Wednesday, February 10, 2010
February 9th's class
Discussing various models/designs/content of curriculum makes me think of a conversation I had with a colleague not long ago. We were talking about how both of our grandfathers dropped out of school in grade 8 because they had to go to work to support the family. Without a high school education, we both said they were very intelligent, in fact rank among some of the smartest people we know. I'm not sure if part of this is due to the age and experience at which point we knew them, which I think is a education of its own, but certainly social skills come in to play big time in terms of intelligence. We were suggesting that forcing a child into the work force makes them very sociable and therefore, the mere conversations with older people is a learning experience. We also agreed that students can learn an awful lot from being in a work place and that apprenticeship programs and practicums are sometimes, the best option for students who don't want to be in a classroom. So, all this talk about designs of curriculum made me think of having no curriculum. I saw that Graham posted on my blog about the instance of having no curriculum in a school, so what if the public school system only ran until Grade 8? What would happen? It worked in the early part of the 20th century and there were some very smart people....not that I'm suggesting this as an option!
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Interesting idea Lana... i encourage you to apply for funding and start a school that gives out full graduation after Grade 8!
ReplyDeleteI think the reality in which those "Very smart" people grew up and worked is quite different than today's world. I am not quick with remembering exact #'s but i heard a stat that a large percentage of the jobs our students will work in have not even been created yet.
So, should our education and curriculum aimed at preparing students with "knowledge" they will need for their jobs OR should it be aimed at preparing our students with the skills, attitudes, and people skills they need to adapt, be flexible, and succeed in these "new jobs."
This question i just raised fits nicely with our assignment to evaluate a specific curriculum document (things, data, people, skills, attitudes, etc).
However, someone might also stir the pot by saying "Why does our education have to have the workplace in mind as it ultimate goal?"
any thoughts?
I think high school education is over-rated. What are we preparing kids for? The high school system is geared towards preparing students for university or community college. The focus is on knowledge acquisition, not skill development or knowledge managment, despite the efforts of recent curriculum changes. High schools will be the last places to adapt to the realities of what students need to be successful in the modern world.
ReplyDeleteI like Ryan's question "Why does our education have to have the worlkplace in mind as its ultimate goal?" Our model of schooling has changed little since the industrial relovution, when the reason for schooling was to prepare youth to engage in jobs to benefit the economy. The possibilities in our new economy need to show us that there are possibilies in our education system as well. Just think of how many successful people come back to do great things after getting life experience?
Personally, I see high school as a holding tank for youth where we keep them protected from the harsh realities of society until we think they are resilient enough to deal with it. Why can't they be unleashed into society sooner? Shouldn't they begin to develop resilience at younger age? Music videos, movies, and the internet expose youth to a plethora of adult content, but the thought of kids engaging with adults in meaingful and productive ways during the day is not possible? I don't get it. Some of the best learning epxeriences my students have had have been from them interacting with people outside the school where they can see what the real world is really like.
Back to Ryan's question, our schools need to develop socially responsible and resiliant members of society. Maybe that would help society deal with its addition to anti-depression medicine, anxiety disorders, and rampant stress? I don't know. Just a thought based on numerous observations of adults and youth.
I think I've mentioned this before, but what does anybody remember from their schooling experience? Do you remember specific concepts and facts? Probably not. I remember learning how a refrigerator works and thinking, "Why on EARTH do I need to know this??". Unless you are planning on going into refrigirator production or repairing, it seems pretty useless. The things I remember all involved "doing". Disecting a cow's eye and looking at a newspaper through the lens. Creating my own soundtrack for the first act of Macbeth. Sewing a pair of pyjamas. But I haven't the slightest idea as to how a refrigerator works.
ReplyDeleteIn a PD session for music teachers, a presentation included all of the skills and attitudes that were required for current jobs, as well as a speculation as to what skills and attitudes might be required for future jobs. The most important was creativity. And when you really think about it - it's true. Think about our world - iPhones, video games, internet networking sites, building design, advertising, etc. - it all involves creativity. So...here's my little weekly plug for music...it encourages and facilitates CREATIVITY!