In our small group discussions about the "What Did You Learn?" assignment, some common themes emerged that preface the notion of educational change. Some of you expressed "interactive" learning as the ideal approach to learning. Others of you lamented lost opportunities as a result of an ineffective teacher. A large part of our discussion focused on the evolution of the student population and how young people today seem to require more from teachers--to be entertained and engaged. Yet teachers are required to do so much with so few resources. Do we as teachers cater too much to our students' preferences? Do you think (as a longitudinal study suggests) that students are more selfish now than ever? Are we preparing students to be "idiots" as the Parker article suggests. . . to be immature and self-centered, rather than community-minded and public service-oriented? Have we lost the "public" essence of public schooling? Or were public schools ever truly "public?" (see Carper article) If, as educational leaders, we choose to prepare students to be participatory citizens then what needs to change? Do we test too much? Do students consume too much media? Is our model of schooling obsolete? What should be the role of Government? Yes, these are broad questions, but the purpose here is to stimulate your thinking about educational change at a global level. Are we educating students in ways that are aligned with our vision of what the world should be? Review Eisner's article about "questionable assumptions" of schooling and think about what might require change within your own curriculum, classroom, school, and/or district. At this point, you're just brainstorming informally as you move forward. You are taking a pulse on where you are in (what John Goodlad refers to as) "a place called school."
In preparation for next week, read the first 3 chapters of Fullan's (4th ed) of "The New Meaning of Educational Change." We'll dig deeply into the idea of "educational change" (as part and parcel of graduate-level work). Also next week, I will introduce general guidelines for the Curriculum Action Plan (CAP). Although you will neither present nor submit it until the end of the semester, it consists of 5 phases through which you must pass in order to arrive at your destination. I find it much more fruitful and enjoyable if we all work through the phases together.
Browse through your classmates' blogspots which are now posted in the margin here. You should get into the rhythm of responding to at least 3 other blogs per week (if not more). I think you'll find what your colleagues have to say highly fascinating and helpful in creating your own plan for change. Blog on!
