In February 2006, Sir Ken Robinson gave a speach regarding the education system around the world. His main point is that "creativity is as important as literacy and we should treat it in the same state." Robinson all presents the idea that educators are teaching for the future (students starting school that won't retire until 65 1971); pointing out that we know very little about what will happen in five years, let alone 65. In it he claimed that the current world wide system is killing creativity. The process of education from before elementary school through after secondary school stops teaching children to use their bodies and furthermore hinders their creativity. Modern examples of that today, are that many students who learn through movement are put on various types of medications to help them focus. Another example is the famous choreographer, Gyllian Lynne, who struggled with learning because she wasn't able to sit still. After seeking medical help, a doctor finally told her mother to take her to a dance school where she would better learn. Eventually she danced successfully through her education and did the choreographer for both "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera".
Robinson's beliefs are very important to keep in mind. Each student learns and succeeds differently; and as a future educator I need to prepare my students for the future. While repetively enforcing the already known concepts of math, english, reading, and science is important; the students also need to be able to be creative in case something happens. They'll need to be able to think out of the box, and textbooks won't be able to accomplish that. Creativity is a natural talent, that needs to be trained and toned.
I agree with Robinson's beliefs about education. Students need to be more than book smart and be able to be successful in an instant. He makes great points that are reinforced by the examples he gives you. Students learn in different ways and as teacher you need to be able to accept and work with these differences.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Modern Technology in the Classroom
A recurring question in today's society is whether teachers should have the choice of incorporating modern technologies into the classroom. I believe that too a certain extent they should have a choice. However, these instructors must remember that it is their obligation to provide students with the best opportunities. Thus it is imparitive for the teacher to give students the most recent and useful technologies.
Students will gain numerous benefits if modern technologies are presented in the school setting. Those that are visual learners will especially benefit if they can see the graph being drawn or in general their concept visualized. Many students who get distracted with the everyday lectures, particularly in math classes, will concentrate better when working with a computer.
Although it is essential for instructors to work with modern technologies in the classroom, it is also important that they have an opinion of the requirements. For example many technologies are duplicates of one another (i.e. Internet Explorer and Firefox); thus, which ever program the teacher is most comfortable with should be displayed during the lesson. Teachers and schools shouldn't be worried about what's the easiest or simplest solution for themselves; instead, they should always be concerned for what is best for the student.
Students will gain numerous benefits if modern technologies are presented in the school setting. Those that are visual learners will especially benefit if they can see the graph being drawn or in general their concept visualized. Many students who get distracted with the everyday lectures, particularly in math classes, will concentrate better when working with a computer.
Although it is essential for instructors to work with modern technologies in the classroom, it is also important that they have an opinion of the requirements. For example many technologies are duplicates of one another (i.e. Internet Explorer and Firefox); thus, which ever program the teacher is most comfortable with should be displayed during the lesson. Teachers and schools shouldn't be worried about what's the easiest or simplest solution for themselves; instead, they should always be concerned for what is best for the student.
A Little About Me
Hi Everyone! My name is Susan Murphy, but I go by Susie. I'm from Lake Zurich (a lovely suburb of Chicago). I have a large Irish family with three older sisters and one younger brother. Originally my family is from the West Coast, the Los Angelos area, but my parents moved to Chicago right before I was born. I have so much family in California that it's like I really have two homes. Luckily both areas are right outside of the city! My favorite thing to do is just walk around Millenium Park or the streets of Chicago- I just can't get enough of that.
Teaching has always appealed to me. I've always really excelled at Math, but my main desire is to make a difference in peoples' lives. I believe that it isn’t enough to stand in front of a classroom and lecture; the ability to impact someone’s future with words and technology is what separates teachers from everyone else. The most influential teachers I've had have recognized my potential and pushed me to succeed. My goal is to inspire my students and help them discover which path to follow.
After I complete the education program at the University of Illinois, I hope to teach in some diverse areas. Ideally for the first five years as a teacher I would like to teach in a third world country and in the inner city. I would like to give back to the world for everything that it has given me. After those first five years, I figure I'll probably want to settle down and start a family of my own. Although I want to teach in those areas I wouldn't want to raise a family there. So moving back to the suburbs would probably be my best option.
Teaching has always appealed to me. I've always really excelled at Math, but my main desire is to make a difference in peoples' lives. I believe that it isn’t enough to stand in front of a classroom and lecture; the ability to impact someone’s future with words and technology is what separates teachers from everyone else. The most influential teachers I've had have recognized my potential and pushed me to succeed. My goal is to inspire my students and help them discover which path to follow.
After I complete the education program at the University of Illinois, I hope to teach in some diverse areas. Ideally for the first five years as a teacher I would like to teach in a third world country and in the inner city. I would like to give back to the world for everything that it has given me. After those first five years, I figure I'll probably want to settle down and start a family of my own. Although I want to teach in those areas I wouldn't want to raise a family there. So moving back to the suburbs would probably be my best option.
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