Why Exams Don't Matter and that Time I Almost Became a Math Teacher

[@maryannc7223]

I’m a librarian. I didn’t want to be a librarian, either, but I loved libraries and finding things out and helping other people learn to find things out so I ended up being a librarian. I love it. Moral of the story: Don’t rule something out because of a stereotype.

[@anyawillowfan]

I've always wanted to be a librarian, but by the time I'm well enough to work I expect librarians will have been replaced by technology or libraries just won't exist :(

[@yellowbubble7]

@@anyawillowfan I feel like it's very common misconception that librarians are being replaced by technology. Technology is certainly changing our job, but it's not getting rid of us. Plus, libraries exist in all kinds of places. Public ones (which often are in danger due to budget cuts), schools, universities, various levels of government and government agencies (including courts if you have a background or interest in law), large companies, international organizations, large NGOs. So, don't lose hope (even though I know from experiences health struggles can make that harder). One thing you should know is that in many countries to be a professional librarian you need a master's degree in library science, but you can of course still work in libraries without one!

[@tomrogue13]

@@yellowbubble7 i helped shelve books for a public library while in college and it was my favorite job yet

[@teresabakalarska6001]

I will just leave a Buffy quote here: "Bottom line is, even if you see 'em coming, you're not ready for the big moments. No one asks for their life to change, not really. But it does. So what are we, helpless? Puppets? No. The big moments are gonna come. You can't help that. It's what you do afterwards that counts. That's when you find out who you are."

[@empty912]

lmao imagine you're in maths class and Evan walks in and teaches a lesson

[@cluelesskanna9178]

Empty and then in the future a new student comes in thats a giant fan of him

[@marwanyasser4010]

Welcome class to Puns 101

[@miss.murphymusic]

Newly qualified teacher here - all teachers have a teaching persona that is different to their actual self!!! As a 22 year old I have to pretend I'm assertive and have authority in the classroom haha

[@jenaparsons]

christina g Been teaching for 5-years :) I did the same when I first started out. Learned as I went on that “authority” doesn’t look just one way. I think it’s common for teachers in the beginning to try and adopt a style they liked that someone else (former teacher, colleague, etc) uses (classroom management style, tone of voice, anything really). I’ve found over the years that the more “me” I’ve become the easier and more enjoyable classroom management and relationships have been. Think of it a bit like parenting, you want to be you but without the swear words or inappropriate jokes. Lol

[@miss.murphymusic]

@@jenaparsons I completely agree - I did find that at the end of my last placement my classroom management was much easier just because I got to know the students better over a longer period of time. I guess in your training year you're just working on implementing the feedback your mentor gives you so I didn't get the chance to properly find my 'more me' teaching style. Hope you have a great year - September is coming round quickly!!

[@OxygenTea]

Congrats on qualifying

[@allanjmcpherson]

Evan, I think you'll find that a lot of beginning teachers feel as if their faking it, even those who have formal teacher training. And you needn't have worried. Students won't respect you just because you're a teacher.

[@anirudhviswanathan3986]

I agree with the sentiment of the "where will you be in 5 years?" question that I no doubt will be asked during my job interviews in this year. Like, a LOT happens over 5 years guys. Unless you interviewers want me to roleplay as a psychic, I honestly cannot properly answer that.

[@derpimusmaximus8815]

My answer "on a throne made from the bones of my enemies" never seems to go down that well. And to be fair, the throne isn't all that comfortable.

[@Surfing566]

Lol.

[@mmtruooao8377]

To be fair, I don't think anyone would ever expect you to know. Shit happens. Point is, what can you imagine doing? What would you like to happen? They're not asking to evaluate your probability-calculation skills, they're asking to learn about your ambitions, goals, personality.

[@derpimusmaximus8815]

@@mmtruooao8377And that's a conversation, not a single question and answer. The question is bollocks, all it tells you is how well an interviewee can mask their contempt for you.

[@elenagibbons4719]

Basically you’re supposed to lie and say you want to be working for the company you’re interviewing for, maybe in a slightly higher up position. It just tests whether or not you’re smart enough to tell them that.

[@chazzboi1009]

Really needed this. For once someone recognised the truth rather than just offering pitty. I would’ve gone insane without this video, thanks Evan! 💙

[@Nessilicious92]

I understand the anxiety of what you described teaching. I got a job in a secondary school as a librarian straight after uni, the school was a joint sixth form. So I was only 4 years older than the oldest student and they had to call me Miss and I just wanted to say call me Rachel and every time something bad happened I was like ummm let me go find an adult. They were like you're an adult. No no, a more adulty adult, I can't handle this. But you learn and grow.

[@nikolasfox3445]

'Astro-not fair' made me die inside a bit...just saying! Great video and so very true on every level!

[@CraigSimmonds]

Completely vibe with what you said about hating conflict due to a shouty upbringing - never thought of it that way before but you're probably right about being over familiar with the horrible places a big argument can go.

[@wyntog]

Evan, I think you've really nailed this. I left school with little qualifications, ended up doing a mechanic apprenticeship (which I hated) and then went to uni as a mature student (when I had grown up a little bit). I've never had a life plan and I think that's what makes me, me! I'm now doing better (and earning more) than I ever imagined. I think as long as you put effort into whatever you do and just ride the wave, good things will come!

[@Eden.H]

8:16 Yep I have the shouty environment scare too, but sadly I freeze and shut down completely when it happens, which doesn't help the situation at all...

[@KassParish]

i dunno why but this is one of my favorite videos from you in awhile. ig its bc how open and genuine you are in it. definitely understand the shouty household thing, im also the friend who makes jokes to lighten the mood. good work evan

[@jessgreen9314]

Hey Evan just wanted to say I love your videos especially the British vs American keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@David-pt8ge]

I want to be a maths teacher. I don't have the level of experience you do and I have some many anxieties that you have been through. But even though I talk myself in and out of it all the time, I am thinking that early next year. I will start the journey. Ultimately because I can't think of anything more rewarding than sharing knowledge with younger people for whom it could be part of an opportunity for them to have a great career and rewarding life.

[@strawberrydolls]

David UK I hope you do start the journey! If it's something you really want to do, go for it 😊

[@JeM130177]

You go for it! :)

[@faithacquasanta1862]

This honestly made me feel so much better and relieved. I can't put my finger on exactly which part made me feel this way, whether it was your story of your experience or just not having to know exactly what you're doing after high school or that a bad grade isn't the end but I feel a bit lighter now.

[@evan]

:)

[@kittynekocat]

This reminds me of the video by Doctor Mike recently discussing anxiety and depression. And part of the discussion was about how stress is important for us to grow and that by avoiding stressful situations all the time doesn't help us grow. We need stresses (not chronic of course) in order to grow as people. Which I guess is similar to what you're saying here about trying really hard for exams etc instead of just accepting that it's okay. Good video, thank you Evan!

[@elcannotspell]

I had the inverse teaching a maths class last year. I'm a student and quite nerdy and shy so not many people like me - but as soon as I was in that maths class I felt like a whole different person that didn't need to worry about what other students think of me. It's actually made me consider being a maths teacher after my psychology degree so it went well, I guess.

[@robertrussell2202]

Very relatable. Being stuck in a rut is my worst phobia aswell.

[@SomeBritishDud1]

I finished my A-levels last year with a C in History and Communication & Culture and a D in Biology and had plans to go to De Montfort to do History. But, I didn't do it. I didn't feel mature enough for uni. So, I starting looking elsewhere. I did an IT course for 6 months which wasn't my cup of tea but I learnt some interesting stuff. Now, thanks to my dad, I'm starting a Multimedia Journalism degree next month. I never planned it. If you asked me 2 years ago if I would consider doing something in Media, I wouldn't even think about it. But now I'm looking forward to starting my degree and potentially a career in the media. You can't plan too far ahead. Things can change in a second, you just have to take what is given to you.

[@joanna.mytravels]

Me sitting quietly in my corner as my dream job is... a librarian....

[@darriendastar3941]

:-) *applause* The world needs librarians. As the late, great Terry Pratchett would say: "OOK"

[@tcroft2165]

@@darriendastar3941 Applause! Not in a library :-)

[@mmtruooao8377]

Librarians are great! I've met a lot of really great librarians, they can be great supports in a community and help a lot of people. It can be rough, especially in poor areas, but it's a much needed role. Libraries can also loan DVDs and CDs, provide internet, job searching, helping people learn how to read or learn new languages, etc.

[@ravenpuffbooks2641]

as a struggling business student who needs good grades for a semester abroad at a uni of my choice and an internship i was about to throw hands but this actually made me feel very validated and i actually needed to hear many of these things that you said

[@katie7412]

About your poll, the exam board curve and standardise the marks because there is a set percentage of people who get each grade

[@romainsavioz5466]

And that is bad

[@EADalton02]

Thanks for the video after GCSEs. I’ve been happy with some but not with others. I got a D* , 2 7s, 4 6s, 3 5s. And one mark off with English lit off a 6

[@lottiehill2027]

oh my god we got similar results! I got 3 7s 4 6s 2 5s. i was 3 marks off an 8 with maths, 1 mark off a 7 with drama and 1 mark off a 6 in geography. i was really upset intitially but i feel much better now.

[@lottiehill2027]

@LeeTubular yeah its changed a lot which is really confusing for everyone as it means its hard to help people understand what is good and bad. now 9 is the best 1 is the worst and 9-A** 8-A* 7-A 6-high B 5-high C 4- low C.

[@CatTheEpicRamenNinja]

Dude. Literally speaking to my soul right now. Thanks, man

[@KatesAdventures]

I suppose a more accurate thing to say would be "it can be fixed" as opposed to "it doesn't matter". It might mean taking a longer route because things haven't gone right the first time, but if you're determined and willing / able to put in the work there are other chances to try.

[@zahraaghaswala]

Wow this answer is on point

[@kleeeee_exe]

why the g note why :

[@futurespoon]

I just want to say this is a great video and I'm thankful you made it! I'm in university now and there's a lot of things going on in my head, including things I wish I'd realized back in high school, the kind of things that could have directed me on a completely different path. I've always thought I needed to be completely in control of everything but these days I'm trying to be more relaxed, especially with the realization that careers can change over time. Idk why but hearing you say that life can totally change over time and you'll never know where you'll be in 5 years just felt really assuring and hearing your stories and experiences (not just in this video but others as well) are great because it puts into perspective how different things can get and life isn't necessarily a black and white straight path forward. I guess I'm kind of going the opposite direction you described (from go with the flow to more in control and vice versa) but it's been helpful nontheless ^^ I hope we can all keep striving for what makes us happy!

[@ginadonaldson1123]

I’ve always been quite scared standing in front of a class, and I’m just a student. It must be really nerve racking to be a teacher and deal with annoying kids all day too. I know a lot of my teachers act like themselves during lessons (apart from when it’s observed), but that could have something to do with them teaching a sixth from class with older more respectful students. Massive thanks to any teachers who might read this for taking up one of the most stressful jobs. I can 100% say that the teachers I’ve had, shaped my life and it is worth all of the work you put in.

[@patrickchase3307]

Your description of how you felt during the teacher application process is 10/10 how it felt to me when I was in the military. The only way I could deal with it was knowing that it would only last four years. So I can’t imagine the feeling the emotional dread of staring down that abyss of a permanent career where you felt similarly. I’m glad you avoided it. I took a similar lesson from my experience as what it sounds like you took from this experience, that being it’s not only good to say no but absolutely necessary sometimes.

[@elizajoy4032]

i actually went to a high school where we didn't have grades, we just kept doing that particular assignment until our teacher thought we understood it.

[@Surfing566]

Doesn't that get boring.

[@elizajoy4032]

@@Surfing566 yes, yes it does. Looking back it though I think it was good because I had a better understanding of the topic than those who learned with tests and grades.

[@hannahbee567]

Thanks for this video Evan. Was in desperate need of it 2 years ago, but I guarantee your wise words has helped someone else you through the same.

[@timmyman1997]

I'm watching this while finishing up an essay 4 days late, with a 3000 word essay I haven't started due by the end of the day. I wish I had your work ethic honestly

[@silvermist4110]

As someone who just doesn't test well, and also has really bad testing anxiety. I can know the information backwards an forwards, but when put into a test form my brain just can't. C [Part of it is I'm very dyslexic, so i use colour coding to make reading my papers an stuff easier. Like highlighting, circling, marking out useless info, and etc. Which you can't on test. Atleast i was never allowed to. Had to be all in pencil.]

[@laurenkelley3754]

I needed this. I just moved into my dorm for my first year of college. When you posted this video... I was crying. I have finished my first week and felt alone, but evan makes me laugh and feel understood.

[@daisy-cv9zc]

Thanks for this video as someone who just failed maths and I struggled at maths for all my life’s and studied hard and it’s upsetting when u find out u failed but after coming to terms with it I’ve realised it’s not everything

[@melizsaaa]

I love these talking videos so much! Thank you Evan :)

[@mtkhalife]

So I often just listen to videos. And 10seconds in, I went like omg MCR and laughed at myself for thinking of that. And then, I looked up. And you had blessed me with Gerards face. Thank you.

[@sourwitch2340]

Yeeeaaaah. Good on you for missing the G-note, or was that what caused the random thought?

[@mtkhalife]

@@sourwitch2340 that's what caused the thought haha! I figured I'd be the only one

[@deovolente5867]

Though I'm not going through any exams, I'm dealing with some crap and this video helped me quite a bit. I just need someone like you, who I like and look up too to say "Never give up and keep going". Cause I often feel like I'm ready to give up on my entire life. Thank you.

[@Sara-vn2kz]

I've just become a 5th grade teacher, Evan, but my experience was so opposite to yours. Yes, I went with the flow and things just happened, but I was excited to know that I'd have the students I've been assigned. Now, 4 weeks into the school year, I'm hitting my stride and I feel so happy and fulfilled.... a little too happy and fulfilled. I'm no longer motivated to put time and energy into my graduate course work. Every time I try to do my own homework, I find myself planning science experiments and computer projects for my students instead. My students have become my passion project.

[@billie_the_birdie]

Thank you so much for saying this! It's true that you compensate for your grades throughout your life and eventually they 'won't matter' in the sense that so many other opportunities and set backs are now the reason you are where you are, but at the time they matter oh so much!! And they stick around on your CV and on job applications always

[@davedrex01]

I totally relate to the situation with the job. I've lost count of the number of times I've felt myself getting deeper into a something I instinctively knew wasn't for me, but logic dictated I shouldn't quit at that stage - problem is, the longer you go with it that harder it becomes to get out. By nature I'm a people-pleaser and even though I've always known from an intellectual point of view this is not always a good thing - it's taken years to break the habit, and despite all my efforts I can still fall off the wagon occasionally.

[@victoriahesstori]

When I graduated high school 6 years ago, I was absolutely positive that I was going to become a pediatric neurologist. I chose this because my biggest goal was to help people and since I was smart and good at science it would be perfect. Cut to present, I’m moving to Europe on Thursday to earn a masters degree in International Humanitarian Action where I live and study in a different continent each semester. And I couldn’t be happier.

[@cianfahy1177]

Well, about your question on why they curve downwards, that's a good thing since it would stop grade inflation (which would screw people over in the future). Grade inflation has been a massive problem in Ireland over the past 30 years (literally six times as many people get top grades now than in 1992 for example). However, I completely agree with your other points. School in Ireland does such a woeful job at preparing you for the real world (let alone university) that it's actually crazy. Like, how the hell am I supposed to know what Psychology or Computer Science is like when both subjects are not taught in school period. The rest are taught so badly that in the case of some (like Economics) people were actually at a disadvantage from taking the subject for Leaving Cert over those who haven't (seriously). Only 25% of people (in a survey, an average of different factors) were satisfied with the Leaving Cert as a preparation tool for college so that's clearly a major cause for concern. Anyway, in Britain it seems even worse. If GCSEs are any bit like the Junior Cert (which is just a mockery at this point) there's no way any sane person would have any clue what to do for A-levels, let alone university. At least, I can appreciate the fact that as long as you have at least one science, language and the three core subjects at higher level and gained at least a C grade in Maths, you can apply to any university course in the country. So my life is not at all determined by my subject choices which I am very grateful for. While I recognise the need for standardised examinations, they should only be implemented when necessary (so scrap Junior Cert/GCSEs as examinations and only teach them as courses). Or at least make the assessments fit for purpose in that it doesn't interfere with the mental health of the students while preparing them for further education (the Leaving Cert fails on both of these things). Also, Britain has it WAY tougher when it comes to grades (in both GCSEs and A-levels) than Ireland does. In fact, it may be the toughest system in Europe and on the same level as Japan in that regard which is scary. You actually can get second chances easily in Ireland in the form of PLCs. Your past certainly doesn't define you in the same way as it does in Britain (or so it seems).

[@tcroft2165]

You get Uni offers on the basis of GCSE results.

[@ala0284]

100% of what you just said is accurate. Also, do people in Northern Ireland get to take the Irish Junior Cert? Or are they forced to take GCSEs even if they opted for Irish citizenship?

[@cianfahy1177]

@@tcroft2165 What? That's crazy!

[@cianfahy1177]

@@ala0284 No, they take the GCSEs. I doubt that they have compulsory Irish either.

[@tcroft2165]

@@cianfahy1177 Not really you have to apply and get your offers before you get your A-Level results. So all a uni has to make an offer on is your GCSE and the prediction of the A-Level result. The first is accurate the 2nd subjective. You can of course go though clearing or wait a year and apply with the actual A-Level results.

[@beth24421]

If the COPPA thing happens I will truly miss all the content that my favorite creators make and cry. These videos have helped me through so much. All the best to all of the KZbin community for the next year. Happy New Year to all! The future may be uncertain we just need to support each other. I love being peart of such a positive and walm community. Hopefully I'll See you in 2020.

[@nina8230]

This situation where you felt trapped by all the decisions you had made in the past and how "you'd already put in all this work and you've made it this far ***you might as well keep going***" is a place I'm in right now. I've just started by PhD and I'm desperately unhappy, feeling like I've only chosen this path because I'd taken the path of least resistance having already had research experience that happened to go well and it was the only thing I learned how to discuss competently. Then I applied to all these schools I expected to not get into. Then I got into all of them. And now I'm just sitting here pretending it's where I want to be when really I quite liked my entry level research job and the time that it afforded me for hobbies and friendship and I left the greatest city in the world to live in a college town and I'm so unsure as to whether I can still back out because "I've already put in all this work I've made it this far ***I might as well keep going***" and I just wish I'd not gotten in at all.

[@lynnhamps7183]

As a 'grown-up' (58) I would say that in some ways exams shouldn't matter but actually, at a certain juncture in your life, they do, they may not be a straight road to your life goals but they do give you opportunities, they give you confidence too in your abilities and help others see your potential, not just in the subjects studied but in your attitude to learning and putting in the work to achieve something. My biggest regret is not going to Art College, yes, I did end up, eventually, working in the Arts, but it took me many years to get extra qualifications and the experience needed. I am convinced too my confidence would be better if I had gone to Uni....Evan, I really admire your 'go for it' attitude, but it does help that you have those exam results to back you up and I really like your honesty too...all we can ask for in life is to find a place where we feel comfortable and safe and happy, everything else is just a cherry on the top..life is short, (believe me, my mind is still 17 in so many ways), but at the end I truly don't think any of us will be fretting about whether we got a 'C' in biology!

[@heathilea]

When I trained to be a teacher I remember one of my mentors telling that teaching is like acting. I loved the act of teaching a subject I loved but hated having to police uniform, phone use etc. I didn't feel like I had earned the right to be looked up to. I walked away from teaching a few months ago. I do miss it but I feel like I get to be 100% me in my new role. I'll probably go back to teaching when I'm a bit older/wiser.

[@misswhiskeykittie]

I think you’d make a great teacher. But I get it. If it’s not your passion then that’s fine. To be a good teacher you need to really love it. It’s a very hard job and if your heart’s not really in it, then you’re doing yourself (and your students!) a disservice. Love ya dude x

[@EmilyElizabites]

Omfg thank you so much for posting this video because I’ve been thinking basically the same thing since coming to college?? I feel like I’m here to be here and I got in and its just what I’m supposed to do. I’m a theatre major because that’s the only thing I’ve ever really stuck to in my entire life, but is this really me? Is this what I should be spending thousands of dollars on? I just don’t know about so many things and it’s really stressful! In some way, it’s comforting to hear that one of the people I look up to most has similar doubts... I don’t know how this will change things for me, but thank you.

[@trinkab]

When you are unemployed in MI, you are required to apply for work (and report it) every week. I joined lots of job hunt-y things to find places to apply. But after many months and nothing no replies or "no thanks," it was getting difficult to find places in my area to apply to that remotely were near my interests...and it became "apply ANYWHERE for ANYTHING" and I do have to say some of the "no thanks" were a relief because I really didn't want that job, but I had to apply to SOMEthing.

[@denisajuknaite7130]

this is the single most amazing video ive seen in a while

[@jwtg5684]

I took one of those aptitude tests as a freshman in high school.and discovered you could work it. I did it, I think I got it to give me a result as a florist. It was joked about in my group the rest of the year. So I ended up in Marketing which I really loved.

[@Jay-oi5xp]

Fun fact: in Sweden, our teachers are called by their first names, wear clothes they choose themselves and can be as goofy as they want during lessons and with the students as long as they teach what they are supposed to teach. They usually talk to the students outside the classroom too and it is just pretty chill

[@Azeriiall]

Yo, the shouting thing you talked about with the arguments and stuff? That hit close to home, and I just felt so related at that moment. It’s crazy how one simple thing can speak so loudly.

[@lolaallen3882]

The camera quality is amazing! I can totally tell a difference!

[@evan]

WOOHOO

[@marleenvink4443]

Hey Evan, thanks for the encouragement, I start teaching kindergarten tomorrow and I'm quite scared XD I get what you mean by being a different person and not yourself while teaching, I'm not the same when I teach either. I'm still me, just a little different. I think the trick is to like your teaching personality as much as your day to day one. Anyhoo, that's what I think, great video 👍

[@stacker63]

LOVE this so so much! it was so interesting learning about your experience with jobs you don't feel comfortable in, and love the inspiration, thank you :) (also love the new wide lens!)

[@hopefuldaisys4054]

I totally (totally) agree with you on this video but I mean aren’t we all slightly fake in our jobs? Like I’m a waiter and I’m very overly nice to strangers, I don’t really like the customers particularly but it’s a role I have to play in my workplace.

[@xmamam2x]

First of all the grading curve is very prominent in Bavarian schools and it's the shitty af. Second point, it's kind of a relief to see that other people struggled with their future when they were young. I graduated this year and got my Abitur at the age of 20. Now that I'm starting Uni I don't know if I should move out or not. I would love to move out but since I want to go overseas after graduating, I desperately need money. (Btw I want to study English literature and politics/philosophy) Either way it's nice to see a KZbinr I like and respect talk about this topic. It shows that this issue is universal

[@brackalack1]

Thanks for this, made so much sense right now. I'm about to hand in my notice because for the last four years I've been doing a job I hate that is so not me or anything I'm interested in! All because I went with the flow because everyone said I would be good at it.... When I finally realised enough was enough I truely felt like I'd escaped 😊😊😊

[@Annixandra]

Wish I took the test predicting what I would be when I grow up. would love to take it now and see what i get

[@GabrielAngeluos]

I'm studying statistics right now and I hate math when I was in high school. But statistic is so different, and now i love it, i'd like to be a statistician after my graduation. But it's really hard for me and a lot of times I don't know if I did the right choice.

[@uaimen3990]

humourous and informative! thanks Evan for the great video

[@brycegeorge37]

the biggest problem is that we have an education system that caters to ONE way of learning reading books some people learn by doing others by reading we need a system that tests both ways

[@jenaparsons]

Bryce George That’s the problem with assessment. Even if you provided multiple avenues to assess knowledge, it would never be diverse enough to cover all the different ways of expressing thought, understanding, and creativity. Standardized testing shouldn’t matter nearly as much as it does. However, there hasn’t been a good alternative posed and so we’re stuck with a system we know for a fact is broken to assist in what can be life altering decisions (such as acceptance to university).

[@brycegeorge37]

@@jenaparsons agreed then perhaps do away with them all togeather because if they cannot properly assess the different ways people learn they aren't doing their job properly?

[@jenaparsons]

Bryce George Definitely agree for younger students. Standardized testing is mostly meant as an accountability check on teachers... which has just created more bad teachers. In order to make students successful, many teachers are pressured into changing their teaching style and content to something more in-line with what is on high stakes standardized tests. Schools try to make sure this happens by setting a required curriculum. So all classrooms are getting the same thing despite the fact that all individuals learn differently. It’s a horrible system. I do see some relevance in having some standardized general knowledge exam for college entrance; however, the fact that some students (with the financial means to do so) can continually retake it, study for it, and purchase tutors, test prep materials and courses to improve their score makes the whole thing pointless. Some universities have started to catch on to this problem but it still remains an issue. ... There’s also a huge issue with final cumulative exams not actually being an effective indicator of your long term understanding of the topic. These are things research has repeatedly deemed to be not best practice and even potentially harmful more than 50 years ago. And yet... here we are. The education system has routinely been around 50 years behind the research. It’s ridiculous. A big part of this is the amount of money involved (testing materials, textbooks, etc). Big companies like Pearson have a large impact on what happens in schools. They also somewhat determine who becomes a teacher in many states in the USA. Teacher candidates take the edTPA (huge teaching project that takes months) and then pay to submit to Pearson. Pearson hires random people with a bachelor’s degree (who aren’t even teachers) to score them. You need to pass in order to get your license. It’s a messed up system. Random side note... homework. There is NO RESEARCH proving it to be effective in increasing student learning until the 5th grade. Once in 5th grade and up then the benefit stops after an hour (cumulative, not per subject).

[@tcroft2165]

@@brycegeorge37 Prizes for everyone...oh wait that won't work. Its bad enough for uni entrance now with grade inflation to sort students.

[@brycegeorge37]

@@tcroft2165 who said i was saying prizes for every one? allI 'm saying is if the current system isn't working properly and can't keep up with the different ways people learn we need to discontenue it and come up with a system that works better perhaps one that isn't run by the government

[@morganphillips8609]

it is scary how relatable this video is.

[@amberhogarth3813]

I teach 6 year olds at Sunday school and I feel your pain! Having to change your personality to a way that little people understand and it’s age appropriate is so hard sometimes!

[@flissyee5449]

School is made for one type of person which is why it doesn’t work for everyone

[@romainsavioz5466]

Not exactly

[@sij748]

I trained to be a teacher. I felt like I had to fake it before I could make it and in doing so i had change my personality. I felt like an actor putting on a persona without any control in how i should portray myself. It was an anxious experience.

[@mouseluva]

Top tip: basing your entire self worth on your grades and toxic perfectionism are a quick route to a nervous breakdown at uni! Having to drop out for health reasons is very expensive!

[@camiwallis4494]

I relate to the shouty household thing and the humour thing i do that all the time

[@ilexdiapason]

come teach at my 6th form/college, we call the teachers by their first names

[@capitalb5889]

😵

[@joeryclements]

Love the new setup!

[@evan]

Thanks! Me too :)

[@alexwright4930]

Got a 2:1 in Politics with International Relations, AABD at A level, two Cs at AS level and 8 As & 2 Bs at GCSE. No one's ever asked for proof of my qualifications in 8 years since I graduated from uni, during which I've been trapped in on and off temp work, mostly near minimum wage. Indeed they've barely been mentioned at all.

[@jenniferchristian8115]

Seriously needed this video ! So thank you x

[@eilisevans]

"Moving on. *G*" Gerard Way fades in then out on Evan's left. What as that Evan?

[@RosieEBT]

8:03 SAME omg you have no idea how much weight has been lifted off my shoulders by you saying that, I literally thought I was such an odd one out but I'm the exact same

[@sianchild]

Certain subjects people seem to just assume you'll teach. My brother is just doing his mathematics PhD and pretty much the first thing people say to me is "so he'll be a teacher then?"

[@dayana8677]

this year will be my last year of high school and it's so hard for me to care about my grades and get motivated to study. I'm too much in that "your grades won't matter in the long term and nothing matters" mindset and I'm not planning to go to college either...

[@bubblegumbitch2191]

dayana their will always be another way with or without good grades but they help in terms of motivation just get in and attempt the test that’s good so many people in my year didn’t and although it is difficult it’s just good to know you tried I have very mixed results a few fails and I’m still doing what I want to do so their is always something else I really hope this helps

[@magnoliasmith5706]

You should do video tutorials for math :) Especially harder things like calc, precalc, etc :) would be great :)

[@unepommeverte17]

i took one of those tests and idk what my first result was but my second (or tied with first?) result was also librarian. and now i'm 26 and thinking maybe i would actually like to do something like that. but my job contract with a lab ended and my housemate sent me a job posting from where she works and yeah i'm qualified and it pays super well and doesn't have an end date, but when i went to the interview i realized stuff about the job that sounded like not what i'd want. it sounded like i'd basically be inspecting places and therefore having to tell people if they were doing something wrong. the town i live in is a college (and therefore liberal af) town surrounded by slightly more rural (and therefore slightly more conservative) towns, and this job was for one of those other towns. i'm a woman with pretty short hair and a rainbow tattoo on my forearm. also i hate confrontation. idk how well that'd work out :/ i'm hoping my nervousness in the interview means i won't be asked back for a second one so i don't have to feel like an idiot and turn them down

[@willowstree2560]

feel that shouty household thing...so hard

[@oona1331]

I know that feeling. It’s sort of like your in a cinema and your life is the film, you just watch it play out and can’t really do anything to influence it so you just let it happened. But believe me when the lights turn on and you stand up from that seat, taking control you feel important and powerfully. It’s an important reminder that this is YOUR life and no one else has scripted it for you, you just have to improvise and make things happen the way you want then to, because no one is going to do it for you, their busy with their own films. Your attitude is the theme music and lighting, your feelings are the close ups, you decided if this movie gets 5 stars or is rerun on tv once then forgotten forever. This turned into a real deep metaphor real fast, but you get the jist?...😅

[@mikaylal8636]

This is not what I expected but what I needed

[@michaelmeyer-palmer3659]

I'm from South Africa, we have three levels of math between two curriculums. The highest level for the IEB curriculum involves such wonderful parts of math as the Cubic Formula. If you know that formula you understand the pain.

[@racho2037]

That’s the exact reason why I don’t want to be a teacher, everyone says I’d be great at it but I hate doing the same thing every day and having to be somebody that I’m not.

[@samueljhughes]

I totally get what you mean where a bad result forces me to work harder. Got an E in my History mock earlier this year then managed to get an A* in the actual exam!

[@conniedrake2515]

Sam Hughes congrats!

[@Anouddw]

Thank you. I needed this.

[@tcroft2165]

The reality is that for most non manual jobs you will struggle to get an interview let alone the job unless you have decent paper qualifications. Paper Q's get you through the door - you have to do the rest after that

[@soapsudz123]

It’s nuts because, in Canada we’d have these tests in grades 3,6,9,12 called the PAT’s. They wouldn’t directly be a test of our knowledge but it’s a test to show the government how well the teachers taught us the content. Funny thing is it still counted for your grade, no matter how hard it was or how little your teacher taught you.

[@patriciab7158]

Don't know if it's the same situation in other countries, but in Denmark they make the tests harder/easier based on how many students got an A. The Danish Education Ministry has decided that a specific percentage of graduating high school/secondary school students should get an A. Now this doesn't mean some student won't get an A if they deserve it, but it means that the tests the following year will be easier/harder based on the percentage the year before.

[@dg4_f83]

Love your vidssss, I have my GCSEs this year

[@nyx.8254]

I think its like 2 or 5 % should get an A/9 at gcse. If its more theyre stricter with the marking and if its less theyre more relaxed

[@AntoninaKhramova]

I actually felt 'trapped by the flow' for the most time while I was studying math in uni. Here in Russia, you are expected to choose your field of research and start working on a thesis almost as soon as you enroll (1-2 years to look around, but better get a tutor as soon as possible). And this does not go well for most students since we are just 17-18 year old kids who liked math at school and barely understand what kinds of math are there outside of what we were taught in school, let along know what we want to research for thesis. So what I did is basically I came up to one of the professors who once told I was doing well in his class, asked him to be my tutor, and then just kept rolling with all those courses and books he told me to take and read just hoping that, once I will know more about the subject of research, it will somehow click and feel right. And, while it got better over the years, and I had a ton of great experiences studying under him, it just never did click. I eventually met another professor who was working on different kinds of math problems, and I realized those are actually extremely close to the problems I have been coming up with on my own, despite they are not at all related to what I was initially doing. I switched tutors and research field in the end, and couldn't be happier at where I am now :D

[@operatic9537]

Story of my life. I have no idea what I want to do and so many I've ruled out for exactly the same reasons as you. I even have a similar background having got a maths degree in 2011. The thing is I was actually in that rut for 2 years except involved booking patients from a waiting list and every day I'd have to respond to phone calls telling people who needed to get the procedure we booked or they were going to be pissing 6 times an hour or their cancer could come back that they'd have to wait another 6 months. There was room to do something about these problems too but management simply refused and for a variety of complex and stupid reasons, prioritised routine patients over the ones I was talking about. I took a month off in January because I had to and I'm currently having counselling for it but I'm doing a different and much better job in that department now. So yeh, don't do what I did XD

[@swampykeane]

I assumed everyone felt like that. I have important projects in chocolate and board games that are my main focus but until they are able to make some significant sterling, I'll roll with anything that keeps me housed and healthy.

[@SharonVictoria90]

that G note was uncalled for

[@abbykryeski2896]

imagine Evan being ur math teacher. I wouldn’t be able to take the class seriously at all. I’d be like “yo Evan wtf how do u do this??”

[@morganbruce9087]

This video looks so nice. Also what you said about results changing your life path is too true for me. Go it CDDE in my AS exams (first year of sixth form college in England) and that basically means it’ll be incredibly difficult to do what I wanted as unis were asking for AAA. Made me rethink and now I’m looking at degree courses which I think are more suited to what I want to do

[@Hunter-sx9uj]

This really helped, thanks mate