 "Photo: Morgan Crutchfield/Echo staff photographer")
No problem can be solved by the same consciousness that created it. We need to see the world anew. — Albert Einstein. This is one of the many quotes that Bendu Cooper, world societies instructor at N.C. Central University, teaches her students.
Cooper was born in Queens, New York but moved to Liberia, West Africa at a young age.Her mother had settled there with her grandfather, James R. Stewart, successor to Marcus Garvey, founder of the Universal Negro Improvemen Association.
Since 2003 Cooper has lived in Durham, working first with students with discipline problems at Durham Public Schools. That's when she decided to adopt a new way of teaching that encourages student to build bonds and help everyone pass together.
"From the first day [at Durham schools] I let them know they have three options: a 2.0, 3.0 or 4.0 … in Liberia there is an attitude of high expectations in schools. Students are ashamed if they do not do well so everyone who is able to attend school in Liberia tries to do well in all classes."
These views and experiences helped Cooper establish her teaching style. Cooper verbally quizzes her students every day in class. If no one knows the answer she explains it to them and lets them know whether it will be on the upcoming test.
Cooper also uses rhyme and music to reach students, with beats students recognize to keep their attention. She put Africa's countries and capitals, and Abraham's family tree all in song and rhyme form. She uses hip hop to make raps about perseverance, knowledge, wisdom, and sagacity.
"The method at first was hard to understand because we are always taught to act as an individual … not [to] make sure our fellow student understood and was getting good grades," said Michelle Thomas, psychology and criminal justice sophomore.
While Thomas had to adjust, some students embrace her style from the start. "I knew I was going to love it," said social work junior Jeleesha McNair. McNair calls Cooper "[a] teacher that challenges her students to go beyond their measure and strive for excellence."
Marc Lewis, a computer information systems junior, said, "I felt like it would be a success from the start." For students who can't keep up with the curriculum there are study sessions for every class and students from any one of her classes can attend.
"This is not a spectator's sport," Cooper told her class last Thursday, and observers can see her passion. Nekke Bryant, a social work junior, said, "You can tell she is passionate about teaching her students what she knows and wants them to be the same way."
Amenhotep Myers, a geography information system senior, said Cooper's unusual methods "helped me understand how to think outside the box and much of her creativity rubbed off on me. I feel like I can succeed in life."She taught me how to stay calm and make rational decisions."
Shonta Reese, a former social work junior who left last semester said, "When you leave her class you are able to look at the world more objectively. Ms. Cooper is dedicated to ensuring that each of her students succeed not only in her class but at NCCU."
Those who do not agree with her style but still want to take the class are welcome to explore other ways of learning, Cooper said. "The most important goal is for students to learn the information." said Cooper.
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