I loved the ideas that I found throughout the Why School text. One of the largest ideas that was stressed was the idea of content knowledge versus creative learning. The argument is made that students need to focus on more creative ways of hands on learning, and discovery versus meaningless content knowledge work. I do agree with this, as I feel that students become more engaged with the material the more interesting and relevant it is to them. The emphasis needs to be on student learning, instead of student knowledge. Below are the 6 strategies mentioned in the text for the best student learning, and whether I agree with them or not.
Discovery, not delivery: I do agree with this one, to an extent. I think that the students will learn better if they are the ones involved in their learning. If they are coming up with their thoughts, ideas, and questions, then the students will connect more with the material. However, for English teaching, sometimes there is a need for the teacher to tell the students what they need to know. I need to make sure that the students are getting the right information from my lessons. I think that discovery learning is great, but just not all of the time.
Master Learner: I agree the most with this one I think. I believe that I am a master learner. I find join in learning about everything and pursuing my knowledge further. I want to be able to teach the students how to be master learners. They will be able to learn how to learn. This skill will help them be able to learn throughout their lives, building their career opportunities.
Sharing Everything: Collaboration is the future. Students need to be able to work together on essays and presentations in my class to be able to prepare themselves for how to work well with others. Many colleges and careers are pushing students to work well together, and this is a skill that needs to be taught to them in class so they are ready for the future.
Talk to Strangers: I get the idea of this talking to strangers as being a good thing, but I am iffy on this one. Speaking with others on PLNs or social media can lead to wonderful ideas and collaboration. I think that we need to be careful as educators to push students to speak with people they don't know, even if it is online.
Real Work: I relate really well to this one. Especially with high school students, they need to know why they are doing the work and what it will benefit them. The lessons I plan need to be well designed and important to the student's lives and learning.
Transfer of Power: The students will perform better if they feel that they have a say in their learning. If they are able to offer ideas and guide their instruction, then they will feel in charge of what they are learning.
Discovery, not delivery: I do agree with this one, to an extent. I think that the students will learn better if they are the ones involved in their learning. If they are coming up with their thoughts, ideas, and questions, then the students will connect more with the material. However, for English teaching, sometimes there is a need for the teacher to tell the students what they need to know. I need to make sure that the students are getting the right information from my lessons. I think that discovery learning is great, but just not all of the time.
Master Learner: I agree the most with this one I think. I believe that I am a master learner. I find join in learning about everything and pursuing my knowledge further. I want to be able to teach the students how to be master learners. They will be able to learn how to learn. This skill will help them be able to learn throughout their lives, building their career opportunities.
Sharing Everything: Collaboration is the future. Students need to be able to work together on essays and presentations in my class to be able to prepare themselves for how to work well with others. Many colleges and careers are pushing students to work well together, and this is a skill that needs to be taught to them in class so they are ready for the future.
Talk to Strangers: I get the idea of this talking to strangers as being a good thing, but I am iffy on this one. Speaking with others on PLNs or social media can lead to wonderful ideas and collaboration. I think that we need to be careful as educators to push students to speak with people they don't know, even if it is online.
Real Work: I relate really well to this one. Especially with high school students, they need to know why they are doing the work and what it will benefit them. The lessons I plan need to be well designed and important to the student's lives and learning.
Transfer of Power: The students will perform better if they feel that they have a say in their learning. If they are able to offer ideas and guide their instruction, then they will feel in charge of what they are learning.