jay swarthout

working with a student that always participates; but, performs poorly

I have a student that is truly a pleasure to have in the class. He always participates and is eager to answer questions during class.

He is not always right in his answers; however, he shows that he has a basic understanding.

I usually try to reinforce their previous course work into my training in an effort to show how the course all work together towards a commone goal and how they all work together to grow knowledge.

I have found through my daily labs that he hasn't retained any of his training from his previous class - in this case electrical theory. I don't understand how he pass the course when he can do a simple two resistor network and how to determine the voltage drop across a single resistor. Of course, I hear stories about no lab work in his previous class, not enough time to absorb the material etc. But, how did he pass the class?

He is depending upon formulas that he doesn't understand. This is a simple voltage divider circuit that you would generally learn in high school electricity.

I really enjoy this man's participation. I must admit that I don't want to fail him. I know that he has significant issues at home at he IS pulling himself up from his bootstraps.

I've offered office hours. I've offererd (and spent my time) with him alone during breaks so as not to disrupt the class. I ensure that I do not embarass him.

But, in good concious, I cannot pass him onto the next instructor - this is a "for Pay" school. And droping someone is a significant deal. I can't make him someone elses problem; but, I don't know that he will understand being held back at least to course in my opinion.

What do you recommend? This gentleman is truly a pleasure to work with. Any and all recommendations are welcome.

thank you,

jay