I am (re-)launching this blog to explore alternative models of schooling, and frankly to force myself to keep up with my own dreams! I have now observed and taught in classrooms where schooling is still more focused on the intellect than on a holistic approach to learning that integrates subjects, along with other important dimensions (the emotional, social, physical, spiritual), that I know have contributed towards my own happiness. On a practical level, our mainstream models of schooling just aren't as effective as they could be. Everything from rote memorization to a lack of responsibility for learning on the part of students; talking heads at the front of classrooms, and poor measures of success (standardized testing) are still rampant. On the flip side (pun intended :)), approaches such as the flipped classroom, and tools such as the Khan Academy have garnered a lot of support, and older models of Gurukuls and visions of schools in nature keep me dreaming! I don't think everything with our education system is "wrong"; it is also important to acknowledge the strengths and improvements in current models, which I will continue to explore. So, the re-launch of my blog is as much about planting seeds for my own learning in this space as it is about sharing and connecting with some of you. Some of these ideas have been around for centuries. Some are more innovative. Either way, for me, the time for these ideas is NOW. To start, an excellent overview of various models and philosophies of education is given by Ron Miller, and gives useful context for the 'alternative' education space. The holistic approach really resonates with me but the others have elements I like too. Feel free to share your thoughts - and thanks for joining me!
4 Comments
Tom
2/11/2015 03:10:22 am
Look forward to reading your blog, even though I'm retired from Teaching now, it's always interesting and inspiring to read the ideas of others. One of my first memories from teaching is that "nothing had changed". The teaching that I witnessed for decades was the same 'stuff' they had been doing since I was in high school (the 70's). Will be interesting to see where this blog leads to...........
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Hi Tom! Thanks for your comments. So nice to hear from a teacher who has worked in the system and understands the challenges in trying to reform within those constraints. Things are changing slowly, but there is still a long way to go! Look forward to hearing more from you and thanks again for your comments.
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AuthorA passionate educator.. on a quest for a schooling model to love! Archives
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