Readings for October 1st

First, I would like to begin my blog about the PDF file. [Personally, I enjoying reading the PDF files more because they seem more interesting than the arguments in the textbook.] Anyway, starting with the PDF... I found the six strands of education to be pretty interesting and agreeable to a certain extent because number one, constructive learning - I agree with it. In my EDFD200 class last semester we discussed Piaget's constructivism. I believe that you do need to have prior knowledge, whether it is obtained from home or another classroom in regards to the new material being presented in class. Another strand I agreed with is getting to know your students. It is very important, especially in an urban setting to try to get to know your students - from their interests to part of their home lives, just in case there is ever a problem - the student can come to YOU as a mentor. As for the cultural differences strand, I believe that future teachers should be better prepared to teach students of different ethnicity's, backgrounds, languages, and home lives. With the future years, everything is changing and it is VERY important to base your classroom as a place where everyone from everywhere can come together as one. The white generation is still dominant, but it is important to combine other backgrounds and colors into the "salad bowl." As I learned in my EDFD220 class, it is important for all the cultures to come together but not over step each other's boundaries.

Second, I would like to briefly comment on the arguments in the book. For Issue #5, I feel that Stephen Macedo is correct by saying that it is in the public school's best interest to teach students to become good citizens. It is all what you are taught to do in school - how you are going to end up in your future. Teachers are those special people who help you along the way. Issue # 16 - regarding the bilingual education changes in the public school systems-- I would have to agree with Richard Rothstein and argue that these classes are needed in the school systems especially because of rising miniotires. It is very important to keep bilingual programs around only to benefit future students. There is absolutely no reason to abandon them at all.

Today's Discusssion

Today's discussion was somewhat based on the first Case Study. I found this Case Study to be pretty interesting just because it is so hard to balance both educational fun and standardized testing. The question arises all the time whether or not testing in classrooms should be standard, period. Honestly, I think that each classroom teacher should try to attempt to find a happy medium. For example, I feel that it is important to introduce the chapter towards the beginning of the week, take notes/quizzes on the material, maybe introduce a quick/fun project or paper, and then be tested on the material learned in class. It seems like a lot to absorb, but I think that once a teacher is skilled at what he/she does, it will almost come second nature. But then again... I'm not a teacher. Testing and standardized scores are important to not only the school, but to the teacher's career as well. Together as future teachers, it is our job to find that happy medium somewhere down the road.

Readings for September 24

I would definitely have to agree with Alan C. Jones' opinion about the standards in schools across the U.S. Teachers that enjoy teaching and find passion in it everyday have many more important things to worry about within a seven hour day than increasing the standards in their classrooms. I also read in the standard's write-up that textbooks are part of the standards. I remember when I was in grade school many teachers would complain how the book's way of doing things is a lot more intense, etc. For example, I remember word problems or math problems that were demonstrated in the textbook, the teacher would have an easier way of approaching it. Back to my opinion, I think that the standards should be a little less harsh and the curriculum should be more focused towards students and their capabilities to learn.

Our Class Discussion

Well, after a rough morning [tons of traffic, no parking, and an Italian quiz] it was a pleasure to come to class to learn about things that I am actually interested in. Although I seemed a bit tired in class, I was listening and enjoying our class discussion about the articles and the video clips.

As for the articles, my favorite was the cell phone issue. I am a firm believer that cell phones should be allowed in school, on silent but on the desk. God forbid something happens in class and cell phones are banned, it may be that one kid's phone that will save a life or prevent dange in the classroom.

The video clips were interesting to me as well. I liked the first cliup better even though I am interested in teaching English on the high school level. I remember when I was in elementary school and the teacher would conduct games like the one in the clip. We had fun and learned while still striving for a goal. As for "everyone being a winner," that may not be true in all circumstances, but it gives students the confidence to stay focused. Critics will criticize both sides of the issue no matter what the issue is anyway.... The high school scanerio bored me and to be quite honest with you, I thought it was a horrible activity.. no wonder the kids in the background were falling asleep!

Readings for September 17

As I read the two readings due for tomorrow's class, at times I was a bit confused on some of the content. I feel that Eisner's chapter reflected more on what I believe a teacher/school's job is all about. I strongly agree on certain points of the chapter that stuck out at me. Especially the point that just because children are the same age, doesn't mean that they perform at the same level. Some may be at a grade or two above/below the rest of the class. I also strongly agree that it is more efficiant if a teacher has a cetain group of students for more than a few months to ensure a better teacher-student relationship.

Getting to the Noll debates... To be quite honest, I was a little uneasy about this reading but I think [and I hope] that I am on the right track... I have to side with Hutchins rather than Dewey on this issue of social experience. He says that it is true that students should learn based on their social experience. Students come into a classroom to become more educated men as Noll says. Without previous society experience without the word, "educated," students will have a harder time excelling in the classroom.