I have to be honest, I was a little confused when we had readings for Tech- I was totally (and lazily) hoping for videos and music. But today's readings didn't disappoint. I think the most profound thing (and something that directly relates to past discussions in Tech and our Reform class) is that Dewey's pedogogical ideals seem so obvious to me. Yet, I suppose they'd be really difficult to assess (the common theme with ideals, standards, benchmarks, etc). I think an interesting idea would be to compare our own personal teaching creeds and see how they relate, differ, and how they can incorporate technology.
For example- I believe that the classroom is a safe-place and home for individuality. A student should be challenged, but not made to feel in danger at any time. Each student, as an individual, learns and grows differently. These differences can only be acknowledged after the teacher gets to know the student, and the student can only grow in a safe environment.
First- how do you measure this? Well, I don't have an answer, but I do know that it would be quantitatively difficult. But more importantly, how do you incorporate tech into this belief? I suppose I would do so in realizing that every student comes to the classroom with different knowledge of and access to technology. Therefore, to assume that all of the students could follow me during a lesson, or later download a video for homework (see PS), then I would be assuming too much and not focusing on individuality. So, it would be important to include instructional handouts and offer time outside of class or during class in which I could help individually. Also, students might not have the same technology at home, so I would have to keep that in mind when establishing homework.
Now, how's that for a random and long tangent that only sort of correlates to the reading? Hope I didn't loose you.
PS- check out my favorite educational music video (its about oxidative phosphorylation) although I'm afraid future students may have no idea what the song "Californication" actually is...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqqYIgY40OE
Besides giving you commendation for the great title of your post, I want to say that I see your focus on the matter of Ms. C's classroom being a safe place where individuality is encouraged and supported as being very wise. I should add that (as you already have surmised) reaching this goal takes consistent, thoughtful effort. I think that it *can* be measured, but the measuring tools are in the human dimension, and start with taking seriously the "challenge to self" to make this a key goal. Not to be casual about it, but if you start with that goal, you're way ahead. You'll be asking yourself questions all along the way, you'll be actively seeking feedback from your students (whether they formally express it, or you make observations). It's also one of those goals that's probably never a "I've made it" kind of destination...and that makes reaching for it a most worthy challenge, one worthy of a career's worth of attention.
ReplyDeleteWhat about video logs as a way of using technology in the classroom and encouraging metacognitive thinking?? These logs could then quite possibly be assessed by a team that is trained to understand the cognitive and knowledge levels of students. If not a quantitative study they might at least yield some qualitative insight. These logs could track progress throughout a semester, year or entire high school experience and assess it on an individual basis taking into account the particular culture of the student. This could be an alternative to the standardized testing method and employ up-to-date methods to move education forward.
ReplyDeleteJust an idea....
I think you have raised a very good question regarding Dewey’s Philosophies and assessment. The only way (that I can see) to assess the education of the Whole Child is to run a comparative study –perhaps 20-30 years later-and see how students that were educated progressively are doing in comparison to those who were educated traditionally.
ReplyDeleteYou can imagine the infinite amount of complexities and conflicts that would arise from trying to conduct such a study
Hi Katie! I really like your remarks about making classrooms a safe space for individuality! We focused so much on group/social dynamics in the class discussion of Dewey, but it seems respecting different people's thoughts and opinions is equally important. I'm sure that you will be good a creating a classroom dynamic in which students feel comfortable being themselves!
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