Write
a response to the reflection #1 prompt:
Learning to think "scientifically" about learning, development, and education is no small task. A scientific approach doesn't always fit neatly with our instincts as teachers. Teaching is often described as an art--one based on individual judgment and social interactions. That said, there's a great deal of scientific knowledge out there that can inform the art of teaching. What do you think will be the most difficult part of learning to think more scientifically about educational problems? What do you think you will need the most help with along the way?
Learning to think "scientifically" about learning, development, and education is no small task. A scientific approach doesn't always fit neatly with our instincts as teachers. Teaching is often described as an art--one based on individual judgment and social interactions. That said, there's a great deal of scientific knowledge out there that can inform the art of teaching. What do you think will be the most difficult part of learning to think more scientifically about educational problems? What do you think you will need the most help with along the way?
Why we do what we do
My first thought, upon reading the instructions above,
was “which educational problems
should I focus on as there are so many?”
Those that can be thought of in scientific terms could include:
·
our culture of over-testing
·
how our “schools kill creativity” a la Sir Ken Robinson
·
the push for STEM training
Fortunately, I work in a private school and we are free
from many of the constraints that the public schools face. Although there is always room for
improvement, I do think that we are on-track with much of this “scientific”
approach to learning (even if staff doesn’t realize the scientific component!).
What I need the most help with is how to bring this
information to colleagues and parents in terms that are vivid, understandable, and
engaging. It is wonderful to now have
scientific backup for what our teachers are doing in their classrooms each
day. Being able to communicate that
effectively, especially to parents, is crucial.
I would love to have one-page takeaways to give at weekly
staff meetings. I envision them to be
very visual in nature (infographics) that could supplement a 10-minute “presentation”
on a topic.
Next, we need to extend this discussion into the
home. Parents are a huge part of the
equation for student success and those that are making excuses for their child or
don’t educate themselves on how to best help prepare the children are doing all
a disservice.
We need parents that are assisting and challenging their
children to become independent learners.
Hi Christine,
ReplyDelete“One Page Handouts” for weekly staff meetings. Hmmm…. maybe you could come up with a snappy title like “Mind Your Students’ Brains” You might consider these suggestions:
1.Follow the same format each time. That way people can focus quickly on the content (everyone is so busy and info over-loaded.)
Maybe just four elements on the single page hand-out such as = Visual at top of page ===== In a box put a Neuroscience concept (Examples: the average ADULT working memory is 7 +/- 2; or emotions have a great effect on memory; the brain pays attention to novelty) ==== in different font ====your suggested educational application…be sure to include a blank space for your audience to add their own ideas======appropriate journal references in APA style at the bottom.
2.Be sure to include an appropriate visual that communicates the same message as your text. It is really important that you use a good matching visual
3. Make the new handout available monthly not weekly. That way you would have time to casually follow-up individually with each teacher on the one concept before you introduce something new. If you could introduce & follow-up on ten new neuro-ed concepts in a year that would be excellent. Remember the universal complaint about American education: “It is a mile wide and an inch deep. “ We in the US are great at “covering” curriculum. If you did weekly handouts that would be 40 concepts…whoa….that’s a lot!
4. I have a super reference for you: Bill Ferriter. I heard him speak at the L&B Conference in DC last month. He is an awesome technology guru like YOU!
http://teacherleaders.typepad.com/the_tempered_radical/teacher_tools/
BTW perhaps your idea could turn into a great Capstone Project!!!!
Sharon
PS Your discussion posts are so helpful to everyone. I want you to know that Dr. Hardiman thinks that your contributions are awesome!