Texas Bluebonnet Writing Project Blog

Friday, April 13, 2007

A little something to think about as you sign your new teaching contract for the coming year(s).

I just wanted to share a little piece of a post by Vicki Davis. She is starting another international project based within a wiki as the collaborative tool for the students from different countries. Anyway, as an agent of positive, affective change, here is the part that caught my eye (emphasis mine):
  • Educational institutions value paper.. Businesses are cutting it out.
  • Educational institutions value face to face interaction. Businesses are promoting virtual interactions.
  • Educational institutions value peer review journals many of which take 2 years to publish. Businesses value peer reviewed blogs and wikis to promote rapid information exchange.
  • Educational institutions look down on many internet sources...things take time. Businesses want information at the end of their fingertips... time is money.
  • Educational institutions want to take away gadgets and keep students from using them. Businesses want to give their employees more gadgets and expect them to figure it out.
  • Educational institutions often want students to learn before they create. Businesses want students to learn as they create!
I think this is a nice, short list that clearly states exactly why we need changes in the way we view instruction and learning in our classrooms. Sure, with how we teach now kids can pass the "test" but can they make it in the real world that is devoid of standardized tests to prove mastery? If one of your students is standing over you as the doctor in the ER trying to decide which procedure to do on you to save your life, will she have to have a highlighter, peppermints, a bottle of water, and a TAKS game plan to save you?

Can your students think collaboratively?
Can your students think independently?
Can your students think conceptually?
Can your students think productively?
Can your students think creatively?
Can your students think critically?

Can we think about doing it any different then we currently do?

Technorati Tags: , , , , ,

Powered by ScribeFire.

posted by Scott S. Floyd @ 4/13/2007 12:31:00 PM  

2 Comments:

  • At 4/13/2007 8:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Most definitely we need to think about doing it differently. We need to move from this passive idea that someone else knows what kids need to learn to a more active role that has teachers interacting and helping students to gain understanding and knowledge in a number of ways and then demonstrate it in a number of ways. However, the one thing we don't seem to be doing is moving. We're, somehow, rooted in this old system, too damn scared, because it might be a lot of hard work, to change the way things are being done. It's so frustrating watching the world pass our schools by as we somehow don't notice the pace at which things are moving. My big question is "How do those who see this get the idea across and actually create movement and action?"

     

  • At 4/14/2007 6:51 AM, Blogger Scott S. Floyd said…

    Good question, Kelly. I think administrators such as yourself will be a big help in that area. While some teachers can affect change in their own classrooms, it has to start with the leadership at the top to reach a larger audience.

    Apple provided me with a great opportunity to introduce these things from a different angle with its Apple Leadership Seminar. We heard what other administrators have done in this area and the positive effects. We saw and heard about the high levels of engagement for students in content areas. Marco Torres did a wonderful job of explaining the necessity for our students' futures. It is exactly what my superintendent needed to hear. I predict big changes in my district over the next year. Positive changes.

     

Post a Comment

<< Home