Meredith
Kelsey
Lauren
Hayden
Katelin
The video was very interesting and creative. It kept us all entertained, and we all thought it was very intriguing. It was helpful that there were exciting images to keep us thinking about what he was discussing. The main idea is that we are stifling children's creativity, and that the education system is set up similar to a factory. Every learner is just designed to move through the same system, and they are "programmed" to think that the more they are educated, the more intelligent they are, forming the phrase "seniority". Basically saying that one who is higher in the educational system is smarter than anyone who is lower in the process. However, this is not always the case. This system has made everyone think that without a degree, without going to college, one cannot gain a good job or start a business, etc.
Another topic is Standard Based Testing. By forcing these tests on teachers and students, it makes teaching abilities and fun ways to learn disappear, it takes the creativity away from learning. It takes the leisure away from exploration in class because teachers plan the entire course around the test, if their students do not pass the standardized tests they are the ones who get punished. This isn't fair to students or the teachers. Because of this technique, kids only learn what they need to learn for the test, after the tests are over all the information those kids "learned" escaped their brains. Students just move through the movements of school, but it doesn't mean that they actually retained all the information taught in the class. Teaching and learning has become a chore for students and teachers, instead of an exciting discovery for everyone.
We disagree from a teacher's point of view and a student's point of view that Standardized Testing is hurting the education of kids, not increasing the intelligence of them.
This video proposed a large amount of discussion and it was very much appreciated by our group. It definitely had a massive impact on all of us.
Because I was hunkered down at the front while you were discussing things I did note that you had a pretty lively discussion with many personal connections and insights related to the video. I think recognizing, accepting and rewarding different potential future and occupational paths as well as different skill sets is one of the answers to our educational malaise. Wouldn't it be great if all students in a class where there because they wanted to be and were interested! This, of course, is a pipe dream and sometimes you just have to sit through the drudgery of some classes "because" but it does not always have to be like that. Now clearly in elementary school kids need to develop those basic skills - reading, writing, math, inquiry, etc. - so we have to find a way to make sure people reach some basic levels. But after that - let's find a way to make all paths available and worthwhile!
ReplyDelete"We disagree from a teacher's point of view and a student's point of view that Standardized Testing is hurting the education of kids, not increasing the intelligence of them."
I don't understand this statement? Could you clarify?
In your post there is not indication of participation from individuals...was it a community effort? Did everyone participate equally? Please let me know...
Sorry, that sentence is confusing cause it was last minute and I was typing really quickly. What I meant was that our group disagrees with the standardized testing, it's not helping students learn more, it's hurting them. It's kind of like a re-cap of the discussion. We as a group were looking into the teachers point of view as well as being a student. So we found the disadvantages of each. Yes, it was very much so a community effort. Everyone was saying certain things cutting in and out adding to each others statements. It was actually very entertaining.
ReplyDeleteGood - thanks for the clarification. So, this guy is one of those big thinkers. The challenge is how to we transfer even a part of his vision (that we agree on) to classroom practice. It has to be supported, right. Just like science. So, we (teachers) have to collect data that says this approach helps kids. A very hard thing to do!
ReplyDeleteSo! We were supposed to post on a couple other blogs and i picked to post on yours? Right/ Whatever, I'm going to post. =) I have to agree with you guys. I was frustrated every single time as a student taking a standardized tests. They didn't help me retain a thing and I even heard teachers complain about them. Plus not to mention they made me tired grumpy, and I still think that they were a waste of my time. But pushing that we should take them seriously because they can affect whether or not schools get funding. My mother, a EA in a classroom, dreads testing weeks and I don't blame her a bit.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the video was very interesting and creative. I think the creativity was what really kept me focused throughout the video! One thing I noticed that your group mentioned in the blog was how the system has made everyone think that without a degree and without going to college one cannot gain a good job. That's not completely true, I think people can still find a "decent" job even without going to college. The system may just be making a bigger deal than what it really is. It is better to go to college and get a degree, but it's also possible to not go to college and still find a job.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that this video was very interesting. Although I had already already seen this video before for another class I had never looked into it the way we are now. I totally agree with you guys when you said that the Standard Base assessment are killing the fun of teaching. How are teachers going to try new things if they are forced to sink in only the information that the test provides. If the students don't pass the test they are categorized and incapable of moving on and if many of the students fail then it is automatically the teacher who is not useful. It is also very true that once the test is taken that information learned to get to that point is just thrown away and in most cases is never looked back on.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this group and their ideas. I find that the problem with schools is group everyone together to make teaching easier but at the same time we are taking away a childs individuality. We need to make sure children understand that being an individual and working in a group is still possible, we don't all need to think the same.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that there are some parts that i would have to agree with. the part that i say is the part about how we should just keep people of the same age together. i dont agree with is that they are trying to make all of the kids in to only on stile of kid. they are also not making learning fun for kids any more.the video made some points that they could change so that kids can maybe connect with how the teaching has changed over time and there are some things that are better know and make it much more easy.
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