Mr. Kaplan is the "problem student" in a very diverse class. He does not understand things the way the other students do although he truly feels that he is on the right track. He is disruptive by talking aloud as he thinks and takes pride when other students make mistakes. He does not seem to progress throughout the class and doesn't care if he passes the class or not.
I'd like to discuss the following:
Have you had a student like this and if so, how have you dealt with it?
If you have not had a student similar to Mr. Kaplan, how do you see yourself handling this situation when it arises (and I bet it will!)?
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Analysis and Summary
Summary
Hyman Kaplan is the main focus of this book as he is the student at the American Night Preparatory School who stands out the most. Mr. Parkhill, the instructor of the class that is learning English as part of the naturalization process, seems to have never encountered a student such as Mr. Kaplan before. Throughout the book we see Mr. Parkhill's struggle with a student so difficult to understand in the way that this student thinks and applied the material learned in class. As the duration of the class progresses, Mr. Parkhill learns that Mr. Kaplan is very bright and comes to respect him for his creativity and ingenuity.
Mr. Kaplan consistently misinterprets and misuses words of the English language, all the while truly believing that he has understood them correctly. He is always enthusiastic and loves to participate in the class activities and discussions. When critiquing other students, he both motivates and offends fellow students but always with an innocence to be marveled at. As for his progress in the class, Mr. Kaplan really does not progress in the way that most of the other students do, which is in accordance to the standards set by the school that would move him into the next grade. This does not seem to matter to Mr. Kaplan one bit as he is getting something from the class beyond standards and grades. Being in the class gives him opportunities he may not have had otherwise, such as a chance to think in ways that he has not thought of before, a chance to be among peers who come from different walks of life from whom he can either identify with or not, and the opportunity to express himself without allowing the judgement of others to stop him from learning.
Analysis
I find it interesting that this book was printed in 1937. The setting is an adult education class where the instructor employs a variety of teaching methods to engage the learners in their own learning. Mr. Parkhill acts as a guide, or facilitator, while encouraging the students to learn from one another. This is not what I think of as a traditional method of teaching which is what I would expect of this time period. Instead, the teaching methods are very much like those that we have been learning about in adult education courses in the year 2009. Some of the same methods used in the book as are used in adult educartion today are:
Hyman Kaplan is the main focus of this book as he is the student at the American Night Preparatory School who stands out the most. Mr. Parkhill, the instructor of the class that is learning English as part of the naturalization process, seems to have never encountered a student such as Mr. Kaplan before. Throughout the book we see Mr. Parkhill's struggle with a student so difficult to understand in the way that this student thinks and applied the material learned in class. As the duration of the class progresses, Mr. Parkhill learns that Mr. Kaplan is very bright and comes to respect him for his creativity and ingenuity.
Mr. Kaplan consistently misinterprets and misuses words of the English language, all the while truly believing that he has understood them correctly. He is always enthusiastic and loves to participate in the class activities and discussions. When critiquing other students, he both motivates and offends fellow students but always with an innocence to be marveled at. As for his progress in the class, Mr. Kaplan really does not progress in the way that most of the other students do, which is in accordance to the standards set by the school that would move him into the next grade. This does not seem to matter to Mr. Kaplan one bit as he is getting something from the class beyond standards and grades. Being in the class gives him opportunities he may not have had otherwise, such as a chance to think in ways that he has not thought of before, a chance to be among peers who come from different walks of life from whom he can either identify with or not, and the opportunity to express himself without allowing the judgement of others to stop him from learning.
Analysis
I find it interesting that this book was printed in 1937. The setting is an adult education class where the instructor employs a variety of teaching methods to engage the learners in their own learning. Mr. Parkhill acts as a guide, or facilitator, while encouraging the students to learn from one another. This is not what I think of as a traditional method of teaching which is what I would expect of this time period. Instead, the teaching methods are very much like those that we have been learning about in adult education courses in the year 2009. Some of the same methods used in the book as are used in adult educartion today are:
- Assignments that are personalized and practical to each student
- Sharing with the class in a safe and respectful environment
- Critiquing of work by other students, not just the teacher
- Allowing discussion when conflict arises to gain multiple perspectives
- Guiding students when needed (by the teacher)
- Teacher is learning along with the students
- Using hands-on, relevant activities
- Exam is given but is not used as the sole determination to whether learning has occurred or not...more like a standard measure for the school and school politics
These are all methods that I have learned are effective in teaching and learning in adult education through coursework at CSU. Interesting how in 1937 these methods were being used as well.
I believe that this book shows some great examples of how to apply these methods to a subject that might be difficult to teach, yet these techniques can be used in teaching all subjects. It also highlights the differences among students and the struggles that one might have as an instructor with such a diverse group. Learning styles, personalities, experiences, and self-esteem are things to take into consideration because they will create interesting (and possibly unexpected) dynamics in the learning setting.
Excellent book!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A Bit Long...
I think this book could be shortened and just as effective. It is just one example after another of Mr. Kaplan's inability to get vocabulary right. Still funny but I'm feeling like it needs to end soon...I get what teh author is trying to say already. SIGH!
Must turn off the computer now - major t-storm ripping through!
Must turn off the computer now - major t-storm ripping through!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Mr. Kaplan rocks!
This is one of the funniest books I have ever read! I have been laughing all day as I read further.
Each "chapter" is based on a particular assignment that Mr. Parkhill gives. The assignments that are turned in are hilarious! There is so much misuse of words and misinterpretation of meaning. I can definitely see this happening with other subjects as well. So far Mr. Parkhill seems to be adjusting to the difficulties he is having and has decided that Mr. Kaplan is in fact very intelligent in his use of the english language. The other students don't get a whole lot of mention, other than how Mr. Kapland reacts to them or how they react to him.
Mr. Parkhill is using a method of teaching where the students all share what they have written for an assignment and then the students correct any errors and offer suggestions. Mr. Kaplan seems to be there as a reinforcer and guide as the students help each other out. I have been in classes where this method is used and have found it to be difficult to swallow at first (especially where there are criticisms being given!) but after a few weeks, I end up enjoying the feedback and many perspectives. It has helped me to move away from the thought that there is one right and one wrong, and now I tend to look at most things through the grey.
Each "chapter" is based on a particular assignment that Mr. Parkhill gives. The assignments that are turned in are hilarious! There is so much misuse of words and misinterpretation of meaning. I can definitely see this happening with other subjects as well. So far Mr. Parkhill seems to be adjusting to the difficulties he is having and has decided that Mr. Kaplan is in fact very intelligent in his use of the english language. The other students don't get a whole lot of mention, other than how Mr. Kapland reacts to them or how they react to him.
Mr. Parkhill is using a method of teaching where the students all share what they have written for an assignment and then the students correct any errors and offer suggestions. Mr. Kaplan seems to be there as a reinforcer and guide as the students help each other out. I have been in classes where this method is used and have found it to be difficult to swallow at first (especially where there are criticisms being given!) but after a few weeks, I end up enjoying the feedback and many perspectives. It has helped me to move away from the thought that there is one right and one wrong, and now I tend to look at most things through the grey.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Education of Hyman Kaplan
I have chosen to read The Education of Hyman Kaplan.
In chapters 1 and 2, it is interesting to see the instructor's frustration with this particular student (Hyman Kaplan) who is trying to learn the english language in an adult education class. Mr. Kaplan has a difficult time pronouncing words correctly, takes words very literally, and is slow to learn compared to the other students. The instructor is not used to the challenges that have risen with Mr. Kaplan and has not learned how to deal with them.
Am
In chapters 1 and 2, it is interesting to see the instructor's frustration with this particular student (Hyman Kaplan) who is trying to learn the english language in an adult education class. Mr. Kaplan has a difficult time pronouncing words correctly, takes words very literally, and is slow to learn compared to the other students. The instructor is not used to the challenges that have risen with Mr. Kaplan and has not learned how to deal with them.
Am
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