BVSD schools have done all of the things mentioned in the above article, but I do not think it is enough. I feel that taking 7-8 classes is too many for students, especially since most of them are involved in sports or other after school activities. Students seem to mindlessly go from one class to another--always feeling behind and just "jumping through the hoops." There is no real incentive for learning! I call for a drastic change in the scheduling-- a transformation. I envision a school where students have large blocks of time to work on and understand the curriculum. Blocks that are integrated where students are applying mathematics, science, history and language and integrated arts together. For example, Colorado College (http://www.coloradocollege.edu/) is an example where students take one or two classes at a time, thereby focusing on one area. I envision a learning environment where students aren't busily running from one class to another, sitting listening to lecture after lecture-- I envision a place where bells are not necessary, students work together in larger multi-faceted areas with access to the latest technology and tools, where they can critically think and apply their knowledge in innovative and imaginative ways. I envision a place where service learning is an integral part of the curriculum and where educators connect students to opportunities.
I know this vision is not a panacea, but it is time we critically examine why we use the school schedules that we do? Life has changed drastically over the past 100+ years since public schooling has become the norm---why have we not (for the most part) changed our school schedules? Is there a better way? What is holding us back?
What are your thoughts?
Check out http://www.mister-nick.com
No comments:
Post a Comment