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.