Aiden Austin

EDS 203-2

Letter of Introduction

Professor Block

Date 1/29/2023
 Letter of Introduction

         While I was growing up in my school district, my thoughts were indifferent about it. I

grew up in a public urban-ish school district. I enjoyed my teachers and liked some more than

others. The teachers who I preferred seemed to care more about the students and that they

actually learn. I felt like there were some instances where some teachers would just show up to

show up and to give students good grades to meet a certain quota. At our school we were able to

turn in late work and retake tests/quizzes for full points. During the time that was awesome but

looking back it didn’t help me learn or teach me to be responsible. Like I said, it was almost like

the district cared more about people passing and getting good grades rather than teaching them

how to learn or to enjoy the aspect of learning. I took full advantage of this. Although I was an

alright student, this situation prevented me from learning how to be responsible with time or how

to teach me how to learn. It just taught me how to do corrections and that I can be 100%

rewarded by putting in half the effort. I was involved in basketball and I am glad I was for my

academic sake. My coaches stayed on us about our grades and honestly if I wasn’t in basketball,

I couldn’t see myself caring much about redoing tests or homework. I probably would’ve just

been around a 3.0 gpa student if I didn’t play sports. We had a strict policy where we had to

make sure our work was done and that we were passing so we could play. I can’t say I had a hero

teacher, but my favorite teacher was my Spanish teacher and that was by far my worst class. He

was passionate and seemed to care about the students and their success. He actually wanted the

students to learn and would encourage you to learn within the class. It was easier for me to care

about that class because he cared about our education.

With my experiences in college, now looking back there would be so much that I would change.

I feel like High School didn’t prepare me for college at all or even the real world. During my first
couple semesters there was definitely an adjustment period where I couldn’t just give 50% and

get good grades. I had to teach myself how to study and time management on the fly. Not only

did it not prepare me for college, but it also didn’t prepare me for the real world. I empathize

with those who weren’t going to go to college or further their education. There wasn’t enough

information about that route which I know a lot of my classmates ended up taking.

For this course I am hoping to learn why things are taught the way they are. Every teacher has

different teaching styles, but it seems that some work way better than others. That information

isn’t a secret so why are some teachers/classes the way they are (as in boring and non-engaging,

excluding large lecture halls)? Now being in college for some number of years, it is clear what

professors are there to help you actually learn the information and those who show up and just

tell you the information. I have had classes where I have had to do a deep dive in the after-hours

and try to teach myself and conceptualize the material. It is more noticeable in a few classes that

the professor knows the content very well but doesn’t explain it well to those who are just new to

learning it. Now that I am taking more educational and PASHE classes, it has been more

engaging and easier for me to be involved and invested in class. This makes it more fun to learn

and interact in class which I am hoping to do later on in my career.