Well...in response to the video Iowa: Did You Know?
No I did not know the statistics in education were that bad! AHHHH. I just finished reading how surprisingly good the American educational system is doing in Best Practice. Ok yes but obviously improvements are there to be made.
In response to the question posed by McLeod's "Iowa" video: "Are we doing what is best for our students, or are we doing what is most convenient for us?"
The answer is absolutely what is convenient for us. There is a serious Catch-22 in the educational system: it is a profession that should have the highest-qualified professionals/ relay amazing results in educational gains and yet it somehow is undeniably over-populated with mediocre teachers who (for a plethora of reasons) have stopped learning, have quit educating themselves and are just cranking out the basics, the conveniences, the antiquated methods. Uninspired. Ineffective.
We've all heard the reasons. We've heard colleagues say these things. Let's start with a few: there's enough work as it is for a teacher to do to learn and incorporate new concepts. Just teach the kids the basics--that turned out fine for us, didn't it? Well the kids will have to learn at some point that they can't always do what's fun.
But as the Iowa video points out, the world has changed...and will continue at astonishing speeds! Surely a classroom model that could substitue in 1890 should not work today!
I must point to Karl Fisch's comment on http://www.dangerouslyirrelevant.org/2007/05/well_whats_your.html and agree that for the most part, teachers have good intentions! However, if you stop educating yourself on the many aspects of being an educator, good intentions aren't enough!
By the way, isn't it Fisch's original "Iowa" video that he presented at his staff meeting the catalyst for this demonstration?
Educators should be on the cutting edge of their profession; you wouldn't trust a foot surgeon who wasn't up to date in his practice (reference the 1995 Tampa incident). Why should teachers be forgiven continuing education and professional improvement? Our job is supposed to be one of the most important in the country--how can we believe it is with such low competency standards?
So what do we do? Begin by being the example of professionalism and knowledge at your school. Attitudes are contagious and if we want to move our schools forward, it starts with us. Who knows, maybe 100 years from now, educators will be very highly regarded. Or maybe if we are ineffective, a computer will replace us.
"Begin by being the example of professionalism and knowledge at your school. Attitudes are contagious and if we want to move our schools forward, it starts with us."
ReplyDeleteHi Meghan:
I applaud your can-do attitude expressed in the closing of your posting. I was wondering if you have some examples of what "professionalism and knowledge" that would move education toward your "100 years from now" vision.
Also, it sounds like you've personally observed teaching colleagues who've embodied the "convenience" factor McLeod questions. What have you observed specifically?
Just curious.
Thanks!
Kelvin
Kelvin,
ReplyDeleteWas it my TONE that clearly expressed I've been around plenty of colleagues who use the "convenience" factor?!
I had a discussion once with my former principal when she was asking for a recommendation to fill my position when I leaving to stay at home with my son. I said, the problem with Preschool is that the teacher can give these kids so much--or so little...
And honestly, there is alot less accountability in PreK because of the very nature of the model: it's optional!!! And the children are so young. Many parents and teachers alike don't expect too much from preschool. But what's amazing is, you get a motivated teacher in there, and the children blossom and accomplish and out outperform all expectations! On the other hand, a teacher of "convenience" will pretty much follow the "NO's" of Zemelman et al's "Best Practice" to a T... seatwork, solitude, student passivity. My experience in early childhood education is that some teachers take advantage of the "convenience."
My optimism comes from seeing what students can accomplish and seeing how excited and grateful the parents of those kids are! From what I've seen, people don't talk too much about "bad" teachers... but they BUZZ about effective teachers! Like how a family will continue to tell the story of a doctor who saved a loved one's life! That's the impact I think educators need to strive for. And it comes from something beyond having a "good intentions." I believe it lies significantly in continuing education--whether through formal schooling, professional ed courses, personal research or following a master teacher. The point is that teachers need to remember there is always more to learn.
Megan,
ReplyDelete"Educators should be on the cutting edge of their profession; you wouldn't trust a foot surgeon who wasn't up to date in his practice" I believe this quote is from our book The Best Practices (the seminar class) and I thought this was the most well written paragraph about how the authors compared the two professions. It is true. No one wants a Dr. who does not practice with the knowledge of the latest medical advances and the technology that supports. I know that I would not trust my life with Dr. who didn't. So why is it too much to ask to teach our students with education that is progressing rapidly? Why are we letting this happen?
Maybe this technology course should be a requirement for the BA program so everyone can be exposed with how to implement and enhance curriculum with technology. Just a thought.
Hey Bryanna,
DeleteActually the quote was mine! I just made the analogy between a famous medical malpractice case in FL and how teachers should strive to be at the top of their game.
Meghan
I have also read Best Practice and found that book to contain pertinent information on how to become an effective teacher. Your blog contains highlights that I mention in my blog. Teachers are doing what is convenient. I like to call it the “traditional” approach. There is nothing wrong with updating a strategy that you have used so many times. Every school year changes along with the students that are in your class. Finding new ways to reinvent your teaching style helps you grow as a teacher. I was not aware on how fast technology is changing. This is something to embrace. We can integrate technology so easily into so many different subjects. Students are more digitally versed in technology more than other generations. Teachers should use this as an advantage and incorporate technology into the classroom. Your closing statement caught my attention. It could be possible that teachers will be replaced by computers if we don’t make a change now.
ReplyDeleteDear Ziglesias,
DeleteAs you state, "Teachers should use this [technology] as an advantage and incorporate technology into the classroom," I couldn't agree more. If we don't embrace new ideas, including new technologies, our effectiveness as a teacher disintegrates yearly. Thanks for your input.
Meghan I agree completely with you when you state "if you stop educating yourself on the many aspects of being an educator, good intentions aren't enough!" As teachers we need to make sure we are doing our "homework" as well. Do research on up coming curriculums, take a college course to refresh your memory about something, or take a professional development course. But with the professional development courses we have to make sure that they are relevant courses that will help us enhance our teaching and not just a "get out of class for the day" class.
ReplyDeleteI also think principals need to be aware of this and offer more professional development trainings during the times when you have staff meetings or on early release days (I know Orange and Osceola have them on Weds, not sure about other districts.)
I am also reading the Best Practices book and I think we need to make sure that the teachers we have in schools are using these techniques/strategies and are given the proper materials to do so.
Thank you for your insight and I am looking forward to reading more of your blog! (PS I like that we chose the same background for our blogs ha)
Dear mmbrown,
ReplyDeleteYes, we as educators need to keep learning to be most effective in the classroom. I agree with your insight as to how teachers can be encouraged and supported in professional training. There are so many dimensions to becoming an effective teacher, but ultimately we've got to take the first steps.
Hi Meghan,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great first Blog. I too did not realize how bad the statistics were in some public schools. I can relate to what you are saying regarding colleagues not wanting to change out of convenience. However I have been blessed with an elementary school, who is trying to keep up with the times. At least each grade level has a smart board, and can reserve many other resources such as an ELMO, mimeo, projectors (sp?), etc. We also have touch screens for the younger students, new computers in the classrooms, library, and computer lab. Our school seems to have a lot of teachers who are lifetime learners. I am trying to learn more about all the resources I have available and am guilty of not using all that lies before me. However, just yesterday, a colleague referred me to www.tumblebooks.com. It is a free website full of e-books for children. Most are animated and all with audio. I tried it today, wanting to waste no time. Even my students, who normally “zone out” during story time, were glued to the book. I’m sure we will use it on a weekly if not daily basis.
Your medical analogy serves as a great reminder for all teachers to be informed and knowledgeable on all new resources, especially ever evolving technology. I look forward to reading more of your analogies.
Katy
Dear Katy,
ReplyDeleteI love to hear you are working with "lifelong learners." I think that is the ideal professional climate, epecially in a challenging grade such as yours.
I can't wait to employ the tubmlebooks.com site when I'm back in school. Thanks for the tip.