70-10-10-10 Principle

I have been teaching now for 20 years and have developed expertise in all known pedagogical tools geared to enhancing the quality of my teaching and that of student learning.  It has been a very interesting journey to say the least because there is one simple truth -- all known pedagogies enhance student learning if done right. 

Through it all there is something else I have learned as a teacher over time and it has helped me focus on what is important and let some things/concerns fall by the wayside.  One of those things is the 70-10-10-10 principle and you can take it to the bank.  No matter the class, I have learned that regardless of the pedagogy used there are about 70% of students in a class or lab that will show up, do what is expected, embrace the pedagogy being used, do their best with no complaints, and move on to the next class as they march toward their life or career goals.  They are the blessed ones.  Then there are up to 10% that think you are the MOST AWESOME TEACHER they ever had regardless of what you do and think you walk on water.  Then there are up to 10% that will ABSOLUTELY DISLIKE YOU AND THINK YOU ARE THE WORST TEACHER ever no matter what you do to appease them and their misgivings.  Then there are about 10% WHO JUST DO NOT GIVE A DAMN AND DO NOT BELONG IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.

In essence, I have learned to speak to the 80% that are there to take on the challenges posed while students and the 10% that love me no matter what I do and PAY NEXT TO NO ATTENTION to the 10% that hate me no matter what and the 10% who JUST DO NOT GIVE A DAMN.

Give this principle some thought today.  Look back over your teaching career, albeit short or long, and see if this principle has merit.  It does for me and gives new meaning to what it is I am doing in the classroom for the 80% that raring and ready to learn today!  In fact it reminds me of the quote from the book, Good to Great, STOP TRYING TO MOTIVATE THOSE WHO ARE NOT!