I experienced a variety of emotions as I watched Will Richardson's video. One was strong agreement. I fully believe that schools in this country are selling our kids short. We use old methods of teaching that do not prepare our students for life in this technological age. I have students asking me on a daily basis why they cannot use calculators or why they need to have formulas memorized. My real answer is I don't know. When will they ever not be able to use resources available to them in real life? Next year's math class, in college? As an adult, have I ever had to complete a task without being able to access information or resources? NO! So why am I preparing kids for tasks that are not applicable later in life?
As I think these thoughts, I then feel frustration. Why do I have to teach what my coworkers teach in the same way and same order. The PLCs that our school districts employ take away our individuality and creativity. In theory, they are a good idea. I love collaboration. However, weren't many of us collaborating before we were put into these PLC groups? I feel that the focus of our PLCs these days is to plan and make sure we are doing everything in the same way at the same time. I am sure that the theory behind PLCs is not to create cookie cutter courses. However, that is what we have done. I am also frustrated because we know that what our government has prescribed for our students in the way of increased testing is not what our students need. More testing is not going to help us compete with other nations. Nor will it create students who are well equipped to deal with a quickly changing world. It does not provide our students with opportunities to solve real problems.
I then feel ashamed. How do I do a better job for our students? I don't know how to provide them with the opportunities that I feel they need. I am becoming mediocre. I question if I should continue in this career path.
My emotions are uncertain, frustration, questioning. I feel incompetent and ill prepared to guide these students. I am doing them a disservice. How can I get better so that I can help my students prepare better?
Thanks for these thoughts, Kasie. Really appreciate the honesty, and know that you're not alone in these feelings.
ReplyDeleteI think the way to "get better" is to first focus on your own learning. Become a "connected educator" by designing your own learning online via Twitter, blogs like this one, etc. Keep reaching out and learning how technology challenges the old structures but also affords lots of new opportunities. That way you'll be able to make great decisions about your classroom and what you do with students.
It's not an easy time, but it's also an exciting time. Focus on the upside, breathe, and keep pushing change where and when you can.
Kasie you are a very passionate teacher. Will's advice is sound. Take small steady steps at improvement.
ReplyDeleteKasie,
ReplyDeleteYou do need to realize that you are already way ahead of the game. You are willing and ready to adapt yourself and your teaching to meet the needs of all of the students you encounter. You truly care about the path of education and your students and while it is normal to question your career choice, YOU are the type of educator your students need!
Kasie, you are far from being alone with those thoughts and feelings. They are natural, and likely shared by most of us. I think Will's advice about first becoming a connected educator/learner yourself is key. Clearly you loved mathematics and and you spent a great deal of time learning mathematics before you we're ever able to share that wisdom with others as their teacher. Your experiences as a connected educator and learner will ultimately, and naturally, trickle to your students much like you knowledge of math education has done. Once it becomes part of you, by default it will transfer to your classroom. You are already taking those steps by participating in the connected journey program!
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