The Three Eras of Education

The educational system has gone through various phases and changes and is slowly continuing so today.  Some of these changes I agree with and some I’m unsure about.  I agree that students need more one on one attention.  These days it seems to me like we are discovering more and more disabilities or reasons why some children especially need more attention.  Being in a classroom with at least 10 kids can be challenging to ensure that they are all getting the most out of their education.  The idea of standardized tests also fits in with this because since there are so many kids, using tests is supposedly the most accurate way of knowing whether they are learning.  This is one thing that I think needs to be changed because this can create feelings of failure and rankings among the students.  I’m not sure though if moving towards using computers to teach is the most effective way, however.  The example the chapter used about giving hints to students seemed to me like it would just create learned helplessness.  Many students wouldn’t be motivated enough to figure out a problem by themselves if they got stuck and would simply keep asking for hints.  They wouldn’t learn anything about problem solving or critical thinking.  The one good thing about using computers to gain that apprenticeship environment is that students can learn what they are interested in.  This is important because with all the information available a person can’t learn everything.  Even though one can learn about their interest, what about those who aren’t motivated to learn?

                As a future teacher, I will be more aware of how students rate themselves based off tests and other assessments.  To avoid any of this from occurring, even though it will be very difficult, I will keep their scores unanimous.  I will also become more aware of how I try to gain respect in my classroom.  With more and more diverse backgrounds in every classroom, I will have to be more sensitive to their beliefs and cultures.  Each child will have different expectations for me and how I rise up to them will determine their respect for me.  This will create more work on my behalf that I am more than willing to except because I would love getting to know each one of my students at an individual level and learn about various cultures.  This is one example of how the school system is changing and how teachers have to adjust to the many adverse learners.  In the book, it mentions how we try to make education fit into the school mold even if it doesn’t make sense.  I think this sums up many dilemmas that teachers face and it makes me more motivated to make changes that may even seem out there.  I feel that there is still so much we can discover about how children learn and we need to experiment with our beliefs and research.