The Quality School -- GLASSER By Cherese Pearson

First of all I would like to say I enjoyed reading this text. I found alot of his beliefs could be used not only on students but in life in general. The effectiveness, however, I am not so sure. To me, it does not seem like a fair comparison to compare students to workers for the very fact that if a worker keeps screwing up they are eventually let go, not to mention they get paid (immediate reward.) We do not have this option. In Glasser's defense however, I believe that they are things we as educators can do to get more in touch with our students lives. I agree that there is a limit to what students will do for someone they can't stand as a person. I feel it better to empower than coerce. Asking for feedback from students (listening to what they have to say about their learning), explaining what is meant by quality work, showing an interest in students and the material being taught and yes, even entertaining all important credentials for the job. There is no doubt in my mind. I also can tell you from experience that if these things are done, and done well, the need for coersion becomes less and less. I'm not quite the idealist as Glasser but he does have alot of good points. I think there are quite a few teachers out there who may want to consider putting the "power figure" aside and try some of these ideas. If it helps just one student in every classroom, imagine the numbers nation wide? We've got to start somewhere.

-- Anonymous, January 06, 1999

Answers

I liked your comments as well as your attitude and outlook. Very encouraging! I especially liked your last line. You are so right, we have got to start somewhere and one student at a time. If we see each student as one individual instead of seeing a class imagine how much further we could go with the kids who annoy and disturb. Glasser's comment that students will work harder and do more for a teacher they like can certainly be true for the reverse: do teachers work harder and do more for students they like? So, if we see the individual and look within for the uniqueness and qualities they posses, would it be easier to help them bring out their best? Seems like it might be easier to encourage the students who need it if we start with the most difficult and work our way up, one student at a time.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 1999