The education system in Holland is slightly different than here in Australia, or at least 30 years ago it was. There were three levels: MAVO: finish at year 10 level, HAVO: finish at year 11 level and then either Gymnasium or Atheneum, both finishing at year 12. I started off at Gymnasium level learning subjects like Greek, Latin, Geography, Science, Biology as well as the standard four languages (Dutch, English, French & German). Not being talented in the mastering of languages I focussed more on the subjects of interest, one of them being history. We did not have VET subjects nor did we have subjects like Health and Human Development or PE Theory (subjects I would have loved).
When it was time to go to year 11 it became clear that history wasn't academic enough and as such was not available as an elective. I really wanted to do history as Germany after 1870 was the main topic and as such would include the first and second world wars. Living in Amsterdam there were reminders of the second world war every where mainly in the form of statues and I wanted to learn more about that period of time. As such I apporached the history teacher, a teacher who I had classes with in each year for one subject or another (but mainly history) from year seven onwards. I liked him as teacher, loved his classes and wanted to be in his class for the last two years as well.
(Image: British PM Lloyd George signing the treaty of Versailles, formally ending WWI - http://richardmajor.com/BISL/history10/III.html)
When it was time to go to year 11 it became clear that history wasn't academic enough and as such was not available as an elective. I really wanted to do history as Germany after 1870 was the main topic and as such would include the first and second world wars. Living in Amsterdam there were reminders of the second world war every where mainly in the form of statues and I wanted to learn more about that period of time. As such I apporached the history teacher, a teacher who I had classes with in each year for one subject or another (but mainly history) from year seven onwards. I liked him as teacher, loved his classes and wanted to be in his class for the last two years as well.
(Image: British PM Lloyd George signing the treaty of Versailles, formally ending WWI - http://richardmajor.com/BISL/history10/III.html)
What was it I liked so much about this Teacher and his teaching style? Thinking back a few things stand out - he was honest with his feedback on assessment tasks (and as such left you little space to argue against his decision), class discussions made you think of the arguments you were putting forward and he seemed to have an abundance of knowledge keeping you glued to every word he had to say. I can still remember him reading parts from the book ':All Quiet on the Western Front'. and I have since read the book a couple of times.
I apporached him with my decision to change from Gymnasium to Atheneum - in reality not much of a change, except for the choice of electives - explaining that I really wanted to be in his history classes in year 11 and 12. His response was as follows (and the surprising thing is that over 30 years later I can still remember it word for word): "Now, why would you want to do that? If you choose history you will never get more than a 6 (out of 10) so why don't you stay a tGymnasium level?". I was stunned but, with the support of my mother, stuck to my guns and made the change. The score in the Dutch school system is out of 10 and as such a 6 is about equivalent to a C.
Once in his class he did accept my decision and I made sure I proved him wrong, which wasn't hard as I loved every class, every task we had to do and even the final exam. I ended up with a big fat 8 (B+ or A) even though most of my exam period I was sick and as such was unable to study. The teacher couldn't remember his remark when I spoke to him after the graduation ceremony but I can and always will.
(Image:: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Quiet_on_the_Western_Front)
I apporached him with my decision to change from Gymnasium to Atheneum - in reality not much of a change, except for the choice of electives - explaining that I really wanted to be in his history classes in year 11 and 12. His response was as follows (and the surprising thing is that over 30 years later I can still remember it word for word): "Now, why would you want to do that? If you choose history you will never get more than a 6 (out of 10) so why don't you stay a tGymnasium level?". I was stunned but, with the support of my mother, stuck to my guns and made the change. The score in the Dutch school system is out of 10 and as such a 6 is about equivalent to a C.
Once in his class he did accept my decision and I made sure I proved him wrong, which wasn't hard as I loved every class, every task we had to do and even the final exam. I ended up with a big fat 8 (B+ or A) even though most of my exam period I was sick and as such was unable to study. The teacher couldn't remember his remark when I spoke to him after the graduation ceremony but I can and always will.
(Image:: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Quiet_on_the_Western_Front)
For me my teacher's remark was initially negative and some students may not have continued on with making the change. Then it became fuel to the fire that was burning inside of me to learn more about that part of history I found so fascinating. Maybe in his eyes it was reverse psychology - lets see how serious she is about this change and wanting to do history. If so, it worked. Some suggest that "reverse psychology is more likely to be successful with people who have a high need for control" (Changing Minds). Not sure if I had or have a high need for control; I do like to be in control and make my own decisions, but at age 16 I was probably oblivious to the use of reverse psychology.
I have never used the tactic of reverse psychology at TAFE when students choose their electives and even with my children now (with the oldest in year 11) I make sure they are chosing the electives they want to do and enjoy, not the ones we think are best for them, and support them in their choice.
References:
Changing Minds, Reverse Psychology, Retrieved from: http://changingminds.org/techniques/general/more_methods/reverse_psychology.htm
I have never used the tactic of reverse psychology at TAFE when students choose their electives and even with my children now (with the oldest in year 11) I make sure they are chosing the electives they want to do and enjoy, not the ones we think are best for them, and support them in their choice.
References:
Changing Minds, Reverse Psychology, Retrieved from: http://changingminds.org/techniques/general/more_methods/reverse_psychology.htm