Bad teacher

[Sigma]

Hello, AN community.

Just wondering, am I allowed to request a change in the teacher as in if I have bad English teacher can I request to be placed in another class with a very good English teacher.

Thanks. Sigma.

[Aaron]

There are a few things you have to take into account:

1. The blocking/timetabling of your school's timetable. You have been given that teacher and that particular english class due to the blocking of all your other subjects. This is why some students get teacher A, and some get teacher B. It's not a random selection (unless of course all english classes run at the exact same time... then you could probably request it).

2. I don't think you can really use the 'bad teacher' excuse in Year 12. While the teacher is there as a support, this year is primarily a self-directed exercise, utilising as many resources, practice exams etc. as possible to aid your knowledge. There is really nothing stopping you from going to get a second opinion on an essay or something from the "good" teacher.

3. What makes this teacher "bad"? Who is this teacher "bad" for? You? I think you need to understand that teachers cannot cater to every single student, their interests, aspirations and preferences. If you have a particular preference as to how you want to learn, speak with the teacher. They are a Year 12 teacher for a reason, so if you don't approach them to request an alternative way of teaching for you, then they have absolutely no idea this is occurring (we are not mind readers).

So in answer to your question: it really depends, but is very unlikely given the timetabling factor above. Thanks

[jamonwindeyer]

I definitely agree with Aaron in that it probably depends on why you think the teacher is 'bad,' whether its because of a clash of teaching/learning styles, or something more serious or due to a lack of effort. I would:

- Go to your teacher in the first instance and identify for them what it is you believe is missing from their teaching. Are they not explaining things well enough for you? Are they not giving you enough work at home? Too much? Talk to them - Teachers are human beings and a lot of the time them being aware of the issue is enough to fix it.

- If this is unsatisfactory for you, talk to your year coordinator/similar person about the circumstances. Again, doesn't have to be hostile, "I don't feel I am learning much in this class and this is why."

Depending on how this second step goes, you could politely request to be moved - But I doubt they would do it for you unless you try to resolve the issues with your current teacher first. That is almost always easier anyway

It is absolutely your right to have a teacher that is doing their job effectively and properly, but sometimes even when teachers do this it just doesn't quite click. Lots of different teachers and lots of different learning styles make this inevitable. It's just about communicating the issues so those inconsistencies can be fixed, it doesn't have to be a bad experience

[Sine]

Hello, AN community.

Just wondering, am I allowed to request a change in the teacher as in if I have bad English teacher can I request to be placed in another class with a very good English teacher.

Thanks. Sigma.

You probably can but it'll depend on timetabling, however you might have to change subject timeslots for other subjects which may or may not be a good thing.

If you know from history that a certain teacher is bad I would definitely try for a change since the difference between a dropkick teacher and a motivated teacher is huge  - could definitely be a few study score points - especially in english.

The only thing i would be worried of is if you didn't get a class change and the teacher was aware that you requested it; that could definitely screw your sac grades which is really important in english.

[zofromuxo]

Hello, AN community.

Just wondering, am I allowed to request a change in the teacher as in if I have bad English teacher can I request to be placed in another class with a very good English teacher.

Thanks. Sigma.

As other have written here Sigma, think about why the teacher is "bad" and escalate appropriately from the teacher and then if unsatisfied with the year level coordinator.

I can speak from personal experience from Year 12 as an outsider to a "bad" teacher for English that taught some of my friends. That talking to teacher is the first step and not the coordinator. Yes, it is intimidating to go to your teacher, but it is a lot better for you in the long-run.

Having a bad teacher isn't great, but the first step to improving it is communication and not being resentful about it. As Aaron said teachers aren't mind reader.