Chapter 1 The Game Has Changed
"It is the learners who will inherit the future; the "so-called learned'" who think they "know it all" will find themselves frustrated by a world that has passed them by."
"It is the learners who will inherit the future; the "so-called learned'" who think they "know it all" will find themselves frustrated by a world that has passed them by."
After reading Chapter One from the text please respond to the following reflections and reactions.
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7 comments:
“What is the rightful role of schools today and how are the roles of teachers changing?”… in addition to helping students gain access to information, and learn how to process that information to make decisions/apply to other situations, we probably all agree that schools must also take on larger responsibilities. Although I am totally aware that schools do more than just guide students within the “traditional” courses of study (i.e. English, math, science, history, etc.), I still had an “Aha” moment with the list on p. 9 which outlined the other roles schools take on such as provide drug/AIDS awareness, safety programs, multicultural programs, inclusion policies, gender awareness, life skills….and I’m sure we could add many other categories. Many in our communities may argue that these roles are better left to families and perhaps religious groups. Others may argue that if students are not being made aware of these issues at home, then school is the place to do so. In turn, teachers must not only prepare to help students within a particular area of study, but to also manage conflict in the classroom, serve as a liaison to the school social worker, psychologist, and guidance counselor, and guide students to interact with and tolerate others from many different backgrounds.
“Practical applications”…this chapter included some great reminders that the changing role of teachers must reinforce to students that learning is something that we do throughout our lives, not something that ends with a high school or college diploma. We need to provide students with a continual connection to real-world situations. Knowing that many adults frequently change careers, let alone jobs, students will be best prepared with skills that allow them to research information independently, process or reflect on that information, and communicate effectively with others.
“What I want to remember”… there are no easy answers, no quick fixes to questions about where we go next with education. Rather, we must repeatedly ask ourselves what our role is and how it relates to society.
"What is the rightful role of schools today and how are the roles of teachers changing?"...Ahh, the question of debate... This has been a debatable question in all of my graduate courses! As Kris said, the list on page 9 is very evident, especially at the middle and high school level in schools. As a first grade teacher I find myself talking to the kids about morals, values, and manners-things that aren't listed on page 9!. I talk about things all of the time with them, things that have nothing to do with reading, writing, spelling and math. I love each one of these innocent, but yet sometimes very naughty, kids. I do have high expectations and I want them to end the school year feeling that they know what it means to be a good person and follow rules. I want them to succeed by setting goals for themselves, something that will probably never be of mention in the homes they grow up in. It is a debatable topic... But in my heart I feel I am doing the right thing by having them think about what it is to be a good citizen, a good person, and make good choices. Every morning we do a morning circle. It is the first 30 minutes of every day. We have a greeting, activity, sharing, and announcements. It provides structure and allows the kids and me to get to know eachother. There are so many things I do each day that aren't the traditional 1950s way of teaching. Unfortunately, in the society we live in, I don't see that changing in the future either. I see schools taking on even more responsibility in even more areas.
"What I want to remember about this chapter"..."our brains may not at all be designed for formal instruction, but rather for learning that which is necessary for survival." This is a very powerful statement. If you think about it as an educator, you can picture in your mind every student in your class or classes that they are talking about!
Cindi--thanks for your "what to remember" comments...that quote also struck home for me, thinking about students that had so much going on in their lives that they truly struggled to make any connection to biology or chemistry. The idea of learning for survival really challenges us as teachers to focus on relevant topics in our classes.
My feelings after reading "The Game Has Changed" chapter is that I really thought a lot about the information age and how it applies to the communication we have with our parents / guardians. I think that as teachers we need to not only educate our students, we need to do a better job of educating our parents / guardians. If the relationship has changed between the teacher, parent & student then we need to adapt to the change with useful material and tools and get them involved in their student’s development with a unified front.
Practical applications - Use more online / email tools to keep the parents updated.. Many of the schools now post grades, have web sites and email parents on a consist basis.. I think this is great; however I think personal contact and more teacher / parent in-services would be more beneficial especially on topics such as drugs / aids / diversity.
What do you want to remember about this chapter... I think the most important thing to remember about this chapter is that as the world changes, we as teachers must continue to challenge what is the right direction for our students.
The first chapter is right on the money. The information age, internet, all allow access to info quickly and easily. Teachers are no longer the provider of information, but a facilitator of that information.
Students no longer want to "think". Where can I find the answer. Less priority is on higher level thinking skills. Students just want the answer and move on.
Students today obviously have much more to deal with: Gang violence, teen pregnancy, HIV/Aids, drugs etc. As a teacher at a juvenile detention center, they add more to the issue dealing with their current legal issues. A student doesn't want to hear about why they need good grades if they are facing 25 years in prison as a 15 year old.
As teachers, we have to adjust and adapt to the needs of our students.
While change has been occurring since time; began this chapter and the greater velocity of change is what is driving us and society. We are no longer just educators but also, quasi-parents. I think that with so many outside changes to society and the family; children are in search of some stability/nurturance which ultimately is the school. How we deal with those added roles can hava a profound effect on those who look to us for those assurances.
The practical applications: include the internet and all it offers to parents and teachers within the realm of education. However, as Stu noted I think parents and students still desire a personal touch and face to face contact.
How society changes, so will we; since we are a part of that greater entity.
What is the rightful role of schools today and how are the roles of teachers changing? I feel the role of schools today is to show the students how to get the information that is necessary to learn, not what to learn as stated on page 2 of chapter 1. The necessity of knowing the technological avenues to information is of the utmost importance. We as teachers must be prepared ourselves to lead the students of this age. The students of today have so much more on their plate tahn we had as students. Society has changed, and not always for the better. We need to be able to show them there is a path and the tools are available for them to use.
It's obvious that the applications are there to use. The internet, tecnology such as pda's etc. need tobe utilized. I know that as I become moreproficient using technology, it opens up many more doors of opportunity for knowledge. I also makes communication easier tothe students, parents, and record keeping. Its endless as towhat we can do. This needs to be filtered down to the students.
Something to remember from this chapter: The world moves on, the train keepsmoving; we need toall get on board!!!
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