class 10 readings

Class 10 Readings

1.       The point is that teacher education programs often lose sight of the need to educate students to examine the underlying nature of school problems.  ( Anthology pg. 199, ch. 21)

This quote really stands out to me because of what I am learning in the EDF class. In my four and a half years I have taken education classes, but have not really taken an in depth look at our public school systems. I have to say that I have taken the information I have learned from this class and absorbed it because I was made aware of many things that I had no clue about. Its interesting that this person says programs are losing sight because I did not learn about the behind the scene problems of public school until this class. Being in the physical education department, of course I learned of the problems we face as a teacher related to PE, but not the problems we face in public schooling. It is important for education classes to open up the eyes to future educators, so they know what they have to deal with once they get a job, instead of having them going into their new job completely blinded of important issues.

2.       ….time on task pedagogies operate from the theoretically erroneous assumption that all students can learn from the same materials, classroom instructional techniques and modes of evaluation.  (Anthology pg 201, ch. 21)

This is an obvious problem in public school systems today. All students have individual learning needs, which mean not all students learn the same way. Therefore, teachers need to adapt to all learning styles and teach to the children not the subject or curriculum. Yes, some students can cruise along, not having any problems, when teaching with the same materials, same instructional techniques, and same evaluations. The number of students who can sail by with this type of teaching is very low though. It is important to switch up your teaching strategies and techniques in the classroom, so students do not get bored and keeping student involvement high. This quote just proves that teaching the same way to all students is an underlying assumption in education today. If teachers are going to give homework to students, it is only fair that teachers need to do their own homework form the classroom in order to make education useful and enjoyable at the same time.

3.       Today, the standardized curriculums and lesson plans which were always part of the traditional public schools-even when ignored-are being republished and reissued, in even greater detail.  (Anthology pg. 206, ch. 22)

Being someone who has gone through the education process for four and a half years now and about to embark on student teaching next semester, I am well aware of the extensive detail in lesson plans and curriculum. Since I have been in the PE department, they have taught me to make a very detailed lesson, no matter the lesson. They have drilled this concept into my head and take many points off the work if it is not as detailed as they want it. Since public schools are now looking for detailed lesson plans, I feel CCSU has prepared me we enough to meet any schools expectations. But at the same time I do not agree with all of it. Yes, curriculums need to be more detailed because that is the backbone of the education you are providing for the students, but I feel the extensive detail of information in the lesson plan is really only busy work. I understand how it helps in our field experiences, but I have not seen that many detailed lesson plans in my practicum hours. As a teacher, I think you know what kind of lesson plan you need, therefore I think detail depends on the teacher.

4.       The second strategy is to organize-join with others. It starts with being a good colleague in one’s own schools. Not easy work.  Another way is through teacher and staff organizations. (Anthology pg.207, ch.22)

It is important as a teacher to use your colleagues as resources for professional development. Organization plays a huge factor in being an effective teacher, whether new, or having few years under year belt. But the best organization in teaching is joining with fellow colleagues to bounce ideas and knowledge off each other. Being a new teacher you have to make the initiative to reach out and talk to your colleagues because in all honesty other teachers may not lend a hand once the school year starts. This quote makes it very clear that doing this is not easy work because it takes having a voice, but not stepping on anyone’s toes in the mean time. It is important to gain your colleagues respect and find that one person right off the bat that you can talk to and share ideas with. Being involved as a teacher is essential to becoming a good teacher and professional because no one wants a teacher who just shows up to do his job and then leaves. Teaching is not just any job, teaching establishes relationships.

5.       Then there’s using your voice. I don’t just mean your teacherly voice, but your broader professional voice. Find every way you can to hone your skills as a writer and speaker-to little audiences and big ones, letter to the editors included.  (Anthology pg. 207, ch.22)

I like this quote a lot because it definitely applies to my field of physical education. In physical education it is important to get your voice out there as a teacher and professional.  As a physical educator it is essential to get involved in the many organizations we have for PE, especially CTAHPERD, if you are a teacher from Connecticut. But you can even extend your name even further with conferences and organizations such as AAHPERD and EDA. Being a part of these organizations and going to them will help immensely, but presenting at them will put your name out there as a physical education teacher. Even as students you can present at these conferences and it is quite an honor to do so. By doing all this you will definitely hone your skills as a speaker and presenter, starting with small audiences, such as your school colleagues, then moving to the bigger stage of all your colleagues from Connecticut. This is a great way to develop as a professional and gain knowledge from other teachers. Doing this and putting your name out there is essential because you are taking advantage of your educational voice.

6.       None of the three teachers spoke up to the administrators, state officials, or school boards. They did what they were told, what they had been taught, or what they themselves had experienced in their schooling. (Anthology pg. 211, ch.23)

This is a prime example of teachers not using their voices to make administrators, state officials, and school boards aware of problems in the school. Teachers need to speak up on behalf of the education and the students when there are problems at hand. Most of the times the head honchos of the schools are not aware of many things that are going on in the school. Remember teachers are the ones in the hallways and classrooms five days a week and we as teachers see everything. It is interesting that these teachers probably didn’t speak up for the three reasons in the quote above. I agree with them all, but I believe doing what they are told is the biggest reason. Teachers have that fear once they get a job and are working in the school systems because they do not want to disappoint their boss. Teachers need to be fearless when it comes to education. Yes do what you are told, but do not be afraid to voice your opinions towards the good of the education and students. Teachers need to make it known that they have a voice to, since teachers are the people that are around the students the most, it is only fair that they deserve a voice in his/her school system.