knowledge gained through exploration and discovery + relevant societal application = love of learning?
As a teacher, I often wonder why I teach. I spend several hours each day teaching lessons in reading, grammar, writing, math, social studies, and science, but are my students truly learning? What is the goal of education?
I subscribe to the Holistic Education approach to learning. In short, it’s all about teaching to the whole child. Teachers are there to assist students as they develop emotionally, socially, intellectually, physically, artistically, and spiritually. Students move at their own pace and enjoy flexible, multi-age class groupings. Subject matters are integrated together in a thematic way and students follow their interests as they explore their world. Oh, yeah, and grades are non-existent and unnecessary.
The best example of this was the story about a teacher and his 4th grade class who lived the year as the pilgrims would have. The students made their own desks, determined the amount of stain they would need, debated the virtues between buying in bulk or buying the precise amount needed. They sang songs, gardened, wrote poetry, made bread, and much more. The kids were invested in their learning and the community members who bought "shares" found willing apprentices eager to learn. The lessons were connected, integrated, and had real-world applications which the students explored and understood.
That’s all fine and dandy, but that’s not the reality for most teachers employed in the United States. Ultimately, I want my students to become lifelong learners. I want them to love reading and writing, enjoy tackling complex problems, be inquisitive about the world around them, be good citizens, and be resilient when faced with adversity. So how can I use these same concepts while teaching in my decidedly non-Holistic job?
The best example of this was the story about a teacher and his 4th grade class who lived the year as the pilgrims would have. The students made their own desks, determined the amount of stain they would need, debated the virtues between buying in bulk or buying the precise amount needed. They sang songs, gardened, wrote poetry, made bread, and much more. The kids were invested in their learning and the community members who bought "shares" found willing apprentices eager to learn. The lessons were connected, integrated, and had real-world applications which the students explored and understood.
That’s all fine and dandy, but that’s not the reality for most teachers employed in the United States. Ultimately, I want my students to become lifelong learners. I want them to love reading and writing, enjoy tackling complex problems, be inquisitive about the world around them, be good citizens, and be resilient when faced with adversity. So how can I use these same concepts while teaching in my decidedly non-Holistic job?
Reevaluate assignments
Parents and students often complain about the dumb assignments teachers give. Worksheets tend to be nothing more than busy work and usually don't require much thought. It’s time to reevaluate what assignments we give each day, both in class and for homework. Are your assignments working as hard as you are? Do your assignments require students to use a multitude of skills or subject matters to complete? Do your assignments ask students to tap into their artistic or creative side? What real-world application or connection do your students make?
We know that kids need to learn necessary skills to the point of automaticity. In order to do that, they must practice those skills over longer periods of time (cumulative review), and recall and apply skills learned at the appropriate time. Design assignments so that students practice the skills they need, use the skills they already have, combine subject areas, and require world connections or applications. Arm yourself with the latest brain-based research so that you can justify why your assignments are the best possible ones for the students you currently have. And for the love of God, please stop laminating your lesson plans. What works this year, might not work for next year's kids. Our classrooms must be flexible and fluid.
Make Attitude Adjustments
Make Attitude Adjustments
I’ve never been good at coping with apathy. Several of my students, boys in particular, have totally checked out. They don’t care about school. They don’t care about grades. They don’t have future goals in mind. So how do I address that in class? I think it all comes down to me. I keep trying to push them along, force them to care. *yells at self in mirror* IT’S NOT WORKING! I need to figure out what these particular boys do care about and then weave that into our classroom somehow. I need to appeal to their social, emotional, and artistic needs so that they start to care again. Otherwise, I just might go crazy before this school year lets out. Eventually they will learn what I'm trying to teach them. It just might not be this year. What's so wrong with that?
Inspire Others
Inspiring others to change is the only way to start an education revolution. Set out to improve your school. Want to start a science club? Just do it! Yes, you'll have to work harder. No, you might not get paid for the extra work you do. But trust me, people will notice the changes and will respond accordingly. Think your staff room needs a facelift? Buy some cheap inspirational sayings to slap on the windows, put up a few bulletin boards, brew the good coffee, and bring in goodies. People will smile. Soon, others will follow suit.
Most importantly, share your revelations with a few good friends who will in turn share with others. It will spread like wildfire throughout the school. It might take a while to catch on and win over those Grumpy Gus types, but eventually, you will be able to revolutionize your school, your staff, your students.
Inspiring others to change is the only way to start an education revolution. Set out to improve your school. Want to start a science club? Just do it! Yes, you'll have to work harder. No, you might not get paid for the extra work you do. But trust me, people will notice the changes and will respond accordingly. Think your staff room needs a facelift? Buy some cheap inspirational sayings to slap on the windows, put up a few bulletin boards, brew the good coffee, and bring in goodies. People will smile. Soon, others will follow suit.
Most importantly, share your revelations with a few good friends who will in turn share with others. It will spread like wildfire throughout the school. It might take a while to catch on and win over those Grumpy Gus types, but eventually, you will be able to revolutionize your school, your staff, your students.
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