jaselle Desnoes’ view on how teachers can be helpful to their students’ academic learning. The first question Jaselle Desnoes was asked was, “What is something important that you want teachers to understand?” Desnoes responded to the question, saying, “I want teachers to understand that we have other classes and everyone learns at a different pace.”
Next, Jaselle Desnoes was asked, “What can teachers do to support their students’ learning?” Jaselle Desnoes replied, “Teachers can support students by recognizing signs of struggling on a topic and help them earlier on.”
Finally, Jaselle Desnoes was asked, “What is the biggest challenge you or other students may face when in the classroom? How can teachers help?” Jaselle Desnoes provided a great answer by stating, “Finishing work…I have other classes and extracurriculars and sometimes just don’t have the time.”
Continuing, the Clarion asked another hard-working and dedicated sophomore, Madison Lakhan, the same questions as Jaselle Desnoes. Madison Lakhan was firstly asked, “What is something important that you want teachers to understand?” Madison Lakhan informed us, responding, “I would like teachers to understand that I have other classes that give homework. I also participate in other activities that I do after school.”
Madison Lakhan was then questioned, “What can teachers do to support their students’ learning?” Madison Lakhan responded with, “I think teachers should make sure that their students fully understand a topic and also adjust the way students learn. For example, hands-on, or visual learning activities. I also think that teachers should make sure the students feel comfortable, in a safe environment.”
Last but not least, Madison Lakhan was asked, “What is the biggest challenge you or other students may face when in the classroom? How can teachers help?” Madison Lakhan informed us, and replied, “The biggest challenge that I face would be being in honors classes. Things can go by really fast, making it difficult to work.”
The last interview was from the perspective of an extraordinary and well respected English teacher here at Hawthorne High School, Mr. Patrick Cao. The Clarion wanted to get the students point of view, as well as a teachers perspective. Mr.Cao was first asked, “As a teacher, what are students’ concerns that you have heard and what are you trying to do to better them?” Mr.Cao responded, “The major concern is the worry that teachers are not being clear with instructions. I make sure to double check that I’m being clear and make sure students understand the information that I am trying to explain.”
Mr.Cao was next asked, “What strategies do you use to provide more of a challenge for the students who want and need to be pushed further?” Mr.Cao then descriptively stated, “I like to provide supplementary materials, meaning, extra content that has more context for a lesson. I would give my students more information on the topic they are currently learning to educate and better explain their learning on what they currently know.”
Following, Mr.Cao was questioned, “How do you support students who are struggling with the material and are falling behind” Mr.Cao vividly stated, “I like to talk one on one to see what exactly they are struggling with. I’ll offer the student more time to work on assignments if need be.”
Lastly, Mr.Cao was asked, “What activities do you use to make learning more meaningful and engaging for your students?” Mr.Cao stated, “I like to add more assignments that involve more physical assignments. For example, giving assignments such as poster boards. Students also like to debate topics in class. I also try to add students’ hobbies into lessons. With some particular assignments, I will then give students the option to describe a movie, show, or book that they are interested in.”
It is clear to see that teachers want students to achieve their goals. It is clear that students hope teachers will understand that they also have important activities outside of the classroom. When getting the perspectives of both students and teachers, you gain a better understanding and more rounded view of what truly works in the classroom. The Clarion had great responses from hard-working students and a courteous teacher. We thank these wonderful students and teachers for allowing us to interview them, while getting to know what benefits theirs, and other students’ needs.