Day 3 Reflection: The Flat World and Education
The big take away for me from the country case studies is that I really need to include a balanced approach to learning in my own classroom. I was impressed that Singapore and South Korea teach the “whole child”. The text describes goals of South Korea’s education (2010, L. Darling-Hammond p. 175-176).
Goal 1: Balanced development of mind and body and the development of a sense of self-identity.
Questions that I ask myself about this goal: How will things change if my students understand and accept their role in our learning family? Can first graders actually understand their learning style(s) and talents and appreciate what others bring to our classroom? Is it possible to find a balance between our focus on test and assess and teaching the whole child?
Goal 2: The ability to recognize and solve problems in daily life and to engage in critical and creative thinking and to express feelings and ideas.
Questions I ask myself about this goal: What could happen if I front-load the school year developing procedures and routines that help to develop emotional intelligence in children as well as teaching stress and conflict management and problem solving skills? To what extent do I have the knowledge to implement inquiry and problem solving based learning opportunities in my classroom. Are first graders able to engage in critical thinking? If so, what does it look like?
Goal 3: Develop attitudes for appreciating tradition and culture in a way appropriate for the global setting.
Questions I ask myself about this goal: How do I do this in my classroom in a limited time, with limited resources, and integrating our current curriculum? (I have a difficult time even getting to art, even though I actually fit it in occasionally.)
Goal 4: Developing knowledge and skills for engaging in the diverse world of work, fostering a love for neighbors and country as well as awareness as global citizens.
Questions I ask myself about this goal: What service learning opportunities are available for my classroom to accomplish this goal (this is one I have already thought about doing this next school year)?
Harry Wong talks about the need to front load the year with procedures and routines. I think this school year I will work to front-load the school year with activities and learning that support goals 1 & 2. I think this will really help to create a positive classroom community.
I totally agree with your thoughts Amanda and have been thinking along the same lines! Last week I got got all these books from a training I went to in Oklahoma called Great Expectations that has a lot of critical thinking skills and creating the environment you are talking about - it's used across the state in all levels and I used it teaching first and second grade. I could show it to you if you'd like. I loved it and still use many aspects of it and am going to re-immerse myself in it this year.
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteYes, this seems like a very important aspect which might not only benefit "test" scores, but help to reduce other societal issues. I noted in my margins how there was emphasis placed on many of the items the U.S. is eager to cut in the ever ending game of increasing achievement. Music, play, exercise, development of social skills, art, and more are important aspects that should not be cut in order to increase instructional time - "teach less to learn more" was a great mantra mentioned!