Cheating Can Be a Good Thing: Andrew Haaheim at TEDxFridleyPublicSchools

Summary

In a heartfelt narrative, the speaker shares a transformative experience with a student named Marty, who cheated on a test out of desperation. Rather than punishing him, the teacher chose to support Marty by allowing a retake and encouraging open communication. This decision not only helped Marty succeed academically but also fostered a strong teacher-student relationship. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding students as individuals, highlighting that looking beyond their actions can lead to meaningful connections and positive outcomes in education.

Takeaways

• 😀 Teaching involves making difficult judgment calls every day.
• 😀 The experience of high school can fade over time, making it hard to relate to students.
• 😀 Cheating can jeopardize student-teacher relationships but can also serve as a turning point for growth.
• 😀 Understanding the reasons behind a student's actions can reveal deeper issues, such as desperation.
• 😀 Communication and connection are vital in addressing academic struggles.
• 😀 Offering a second chance, like allowing a retake of a test, can foster a stronger relationship.
• 😀 Teachers should look beyond the 'what' (actions) to understand the 'who' (individual) behind the behavior.
• 😀 Building bridges with students can occur in unexpected ways, even from negative situations.
• 😀 Active engagement with students can lead to significant positive outcomes in their academic performance.
• 😀 The power of empathy and understanding can transform challenging situations into opportunities for connection.

Q & A

What key experience does the teacher share about their interaction with a student?

The teacher shares an experience with a student named Marty, who cheated on a test. This interaction transformed their relationship and provided insights into empathy and understanding in teaching.

What was Marty’s motivation for cheating on the test?

Marty admitted he was 'sick of failing,' indicating his desperation and frustration with his academic performance.

How does the teacher describe the challenges of making judgment calls in the classroom?

The teacher explains that judgment calls are challenging because they require authority, quick decision-making, and the need to be correct in assessing situations involving students.

What alternative solutions did the teacher consider before deciding how to handle Marty’s cheating?

The teacher considered writing a referral to the dean, calling Marty's parents, or giving him a zero with no chance to make up the test.

What decision did the teacher ultimately make regarding Marty’s situation?

The teacher decided to allow Marty to retake the test for full credit, provided he came to class daily to ask questions and seek help.

What does the teacher mean by 'looking past the what and instead looking at the who'?

This phrase emphasizes the importance of understanding a student's intentions and feelings rather than merely judging their actions or behavior.

What lesson does the teacher learn from their experience with Marty?

The teacher learns that positive relationships can emerge from challenging situations, and addressing the underlying issues can lead to growth and trust.

How does the teacher describe the impact of cheating on their relationship with Marty?

Surprisingly, the teacher found that cheating did not ruin their relationship but instead became a catalyst for building a stronger bond.

What overarching message does the teacher convey to other educators?

The teacher encourages educators to seize opportunities for connection with students, even in difficult circumstances, as these interactions can lead to meaningful change.

How does the teacher suggest handling students who are not engaging or performing well?

The teacher suggests that educators should foster open communication, encourage students to express their confusion, and provide support to help them succeed.