Teaching Tales: Study Groups

Enjoy this, the third in a series of posts about teaching at GMU and NVCC. 

In researching how to teach effectively, I now focused on learning styles. I was sure that I would need to cater to these. Diagrams and pictures on the PowerPoint slides would help the visual learners, but what about those who have a tactile or interactive learning style?

 Study Groups

I began to offer study groups at my home where I helped students master material by hands-on exercises and competitions. It was great fun to see them make DNA out of toothpicks and marshmallows or act out protein synthesis with people, pillows, cardboard, and tape. With a bit of brainstorming, much of the course material could be illustrated or made into a learning game.

These study sessions also provided me with a valuable opportunity to get to know the students on a more informal basis, and they began to share their lives. Many were working full-time, as well as going to school, getting less than three hours of sleep a night—that explained the sleeping in class. Several had children, and many of these were single—some brought their children to class with them. Others had huge personal issues that made any concentration on school almost miraculous.

 Amazing Sadie

Sadie, a young person who stood out because of her many piercings, dyed hair, and tendency to dress entirely in black, was always early to the study groups. “I’m sorry I’m so early, Dr. Crocker. To get here, I walk over a mile to get to a bus stop, take a bus, and then walk to your house.”

“Wow! You’re determined!”

 Sadie pulled a face. “Yeah, I’ve learned that any success requires hard work. My mother’s really sick, so I’ve lived in over seven foster homes. Now, because I’m 18, the state has declared me independent. It’s scary, but at least now my future only depends on me.”

I cast my eye over Sadie’s emaciated frame. “Well, if you get here early, just join us for dinner. With four teens in the house, I won’t even notice an extra!”  

Sadie did herself proud. Despite continuing difficulties with her birth mother and brother, she passed my class. When I last heard from her, she was in her final year of nursing school. Besides giving out facts and encouragement, sometimes teachers also need to give out food.

 Oops!

Another regular attendee, Thiang, was bubbly, tiny, and attractive. She made an impact everywhere she went. She certainly made an impression on my neighbors. After having attended one study group, Thiang figured she knew the way to my house. Arriving a bit early, she headed for a home with the front door standing ajar and the lights on.

Thiang was a bit confused by the fact that I wasn’t there and the wine bottles were standing ready, but figured that I’d decided to make this group really special and would come soon. She helped herself to some wine, made herself comfortable on the couch, and waited.

A strange man entered the room. “What are you doing in my house?”

Thiang sprang up. “I…I…I…Where is Dr. Crocker?”

The neighbor laughed. “You have the wrong house. Go down three houses, and you’ll find her.”

When Thiang arrived and told us the entire story, none of us were surprised. After all, it was Thiang.

Being a teacher may be about food, marshmallows, and laughter, but, in this case, it’s not about wine.