Perspective

I have assumed a student could not learn and didn't want to learn. I didn't realize I was doing it until there was a rude awaken for me. I certainly didn't mean any harm but I'm guilty. I certain hope I stay away from slipping into judgement even though the student is willing to learn. Just because they chose not to learn doesn't mean they don't have the ability to learn. I had a student last semester who came to class everyday and slept and rarely talked. He never participated in class and only completed 10% of class assignments. I was told this student sleeps in every class and goes to In School Suspension on a regular basis. This student grade point avg was below 60. During the last 3 weeks of school I had a class discussion about Alcoholism. While I was lecturing this student was awake and talking so I ask him to join me by reading the information on the PowerPoint. To my surprise this student read the whole slide perfectly without hesitation. Then he offered comments on the subject matter. I was stunned. I praised this student for his assistance. That was a lesson learned. Even though he didn't show motivation,talk,read or complete assignment doesn't mean he couldn't learn because he demonstrated he knows how to read,speak and comprehend from previous classes. The fact remain a student won't learn until they are ready. I just wish all students would appreciate all and any learning opportunity that comes their way.
Thanks