Most people who talk about education seem to like metaphors. I’m no exception! I picture traditional education as teachers pouring knowledge into students’ minds, expecting them to absorb it like a sponge. The teacher is the expert, trying to transfer information. Students sit passively, accepting everything they are told and regurgitating it on command. It’s simple and can be effective in getting students to pass a standardized test.
But is it preparing students for today’s world? No.
Consider…
You are considering moving to San Francisco and hear
that area is prone to earthquakes, but you didn’t take
earth science in high school so don’t know anything
about them. What do you do – give up? No, you Google
earthquakes!
CRITICAL THINKING
We can’t teach students everything, so give them the basics
and show them HOW and WHERE to find good information
when they need it. Don’t forget to show them how to
evaluate the legitimacy of their sources, as well.
We often hear that we are preparing students for the jobs
of tomorrow, not today. We can’t teach them what we
don’t know, so how do we get them ready?
CREATIVITY & CHOICE
Teach them how to learn! Model lifelong learning
and a love of trying new things. Help them explore
all the options available and get to know how they learn
best. Give them the chance to explore their interests.
A June 5, 2017 headline reads: At least 10 who got into
Harvard lose admission over offensive memes. An article
called How Social Media Can Help (Or Hurt) You In Your
Job Search was published in Forbes. Clearly, social
media and a student’s online presence can make a huge
impact on their lives. How do we help?
COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION
Teach them how to be responsible on social media.
Digital citizenship skills should be built-in throughout
different subjects, just as it is in our lives. Give students a
safe place to practice, develop a good online reputation
and learn to accept/receive criticism before the
consequences become too high.
Overall, it seems that the process of lecture/listen/test is
outdated, at the least. We have to change our methods
to incorporate critical thinking, creativity, choice,
communication, and collaboration in daily instruction.
Instead of pouring water into a bucket, we should set up a buffet. Let’s get started!
#IMMOOC
I love the design of your blog. It makes reading very easy. I may copy your technique 🙂
Great points Molly, especially the idea of modeling lifelong learning for our students.