THE “UNTEACHABLES”

Today’s episode: “Killing Time” starring Shaun, from year 9.

The “Unteachables” were  not a common occurrence in my teaching career. As young teenagers, they were blessed with an above-average intelligence. They did, however, possess a swaggering—and at times arrogant—disposition. This attitude too often proved a detriment to their progress in mathematics.

Each encountered few problems in the initial years of High School and gravitated to a group of conscientious ‘mid streamers’. This created a mindset which barked, “I’m smarter than youse guys, and I’ll do teacher’s stuff without any help.”

Our star, Shaun, barked louder than any bulldog. Unfortunately, the assessment policy at our school reinforced his preconceived woofs. Whilst his test results on new content were poor, he always obtained creditable marks in major examinations. Not surprising really, as these larger tasks always included stacks of basic bones from junior years.

Like a flea on a dog’s back, I cajoled and badgered him.

“Sir, I don’t need your help.”

“Can’t I just give you a few clues on how we got the answer to question three?”

“She’ll be right, Sir. I’ll work it out on my own or copy off Darren.”

Now, in my experience, all children can improve their number skills. Most try, at least on occasions, and do master new ball-fetching skills—but the ‘unteachables’, uh-uh.

Shaun always completed set tasks, albeit copied. I sent notes home, interviewed his mum, and wrote frank report comments: all to no avail. He reminded me of my efforts to teach our pet beagle to ‘stay’—so frustrating.

Despite numerous, contentious tete-a-tetes, he remained an amicable student.

For two years, Shaun persisted as the proverbial ‘old dog’—one pupil who appeared to gain zilch from my expertise. And yes, he still obtained a satisfactory result in external exams.

QED

But I had failed.

The following year, Shaun’s name did not appear on any of my class lists. I passed him, however, first day back at school, in the canteen. His tail wagged like a pup waiting for one of those smelly liver treats.

“Hi Shaun.”

“Gidday Sir. I kinda hoped I’d be in your class. You were my best teacher last year.”

Yep. Go figure.

As teachers, … we must keep working at changing and experimenting and trying until we have developed ways of reaching every child.  Albert Shanker (1928-1997) American Mathematics Teacher, President of the Federation of Teachers.

Notes:

‘QED’ stands for the Latin phrase ‘quod erat demonstrandum’. The literal translation is ‘that which was to be demonstrated’. (Shaun had proved to himself his work ethic had paid dividends.) These letters are often used to signal the end of a mathematical proof.

‘old dog’ refers to the proverb, ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’.

The ‘Unteachables’  A reference to the TV series ‘The Untouchables’ which ran from 1959-1963 and starred Robert Stack.