I was part of a large conversation on Twitter among educators that I admire and emulate. The discussion was about education reform. I found myself wondering about what reform? Integration of technology, 1:1 computing, connecting with others via technology, collaborative projects, STEM curriculum, problem-based learning, paperless homework, and on and on. Even a teacher (like me) who loves science and technology can have trouble not panicking at the workload ahead. After all, my district required curriculum doesn't come differentiated or technology-embedded.
Then I balanced these thoughts against a congratulatory email received today from administration about having 88% advanced or proficient on high stakes testing in reading. Fantastic scores, no doubt. Achieved by students in classes where technology is minimal, Daily Oral Language sheets are used religiously, kids write 8 sentences summaries weekly on their at-home reading, etc. No STEM, No PBL, and these "old ideas" are getting results on tests.
My purpose is not to judge my colleagues and their practices, but I wonder how educational reform is needed if the results are obviously there.
Now why do I discuss tests? Because like it or not, they are how teachers at my school and district are judged. In addition, if our Colorado legislature has its way, it is going to be the basis for keeping my job.
I don't intend giving up on my efforts to reform my teaching practices in my own classroom. Given the results, though, I also can't criticize others for not beginning their own journey.
You make a very good point. If our "old methods" are achieving what we want, why should we change? However, I wonder how many teachers entered the profession so that their students could pass a test. The pressure from testing has done to our country what it intended - made us a series of assembly lines rather than a critical and creative thinking people. I remember when I was in graduate school (for organic chem) the students from Japan and Korea could out memorize the American students by a long shot, however, the American students were able to apply their knowledge in creative ways - It was amazing. The American students did well in the courses that required synthesis, while the non-american students did will on those requiring regurgitation. I am NOT saying this is how it is, but it is an interesting example from my own experience.
ReplyDeleteSo, do we want good test takers or creative problem solvers? So your colleagues can keep teaching to get results on the test, I hope you keep teaching to get results in the students' lives.
Technology is the way of the future. I believe you must embrace it and leverage it in your classroom. The biggest key when making the leap is to make sure you are managing it properly. Especially in a 1:1 environment, you must implement some type of classroom management software.
ReplyDeleteI am confident that your methods are great and have obviously been working wonderfully for you. But imagine how much more you can enhance the learning environment for your students by incorporating technology. In addition, once you implement the solution, you can save time with your lesson plans since some modern technology can aid you in doing so. You are now enabled to devote more of your focus back to the students and their success.
There is actually a web conference to discuss this topic on May 19th. Check it out at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/646175785
To clarify,
ReplyDeleteI actually am working on incorporating 21st century skills and integrating tech in my classroom. My point is that when other teachers are getting good test scores with traditional methods - and these scores are congratulated by administration - it is very difficult to encourage anyone toward education reform to higher level thinking with technology. I mean, the argument is always, why change what is obviously working??
I WANT my students to synethsize and be tech knowledgeable, etc. That's why I struggle forward. I'll never go back and I believe that you can have high test scores w/o the "old school" methods. However, it is important to acknowledge these roadblocks.