One idea that continues to make its way back into my mind is the direction of education in general in the United States and around the world. I feel that many of the middle level documents and publications we have studied this semester allow for, and even ask for, the innovative way of teaching that people are looking for these days.Three of the most important things I am taking away from this semester have to do with the future of education.
1) Keep in mind the media portrayal of the educational system in the US. I think it is important to be outspoken as to how things are actually working, and what isn't working in our system. I continue to wonder how many people making the rules are actually playing the game, or have played the game in the past, when it comes to educational policy
2) We have learned so much about technology, but I think a lot of the time we still have trouble using it to our advantage when it comes to education. Don't get me wrong, I think we (especially in the state of Maine) have come leaps and bounds in the last few years. But, I think we still have a long way to go. I have made it one of my priorities to help my students use this tool of communication to connect them to the world outside.
3) Talking about technology leads me right into getting creative when it comes to teaching. It's going to be hard, but breaking the bounds of the routine and getting creative with the ways in which we actually hold classes and teach will be very important for the future of education. Reading through the history of middle level education this semester really got me thinking about how long people have been trying to make important changes in our field. It is not easy to change anything in the world of education. We can't stay stagnant, however, and I will refuse to be a part of the pendulum swing. Even if change for the better doesn't come quickly, I think it is important to continue trying new things and to be accepting of change.
This semester really made me realize the struggle I have with public education. I have made it a personal goal to stay in public education, even though sometimes it can be very difficult as a teacher who sees the need for creativity, and innovation, and change. I think keeping these three ideas I have learned throughout this semester in mind will help in the long run.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Three excellent points, Caitlin. A number of people have written about the media portrayal of education that generally includes the assumption that U.S. schools are failing...badly. And it just isn't that simple to describe. Can our schools improve...should they improve? Of course! But, our educational system is so complex and the reasons for it are so diverse that it is really a veritable fruit salad—more than apples and oranges. So, very hard to say that our schools are good, bad, or indifferent when everyone has her own idea about what schools are all about.
One more thing...I've always felt that educators need to be more aggressive about telling our story, and that is what you are getting at in point #1. I agree!
Post a Comment