46. At the heart of Pedagogy
"We taught higher math or physics or chemistry or Shakespeare or Latin—not because it would help you with your job, but because learning stuff was important."
I think that there is something to say about a basic level of general knowledge of our citizenry. I think it is important to have some basic fundamental knowledge. You should be able to find the tip when dining out or determine the price of an item 20% off. As students, we learned this, and even if we failed, we buckled down and worked harder!
4. What is school for?
"To create a society that’s culturally coordinated.
To further science and knowledge and pursue information for its own sake.
To enhance civilization while giving people the tools to make informed decisions.
To train people to become productive workers."
What is wrong with this idea? I would like to have a goal for students to be culturally and academically aware in order to make decisions and be able to be productive in careers. To this idea, I see the 21st century skills of creativity, communication, and collaboration within the classroom to help students be college and career ready. I think that teachers are leading the way to make bridges that are preserving the best of our generation with the best of new technological tools of today.
In addition, some of the ideas in #17 Reinventing school, are happening today in many of our classrooms.
Most of our teachers in schools today are good! They are trying to find the best mix of old and new; using technology when possible, and making interpersonal connections with students to help motivate and inspire today's youth.
Thanks for reading...
Hi Stephanie! I agree that schools absolutely DO need to teach basic levels of general knowledge. How else will employees make change when the computers are down for the day?
ReplyDeleteYes, learning "stuff" is important. Basic biology and chemistry are integral to the medical profession/scientific research, math is imperative to the business/finance world, and the list goes on. It's been a while since my high school career and this could already be happening (I wouldn't know as I'm working with the beginners of educatio - i.e. Kindergartners), but perhaps high school needs to create a menu of sorts for career paths - "These courses - A,B,C - will benefit careers in X."
Stephanie- I agree with what you are saying, but I question that as a student when you struggled you worked harder. You are unique in that. Many students struggle and then give up. I think that is what we are trying to combat. Seth also addressed this in his post. I wish in addition to addressing the problems, he would give us practical and plausible ways to build perseverance. Of course, that is easier said than done!
ReplyDeleteOk- that came out wrong- what what I question is that other students would buckle down and work harder instead of quitting. In no way shape or form was I trying to say that I question your work ethic!!!!
DeleteSteph, I am a big supporter of learning the basics. What is wrong with learning for the sake of learning. Sure Trig identities are difficult and not as applicable as other topics, but they stretch kids thinking and problem solving abilities. They give kids a start and the tools to get to the finish and then expect them to fill in the blanks in between. People have to do that everyday! So the topic in and of itself is not necessarily helping the kids with everday life, but the experience of learning is. I want to keep learning more and more about how I can better incorporate how they learn today into my instruction.
ReplyDeleteStephanie.... I did exactly the same thing!!! I started reading it a few months ago, got extremely frustrated and quit. I love your statement about general knowledge. In order to help our students critically think and problem solve, they have to have the content and knowledge first! I also agree that we do have great teachers!
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