Students constantly face the stress from grades and homework, but how do different teachers factor into differences in grades? The constant complaints from students about their teachers is something most have experienced. Whether it is increased extra credit opportunities, or less homework, grades are extremely impacted by what teacher a student has for a course.
A teacher may have more experience in teaching than another, or even have an increased passion in their occupation. Teachers may have different teaching styles that allow for students to succeed. The learning environment teachers create along with the activities and effort they put towards students, can completely alter the way a student learns.
“Some teachers grade more harshly and they raise you to a higher standard,” junior Elle Jones said. “Some may give extra credit, while others do not.”
Student and teacher connections are extremely important to improve a students’ learning experience. If a teacher is passionate about their job, and willing to make connections with their students, students’ grades begin to reflect.
When a student is placed with a teacher that matches their learning style, their grades begin to reflect and improve. On the other hand, if a student-teacher relationship is poor, it creates struggles for a student that they cannot change.
I sat down with an AP World History teacher, and talked about the different ways grading factors into the curriculum. I wanted to gain information of what pieces are apart of the requirements, and what are decided within the teacher themselves.
“At Elkhorn, we’re given a calendar with a pacing guide,” AP World History teacher Heather Wilkerson-Peterson said. “Our lessons and tests are mapped out for us.”
While the teachers are given a solid plan for their year, and what to do in class, there are still ways to add on to the lessons.
“I’ve been a teacher for 15 years, so I use my professional discretion if I need to add to a lesson, slow down or reteach, or add more modifications in order to make it more interesting,” Wilkerson-Peterson said.
Overall, the impact a teacher makes on the overall education of a student depends on their learning style and grading scales.
