Jason's presentation really stuck with me for some reason and he make a good point that schools are becoming more standardized. It reminded me of the song we listened to during another presentation about the people in the little identical houses and how everyone came out of the universities the same. It got me thinking of all the problems that the Dayton Public School system has with kids as well as other problems. When I was a Student Assistant for my history teacher in high school, every year some of her lessons started to look standardized, especially when the Ohio Graduation Test was coming up. Also, many her students seemed to get less interested in school and, for lack of a better term, dumb. It really makes me wonder where our school system is going and if by the time we realize something is wrong we can do anything about it.
Museums and other institutions, which are designed for educating the public, would definitely "spice-up" the learning experience for every type of learner. Other than museum trips, I like going to aquariums. I would hope that eventually school isn't just about getting a certain number on a test and making money. How can people be expected to go to college, if they can get there, and think for themselves if there is nothing like it in elementary and high schools? We'll just have to wait and see what happens with the next generation. What do you think?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe Public School system is really falling apart and even more so since I left it back in 07. I mentioned before in class that with teaching freshman at wright state I find out a lot about their schools and the style of teaching their teachers had and how interesting they made it. On the other side, I've talked to quite a few high school teachers and found out equally interesting things.
ReplyDeleteThe students for example feel that for much of the time they are forced to learn, dates, formulas, writing styles and definitions instead of discuss and explore the topics they're learning about. textbooks take over the role of teaching, and the teachers themselves follow what seems like a standard set of rules and class plans. On occasion though, they will embrace the learning process and be eager to learn because they will have a teacher that will step outside the standardize style and be creative, provoke discussion and cater to the interests of their students. The students I have had in class that are truly certain what they want to go into or learn in college, have all told me that they have had a teacher like that.
The teachers on the other hand, have told me that they agree that the restrictions in teaching due to standardize tests, curriculum, and the weariness to step outside the box because of their jobs have contributed to their teaching styles. It seems like the teachers who have just started teaching are fearful that they will loose their jobs if they don't follow the standard and that causes them to get into a rut for years to come. On the other side, the teachers who taught during a different time, who were encouraged to think outside the box and reach their students are slowly retiring or leaving the field. They will even say that the increasing restrictions are causing issues for them.
In the end I feel with what I have heard, is that the exploration of knowledge in the different fields in high school has contributed to this eagerness to learn in college and a better understanding of what they want to do. Students who have had this opportunity seem to embrace learning and know exactly what they want to invest their time in. The teachers from what I get, want to teach in a style that provokes students to think critically and explore the realm of knowledge. The issue that arises seems to be with the teachers but more so the restrictions they face and the material they have to teach that requires a large amount of time (preparing for standardize tests).
All very true. We'll have to see what happens in a few years.
DeleteZach, I am both glad and sorry to hear that your discussions mirror my conclusions. Glad that I might have been telling the truth and not just spreading well supported nonsense. Sad because I really do wish my own experiences were the exception and not the rule. I am really considering museum educator as my realistic future job. Just in case History Channel isn't hiring!
ReplyDelete