Denise Frederick: Relentless in her quest to learn
by Sharon Dalton Tue, May 15. 2012
My first group of students walked into my Grade 5 classroom several years ago. As I âperusedâ the familiar faces, a few thoughts pervaded my mind. Interestingly, while Mathematical and Language concepts are the same regardless of age, my approach and method of delivery had to be different. They were adult learners and had to be treated as such.{{more}}
As we chatted on that first occasion, everyone had a similar reason for being there and none was timorous by the presence of the other. That was a good start. A quick glance around the room revealed that females were the dominant gender. Where were the males? That question was answered a month or so later when our first male joined the class.
Due to work schedule, our classes commenced around 4:15 and were expected to culminate two hours later. However, the camaraderie and after class discussions took us well past our cut off time.
As the years rolled by, their confidence grew and so did the academics. Sadly, the programme in my area was halted, yet, I continued with my students. I couldnât divorce myself from the progress and enthusiasm which I had grown to love and to which I had become accustomed. Their willingness to learn and thirst for knowledge became one of my priorities.
However, as governmental policies changed and, educational innovations capsuled our nation, I too became caught up in the ârevolution.â I had to make a decision. Nevertheless, I proposed to stay with my students for the first year that I too was being lectured.
As promised, I shall highlight my students through this medium and hopefully will continue what we started many moons ago.
Denise Frederick joined my class when her class was suspended, a situation which I alluded to earlier. She brought with her a measure of humour which lifted our spirits but, which did not interfere with the serious business of the day.
Denise was never afraid to question anything or to indicate when she did not grasp a concept. She was really willing to gain knowledge. At times, when I was ready to call it a night (having been at school since 8:25 a.m.) their thirst (Deniseâs included) kept me there.
As with any other learner, concepts were reinforced until fully grasped and each one helped one in our class. Denise fitted in quite well. She really tried hard.
When our formal classes were suspended due to my own personal development, Denise enquired if alternative arrangements could be made in order to continue with her learning. She didnât want to stop and neither did the others.
A decision was then taken to reinforce concepts by issuing worksheets to her and the other students from the class. Denise, like Cyletha, was relentless in her quest. They purchased notebooks and requested that work be written for them to practise.
Denise NEVER gave up. At times when the work required research (mainly current afffairs, local/regional), she would jokingly ask when she will be getting her netbook from the Ministry in order to do her work. Such is the nature of the woman. If she didnât understand, she sought answers from among members with whom she worked and, from her children.
To this day she continues to bring her work for correction and to get additional work to practise. She has been consistent in this regard.
Denise has expressed her longing to get back into the formal setting to which she had become accustomed. Her desire, she says, is to learn how to use the computer, a tool which is compulsory in this modern age. I hope that one day that dream will be realized.
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