New Teachers' Times

Topic: Review Books

Discussion: One particular post regarded a teacher's experience with a reluctant class to buy the review books for the exam. The post following that had suggestions about resolving that problem.

My Response: Unfortunately, as a first-year teacher there are too many things we are left in the dark about. Many of us do not know how to ask, whom to ask, or where to go and find the proper materials we need to alleviate some of the strain we have. Thus, having experience once again with being ignorant of instructional tools and information, I advised that fellow poster to start charging the students for items items they might need for class. For instance, it is not uncommon for students to come to class unprepared, so charge them for a writing utensil and/or paper. When the desired amount is reached, then review books can be purchased and/or made copies of. However, this would come after exhausting other resources that include asking if there is money in the budget or if there are any in the building. There is no need to add more work to a busy schedule.