Q – In the modern day classroom, is it possible to provide “real-life” materials to young students (knives, hammers, sharpies) without running into strict safety regulations? Does this work with 30 students and no parent volunteers? How can I take the time to develop my students socially when I have SO many other topics to cover for their assessment? (what would Dewey think of NCLB?)
U – I understand that diligent observation is a must, even in the “assessment” era. It is my job to find a way to pique interest in a topic through my student’s curiosities. I need to provide an atmosphere of open learning for my students to experiment in.
O – The school where I was teaching valued my observations equally to my students test scores. Our “report cards” were comprised of some quantitative data (formal assessments) and lots of qualitative data (my observations). I have watched many students struggle to grasp a concept, and I have found the proverbial “ah-ha” moment to come at times I work with my students, rather than talk at them.
T – One treasure I want to make sure I do not forget is the fact that I am responsible for making sense of the world for my students. It is important to keep a balance between open expressions, and directed learning.
E – The “easy application” for me is to pay less attention to my own apprehensiveness, and more attention to the capabilities of my students. I need to empower my students, in turn I am sure I will find individuals capable of more than I imagined.
Brendan
Brendan,
ReplyDeleteI think that is a really important observation to notice. Students always seem to get concepts better when you work together to find the solution. When a teacher lectures at their students, the students aren't processing the information as well because it's not really involving them. When they are involved they're forced to think.
I love your question regarding approval of using "real" tools that could present a safety hazard. So much of our time and energy seems to be spent protecting children. It's hard to believe so many kids "survived" their childhood before car seats, bike helmets, safety warnings, etc. I also appreciate that your school saw the value in your observations and allowed them to serve as asseessment. I hope we are all so lucky!
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