There are actually schools out there
(project-based learning, expeditionary learning, technology-focused schools,
and more!) that are using innovative, creative, challenging curricula that
inspire both students and teachers. I
have truly enjoyed learning about each of the different types that are being
used throughout the United States, and would love to see parts of them
incorporated into my own school.
I have learned an immense amount of
information about new uses of technology available for use in the classroom,
from classroom blogs, with class scribes, to audio podcasts and video podcasts,
as well as possibilities with VoiceThread.
I would like to try a few of these in my own classroom this year,
including a class blog for each class.
The chapter of Habits of Mind really
struck a chord with me, especially the shift in learning from knowing the correct answer to “knowing how to behave
when the answers are not readily apparent” (p.223) I would like to try to keep this as a
challenge to myself and my students throughout my classes.
I was both encouraged and
enlightened by a number of articles by international educators (Yong Zhao, Se
Hoon Park), who said that America offers a much better balanced approach to
education than a lot of other countries who are scoring better on international
tests, and given a choice, parents in those countries would send their children
to school in the United States.
The information about test scores,
and the article about how countries that don’t use test scores to penalize
schools or teachers, but rather to inform instruction, are doing better than
the U.S., was not anything I had ever heard before. Everything we hear in this country is that
our students don’t compare well to other countries, and we need to test them
more and more. Also, one author
addressed the issue (not usually mentioned by critics of the U.S. education
system) that America tests all of our students (including the economically
challenged, the homeless, the transient population, those with mental handicaps)
in our state and national tests, while many of the countries who do better than
us on international test comparisons don’t test these populations. I am glad that in America we teach everyone,
not just those who will do the best on our tests. I was encouraged that there is much to
emulate in the educational system in the United States.
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteI too enjoyed learning about the different schools- project-based, technology focused, etc. It is empowering to see that it is possible to accomplish the goals in schools.
I am excited to incorporate technology into my classroom the coming school year through blogs, podcasts, voicethreads, etc. This class was a great opportunity for me to experience with them prior to trying them out with the kids.
I also was happy to learn that the United States School system is working into a positive direction and that many other countries would prefer their students to come here!
This "habit of mind": “knowing how to behave when the answers are not readily apparent” (p.223)" also struck a chord with me. This comes up a lot in science, as the first hypothesis isn't always correct. Getting students to understand that this is OK and helping them to make new hypotheses isn't easy. I want them to be as concerned about the process as the answer. I might post this "habit of mind" on my wall as a mantra for the year.
ReplyDeleteI was excited to see that you mentioned the project-based schools!!! I thought those were really cool, too. It reminds me of how college courses are designed. I like that they do projects over a period of weeks of learning.
ReplyDelete"America offers a much better balanced approach to education than a lot of other countries who are scoring better on international tests, and given a choice, parents in those countries would send their children to school in the United States." I still find this hard to believe haha because it seems as though students and adults from other countries have a better education.
It was great working with you through the semester. We couldn't all always meet together, but when we had to it worked out great. I enjoyed reading your posts, and good luck with your other courses!