What Students Wish Teachers Knew

Have you ever wished your teachers understood more about you— how you learn best, or even how busy your life is outside the classroom?

“I feel it definitely would be helpful if teachers knew and understood certain things about us,” Senior Jaden Lian stated. “Everybody learns differently, and sometimes teachers don’t realize that what they think is helping students actually is hurting them.

Teachers and students see each other every single day, interacting with each other in classrooms, hallways, and even some after school clubs or events. But what about outside of school? Are there things that educators don’t see or know about students that could be beneficial to students if known and understood?

Even about students personally, students all think, study, learn, and focus in ways they feel is best. Not every person is the same, making it so that creating a “perfect” classroom environment is nearly impossible.

For many students, the classroom is just a portion of their lives. Many have different things going on that affect or influence the way they learn and interact with others. But these students all have to learn the way that their teachers direct and lead the classroom.

English teacher Mrs. Kirsten Ducceschi explains how she runs her classroom with positive intentions.

“I feel they benefit by having my guidance, not just telling them answers, but guiding questions,” she mentioned. “I then loosen the reins and let them take on more responsibility as we go.”

An important thing to know is that teachers are organizing their classroom and teaching in certain styles all to benefit students the way they feel is best.

“I think it works out. I hope it works out,” Ducceschi stated.

Her method of teaching is just one of many ways teachers teach at the North Penn High School, as every person has their own ways of getting their lessons across. She does this all with positive intentions.

“I do think they’re comfortable…and for the most part people do really well in my class,” she said.

It is out of a teacher’s best interest that they do these things. But what are some things that teachers might not know about their students, that if known, could improve the learning process for their students?

As there are over three thousand students in North Penn, each one has their own story, personality, and ways they learn best. Obviously a teacher will not be able to perfectly meet the needs of every student as a result of the variety of North Penn students.

Teachers try their best to meet students needs, and despite the differences of people, they do a solid job educating students. ( Matt Rodriguez ) Some more noticeable things teachers do, however, can be found with the appearance of the classroom itself. Simple things such as if the lights are on, what music is being played if any at all, or even the seating arrangements can positively or negatively affect the students’ feelings sitting in a classroom.

Lights being on and off in the classroom can actually make a big difference during class for a student.

“I think especially if the lighting in the classroom is very bright, it is hard on the eyes, so it is much more helpful to have dim lighting that’s easier on the eyes,” Junior Nathan Perez said. “It allows you to focus better I think.”

He also goes on to mention how dimmer lighting “is much more calming…and it is a comfort.” Although he feels this way, it is important to keep in mind some students may disagree, and feel that lighting helps keep people awake and makes it easier to reach.

When also asked if music and seating arrangements can be similar, Perez agreed. He also mentioned he “absolutely” agrees that if teachers knew some of these things that learning would be a lot better.

Nadia Marucci touched on one thing that teachers do that can make it difficult for students to learn, even frustrating. “I would like teachers not to assume that we already know things from the past. Not to assume that we know things we’re supposed to know on grade level” she explained.

Although students do use many skills from the past to apply it to current classes, refreshers and explanations to jog their memory could be helpful. If not, a teacher could end up teaching an entire lesson that isn’t understood because a student was unsure about a past skill.

Jessie Feldmeier and a group of her friends all agreed and appreciate when teachers “talk through a problem and explain what we’re supposed to do.” Some students feel like these actions to clarify directions can be a game changer in the classroom.

Obviously, teachers educate many students with different lives, learning styles, and opinions. It is almost unreasonable to expect a teacher to meet every student’s perfect viewpoint of a learning environment.

However, if teachers can keep in mind some of these concerns, or even ask students what personally helps them, that display of care can go a long way. Teachers try their best, and students all learn in different ways. But with understanding of each other, education in school will most definitely excel.

What Students Wish Teachers Knew

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