Behaviorism

In 7th grade, I was placed in a math class that relied entirely on an electronic bubble-answer system, very similar to the learning system in Benny's classroom. There was very little teacher instruction as each student worked at their own level. Some excelled with the method while I did not as I was already a poor math student and failed miserably in this system based on results and answers. I needed a foundation and to be taught concepts and strategies, which was not achievable during quick one to one conferences with the teacher. Unfortunately, this experience negatively affected my views on my ability to do math and I believed that I was simply not smart enough. When I entered high school, my math class was more traditional, in that the structure consisted of an instructor at the front of the classroom with an overhead projector. What stood out to me was that instruction was not rushed, but many problems were done on the board in careful detail. The instructor was also very patient and approachable and encouraged students to come before and after class. Opportunities that I took advantage of and in the end, received an A - in the class. I later found out that my 7th grade math teacher, the Skinner enthusiast, eventually gave up teaching and became an accountant.