I believe school has many purposes but the most important one, to me, is to prepare students to be functioning members of society. Towards that end, students need to be able to think critically, communicate effectively, understand the interdependence of society, and establish lifelong learning habits as well as develop a skill base that allows them to earn a living. With these skills, students will be able to support themselves, participate in a democracy, behave as responsible citizens locally and globally, and pursue the interests that will add richness to their lives.
This belief fosters the need to ensure that students have the language, math and science skills which will allow them to develop the skill base to earn a living. It also means students need to have an understanding of all cultures, how they have developed and interacted through history, an understanding of their government, and an understanding of global issues to develop citizenship skills and behavior.
The fine arts, technical vocations, and physical and mental health also need to be developed in students for them to understand the many different aspects of society and to ensure a rich, full, and healthy life. Philosophy, the study of various religions, foreign languages, and other humanities pursuits also give students a broader understanding of their world and better understandings and abilities to interact with people.
Through all of these subjects, critical thinking and communication skills must be taught. Delivering these skills through meaningful pursuits and in the context of various subject matters will ensure their development and use by students. Having recently heard about the Paideia Group and their framework for education, I think it probably sums up my ideas of what should be taught in schools.
I believe all students can learn. They learn best in a safe, nurturing environment where they can establish personal relationships. Differentiation of instruction is important so that each student can be met at his or her skill level and is successful. Students learning experiences must be relevant and meaningful, and the concepts students learn need to prepare them to be successful in their future. Towards that end, I believe the integration of technology into instruction is key. Students will live in a world where technology is an increasing part of their everyday activities. Their learning must include the meaningful and thoughtful use of technology to teach them the skills they will need as well as how to utilize technology as a tool.
In my work as the technology teacher in a K-5 school, I try to plan and deliver lessons that are an integrated part of students’ content learning. Whether it is having fifth graders publish their autobiographies, while practicing use of literary devices, utilizing Google Earth for third graders to study their community and state, or first graders and kindergarteners utilizing software to demonstrate their emerging math skills, I try to make all of my lessons an integrated part of students’ learning. What I find most frustrating is the fact that classroom teachers don’t seem to see my lessons as such. There are few teachers who continue the work I start with students in the classrooms and are true collaborators in the planning of projects and the execution of them. However, most seem to look at my tech time as a special lesson that provides them with planning time. Despite constant attempts to collaborate, it seems to be the rare teacher that truly understands the meaning of the word.
I think what is needed is a true revamping of the curriculum as it exists in my district so that it reflects the integration of technology. Administrators and staff may then begin to give it a closer look and see the value of meaningful use of technology in students’ learning. I see technology as a tool which can transform schools in a myriad of ways. But until it is an integrated part of all curriculum and embraced by educators as a tool that enhances instruction and management of learning such a transformation cannot occur.
In regards to my other beliefs about learning, I have made a concerted effort to learn the names of all of the 400 plus students I work with, as it is the first step in establishing a real relationship with students which allows them to reach a comfort level to take the chances necessary in their learning. I find differentiation to be the most difficult part of my work. I try hard to keep activities open ended enough to ensure success by all students.
I also am leaning more and more towards collaboration between students as this is a skill that needs to be developed in students, but also allows for differentiation. It often requires a great deal of creativity to live my beliefs within the confines of a system that does not reflect them.
