Teacher 3 also noted a sense of concern for basic skills in math classes. In an
observation of a math class, the teacher repeatedly needed to review basic equations with
students in a more didactic manner, indicating that the students are not remembering rote
formulas or understanding how the formula was developed. When the teacher asked a
student to explain the mathematical formula in words to the class, he was not able to do
so, suggesting a lack of understanding in the logic behind the formula’s principles. T3
used more of a teacher centered instructional approach to compensate for this deficiency.
Teacher 1 notes that students today, lack the skills to adapt to complex situations that
pose multiple solutions. Teacher 1 agreed that adapting, and other self-directional skills,
is an area of concern for current teachers. T1 mentioned in the interview that that today’s
students have a hard time “coping and being proactive to a situation, learning how to be
reflective and learning from mistakes.” These important soft skills were not formally
addressed by the administration to be infused into the school’s content curriculum.
Teachers have been introduced to the characteristics of Net-Gen students and how to
experience success in the classroom through the CFF professional development training.