This is a fantastic video which questions how we can learn, how we can be taught and raises many different questions about our own psyche perhaps.
Collaborative learning works well, sharing ideas and thinking differently works. I too believe in students and their capacity to learn, be creative, be evaluative and have an equal voice. That to me is important in my style of teaching. Reflection and being a reflective practitioner comes naturally to me. Yet we know there are many ways to teach, learn and assess.
The Finnish education system works. And addressing different ways to approach an assessment, well that works too.
On another note, it actually reminded me of my dad who was a well respected Music teacher for many years and how he viewed the curriculum. I'll leave that to one of his star pupils, arguably one of Scotland's finest female writers, to describe that. There's a wee link to an article from Janice Galloway at the bottom of this post.
If you have any comments on the video or the newspaper article, please note them below as I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mark
This video was so inspiring I was honestly feeling emotional in a good way, the way he puts across his points about both school and students I felt were correct and it was interesting to see him point out that technology has changed and moved on for the better so why hasn't school, in particular; class rooms because even though I am aware of how it works in schools this guy just put a whole new perspective on things. It was interesting to hear him list all the things that students are capable of no matter who they are, where they come from etc. because in so many cases within school life you are treated differently depending on status or what area you are from, for example some schools not bothering too much with kids who misbehave because they just think they are not interested because of where they come from or they may have a family situation, however is it not better to challenge these kids and see their potential because I know a lot of people who have been in similar situations. A Glasgow University professor once said to our class "if I had my way, I would close down every single High school" his reason for this is because he saw every year, new students coming from high school to University and getting so very upset and confused with the way University works and he felt that this was because children at high school were being TOLD how to do things instead of being allowed to be creative and think for themselves which led to them being some form of robot and thinking in only one way and I find this so true and the video even suggested this too. A change definitely needs to happen. Brilliant article about your father, someone who clearly saw potential in all people to allow them to achieve anything and music is very expressive and I know how this subject has helped my daughter (with autism) express herself more and she absolutely adores music teachers and enjoyed the time she spent with the Glasgow Youth Choir where the teachers were so inspirational to young people. Janice really shows great respect and has been inspired by your fathers teaching and support.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Nicola and you raise some very good points and yes, music really is important for lots of reasons. I was accepted into the Academy of Music 30 years ago (wow, that DOES make me feel old) but decided that although I was proficient of course, that I didn't love it enough to purse it as a career, no regrets whatsoever. Yes, the Janice Galloway article is really quite informative for me, and although he taught her over 40 years ago, he really brought the subject alive for her and others it seems. I remember he taught two Higher Music classes of 30 pupils and every student got an A. Those kind of stats simply wouldn't happen in the modern curriculum for lots of reasons. I look forward to reading some further comments from other members of the class.
DeleteThoroughly enjoyed the clip. We are all each individuals and deserve to be treated with equality and all learn in different ways. Life would indeed be boring if we were all the same clone of one another. I love the fact i am one of a kind and different with my own personality and zest for life ;-) Individual learning styles is what differentiates us from each other and the work we manifest and produce.
ReplyDeleteYou are quite right, as learning should be for all, assessment has certain degrees of flexibility, technology changes, but hopefully the attitude of teachers, lecturers, instructors, trainers etc. will suit the need of the 'learners' in front of them. I teach differently across all my classes, for lots of reasons. Hopefully the result is the constant - high pass rates and positive engagement.
Deletei have so many conflicting thoughts about the education in schools and quite frankly finding it difficult to put down in words. I agree with what he is saying and maybe its because it has been a while since i've even had to be near a classroom but as far as i am aware there is development happening with the primary and secondary settings of school. I hated school because i found it boring, i'm a hands on person and learn more if i'm being engaged throughout the lesson.
ReplyDeleteIt fundamentally still comes down to the individuals strive for it! Now because i'm interested i'm always eager to learn more but thats because the passion is there. Variety of teaching methods should be available to kids, i know this has helped me now.
As for the article on your dad. It is truly astounding and the time and effort he put in to his students shows tremendously. The respect and gratefulness just oozes of the page. Thank you for putting up the article it was a great read
Thanks
Coop
By the way when i say class room i meant in high school
DeleteI think you did a good job in articulating your thoughts, your concerns and your hopes. It is difficult to get the right balance when teaching, as learners read at different paces, some have talents in one discipline over another, there may be worries from their time at school etc. But the opportunity to learn and be engaged is so important. Who needs a straight road when there are a few detours that will still get you to the same destination!
Deletewow really enjoyed that and its so true everybody is an individual so therefor learn in different ways, what works for one does not necessarily mean it will work for another. I struggled through school having to to go at the same pace as my peers and all i can say i didn't work for me. My youngest daughter is having some struggles of her own right now at school and yes we have evolved but im having to take issues in to my own hands.
ReplyDeleteI am gratified that Colleges have been quick to address a lot of learner issues over the years, recognizing in some cases the need for a scribe, additional time, adjustments for learners with dyslexia etc., the list goes on. And learners are more open to this support than ever before which is reassuring. I don't think the system is perfect yet, far from it, but please do question the 'system' Lorraine regarding your daughter and I hope that it provides a positive outcome for you both.
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