Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Chris,
You make a very good point. Students do need to have experiences that will help them to develop their critical thinking skills. This is a great tool we give our students if we can get them to starting focusing on problem solving and critical thinking.
Gary

Chris Green

A lot of times in modern teaching the burn out is caused not by students being stupid or bad, but never having been taught or used critical thinking. The modern self esteem over everything, never say negative things about a student or the parents will sue system is degrading our students ability to learn or even care. That can be frustrating and cause burn out, especially when you have smart students who were never taught to think on their own and cannot seem to grasp the concepts. If this happens over and over you tend to get frustrated and want to stop trying as hard. You need to realize what is happening and possibly refer them to a tutor to help with the critical thinking skills, then have them help tutor other students. That will raise everyones level.(hopefully)

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Shane,
You are on the right track. The key is to be ready if you have such a class again. Think through what went wrong, why you didn't have control and look for ways to change the class so you do have control. All of this will help you to build your self confidence and be ready for the next rough bunch.
Gary