Bad day

[phisigsig]

This is a totally self-serving post because I just had a really bad day and need some love from my fellow MKFers.

I'm a middle school life science teacher and I need to take a class to get my recertification points to renew my license. I signed up for a science class that sounded like I'd really learn some useful info. Wrong! Everyone else in there has a science degree (my BS is in middle school education w/a minor in social studies) and teaches high school students. I couldn't understand half of what was being said (and felt like a dunce), so you know my middle-schoolers would understand a thing. The homework assignment I could not understand and I can only write a "sixth grade" version of a lab report. I cried all the way home and for another 30 minutes after I got here. My husband and mother both said it wasn't worth it and to drop the course. Then my husband told me to come here and calm down. I'm trying but I still feel upset.

[Krista]

Im sorry to hear that phisigsig, I hope that it gets better for you.

Have you talked to the professor? I would think they would be helpful and answer your questions. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. And don't feel inferior just because you think other people are at a higher level. There are probably people in there feeling the same as you right now. No one is ever willing to admit it lol.

What are your other options? Are there other classes you could take in place of that one?

Sorry its a rough time. hang in there! *hug*

[Skwilla]

I cannot think of any good advice at this moment but just wanted to drop you a quick note to say I hope you feel better! Yeah I guess if the class is giving you so much trouble it is better to drop it and relax. I don't know details though so I don't know how good what I say is. Good lucK!

[bearpaw]

{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}

I am sorry that you had such a tough day. :(
I do quite a bit of training as part of my job in customer support. Both to new hires and to our customers. Last month I had to learn a new product we are going to start supporting. Man was it tough! Like you at first I felt like a dunce.

I hope you don't mind me sharing a special kind of positive that I took away from this. I now have a profound empathy for the challenges of the students I train. Taking this class just reminded me what what it is like to learn something new and gave me a renewed sense of patience and awareness of what they are going through.

It doesn't sound like this class makes sense for you to be taking. After all, the whole purpose of the class if for you to become a more effective teacher. Is another class available that will make more sense?

Good luck!

[Delilah's Mom]

When I was in college, I needed a 1-hour elective, and I took "class piano". I was the only person there who couldn't play the piano. Most of the others were actually piano teachers! I nearly quit, but hung in. I got an A b/c my professor said I learned more than anybody else - b/c I had such a low starting point!

Talk to your professor & see if you're required to know all that stuff the others know to pass the course. If not, then hang in there & gain what knowledge you can. Good luck!

[mr pru]

Whatever you decide-remember one thing:

Don't ever, EVER sell yourself short.

You're just as smart as the other people in that class. They just happen to have a different degree of education under their belt.

That in NO way means they are smarter or better than you.

Keep your head held high-because you're worth it, BY GOD.

Do what you feel will benefit your students and yourself. You are practicing in a wonderful profession. People like you are special. You have the burden of preparing our young for the future. Most people couldn't handle that pressure.

Remember what I said: They are no better or smarter than yourself!!!

Good luck and God Bless.

[GMAN]

I'm so sorry phisigsig! I don't either have really any advice to tell you, but I just want you to know that you're in my prayers and that we're thinking of ya! I hope everything turns out! Keep us updated.

[marajade12]

ahhh I hate getting erased:( okay heres the jest: Go to your local bookstore and pick-up a AP Bio study guide/prep book, or a SAT II Bio prep, or even a GRE Bio one, these are the cheat sheet books that put all that complex stuff into plain english (I am assuming the class is bio, if not then pick the appropriate book). These will help mak everything clearer. Also I don't post here as often as some others but if you start a thread with my username i can try and answer any specific science questions you have. And don't worry I know plenty of science majors who aren't good at social studies.

[phisigsig]

Thanks everyone for your kind words! I found some computer courses being offered at the local community college and our "recertification specialist" said that the school system endorses us taking any computer courses. I dropped the other course and am going to take some computer courses in the fall. I'm really looking forward to them- I can do the basics on the computer but have wanted to know more for some time so I don't have to ask the kids for help at school or call my brother up here at home! So, I found some courses I'm excited about and that I feel will really help me with my teaching. Yeah!