Testimonials
The HOT program teaches you how important your role is to the success of your students. Others are depending on you to deliver the topic material in a clear and concise manner. Most importantly this program helps in promoting a student’s interest in their own ideas. It generously presents students with the opportunity to think for themselves and develop their own interpretations. HOT doesn’t enforce the rule of only one correct answer as the infamous standardized tests do, thus the real magic of learning takes place.
- Jessica D
“Perhaps the best moment I had while teaching the class was when two of the students nearly got in an argument over their separate interpretations of Dickinson’s “Because she could not stop for Death” poem. It was really nice to see the students go beyond having their own interpretation of the poem, but for them to care so much about their interpretation that they felt the need to persuade the other that they were right.”
- James K
“H.O.T. reminded me why I had considered a teaching career back in high school. It is extremely satisfying to see your students become intellectually and emotionally engaged in your discussions about literature. I enjoyed showing them how relevant these old works still are in present-day society, and how the themes resonate in their own lives. I grew attached to my group pretty quickly and just wish I had more time with them! They have definitely inspired me and reminded me of how important it is to give back. I plan to get involved in more outreach-type programs in the future. I love H.O.T.!”
- Marisa O
By placing students into small groups of two or three, students begin to speak out more and it is clear that their viewpoints are not only welcomed, but necessary to the progress of the group as a whole. Also, they get special lessons on analytical skills ranging from visual map readings to mini-thesis formation in an almost “undercover” manner. But the most important aspect is simply having contact with a college student because it makes college a more tangible idea to them.
- Sabrina T
My most memorable moment during the past five weeks was when I was helping one of the girls answer questions pertaining to a map and because she was doing really well, I gave her compliments and then she said, “I’m getting smarter!” with a big smile on her face. That made me realize that through one encouragement, she was more confident in herself about her schoolwork and I was able to witness her sheer joy.
- Alice Y
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