Educational Issue 2: Authentic Curriculum

The idea of authentic curriculum is very interesting and not something I would have generally thought about on my own. I am not sure how I feel about this topic. I feel as though this group did a great job making me enjoying many the issues being presented. I really enjoyed the links and videos they gave us it is a lot of information defining this idea of authentic curriculum. After this project, I found myself wondering how I could implement this into my own classroom. I find the idea of using students’ interests to help them learn more. I feel as though this would be a beneficial way of teaching; however, I would not fully implement it into my classroom because I am not really a fan of not teaching. I would still give students a choice while also teaching. I want students to know I have their best interests in mind, and I am trying to keep them intrigued. I would use many of the aspects presented in this lesson to my own classroom. For instance the thought of creating new communities and see new perspectives is really great because it is the idea that they are working together and collaboratively. This is something all teachers look forward to in the classroom; however, it is not the only reason.

This is beneficial in many ways such as it creating an environment in which students are excited to learn because they have a say. This means fewer students will be dropping out or disengaged. It creates positive environments amongst teachers and students. They seem to get along better when they get to know one another on a more personal level. It also creates a version of creativity and ambition in students to help them perform at the level the teacher always knew was possible.

Though it is a very beneficial issue to be presented in this research project, teachers sometimes feel as if they do not have a place in the schools. There is also the belief that these teachers are not able to do their job as teaching. They supervise as the students do their own opinions. It is also difficult for a teacher fully immersed into their classroom they must deal with students driving along the education. I feel as though this is an area I could not fulfill this strategy because I really enjoy this strategy just not the idea of not being the teacher. I studied to be a teacher because I really love it. Nevertheless, I plan to incorporate the student-based learning, student interests, and student happiness and comfort.

This group has done a wonderful job presenting this issue and allowing us to see the benefits and struggles that one might see as a teacher implementing this into their classroom. One aspect of this I really enjoyed about this groups paper and presentation is the fact that they clarified the idea that one does not have to go to one extreme or the next. As teachers, we do not have to always drop everything to implement this strategy into our classroom. We can take certain aspects and implement them as they work with our classroom. This issue can be brought into the school in many different ways making it a flexible and beneficial aspect to add to the classroom. This group did a wonderful job showing this and showing this interesting issue allowing me to see another model I want to implement into my class.

Sub-Categories of Philosophies

Perennialism: These people believe in similar ideas to that of essentialists mainly focusing on the concept of having a set of common core informational goals. They are often practicing mental discipline but believe that learning is an on-going process where facts are constantly changing, meaning their students focus on big ideas and concepts that remain the constant focus. They teach everlasting importance to all people everywhere. Perenialists focus on the most important topics to develop a person, because they believe you must treat people as people first. It is a teacher-based system, but its importance is dependent upon the students and is open to student criticism.

 Essentialism:  They believe that one should have a common core of information and skill set. These types of people are hard workers with very strong mental ability and self-discipline. This form of sub-category is mostly teacher-centered in the classroom and draws from the concepts and ideas brought forward in idealism and realism when dealing with the four basic philosophies. They are very organized because they believe this is the best possible way for them to get the common core of information presented to their students.

Behaviorism:  This sub-category closely deals with the philosophy known as realism. This is a theory that believes ones self and behavior is based on and determined by the environment around them more so than heredity. Behaviorists believe that by controlling the learning environment teachers can significantly influence students and teach them. They believe in strong organizational skills as well as a curriculum based on behavioral objectives. They believe knowledge is a behavior that is observable. These forms of teachers use positive and negative reinforcers to get their students to behave a certain way. They believe good behavior is observed than positively reinforced to help students better understand what is good and bad.

Positivism: These philosophers believe that essences, intuition, and inner causes cannot be measured; therefore, they cannot be taught or used to teach. They believe that knowledge can only be found in statements and points of observable fact. They reject beliefs of the mind, spirit and self and only accept reality that can be explained using measurements, laws, etc. Teachers believing this philosophy often use direct instruction and do not think about student engagement. There is learning and teaching process where the teacher is expected to teach in a clear and precise manner with evidence to back up what is being stated. Teachers are expected to use repetition and memorization of fact. These are the ways in which behaviorists have an effect on the classroom in a more logical atmosphere.

 Progressivism:  this is an educational theory that through questions and experimentation students can learn. They favor human experience as the way to obtain knowledge and understanding. Progressivists believe in the scientific method, student involvement, and belief of an individual are the ways in which students are able to learn. These teachers prepare their students for change. They believe the classroom is like a democracy where the students and teachers work together to make the classroom the best learning environment.

Reconstructionism:  They tend to address this idea of being familiar with social issues and social questions. They deal with specifically looking at trying to make the society better and worldwide democracy. These students take action on social issues being presented in the world around them.

Humanism:  This philosophy deals with thinking of people as individuals. It believes that students should be treated as individuals, and it rejects group-oriented learning. This stems off the idea of existentialism. They believe that students should be actively participating in making their own choices and decisions. These teachers emphasize instruction and assessment that is based on each individual student’s interests. They believe in students having and making choices.

Constructivism:  They believe in doing hands on learning, and activity-based learning and teaching. This is closely associated with the philosophy of existentialism. They are student-based learning making it active for students to learn based on personal meaning and questions. In this form of curriculum, students are encouraged to answer their own questions and formulate their own opinions based on the answers they developed for the questions. Teachers are thought to be guides helping the students along while they embark on finding the answers for themselves.

I personally see myself as being a mixture of many different aspects of a few fields because they all have aspects I wish to implement in my classroom. As a perennialist, I have been learning in this type of atmosphere throughout my time at University of Maine at Farmington and feel as if I obtained so much information to benefit me in life. I really enjoy this method, because I feel as though it has students’ best interests in mind while also allowing the teacher to still have control, and this is what I wish to accomplish. It is the way in which I am able to learn best. The concept of thinking of students as people first is one I wish to live by making this ring true for myself.  I really enjoy the idea of teachers teaching but leaving it open to the students to be a part of the class and have a voice as well.

 I believe this is why I also feel as though I relate to progressivism in some ways. I am a firm believe in giving students choice and having their best interests in mind. The idea of observing and experimenting is very interesting. I have always been a hands-on learner while in school and this philosophy seems to focus on this idea. It is a project-based instruction with a variety of different ways to assess students. It also gives students choice and a voice, which are very important aspects I believe should be present in the classroom. I also believe that catering to students’ interests is essential in the classroom because it keeps them engaged. These are the areas of progressivism I would implement in my classroom because it works and helps my students retain more knowledge.

It is crucial to have a comfortable environment for all students. I believe that the philosophy known as humanism uses this as the key aspect to the philosophy. This deals mostly with creating a positive environment in the classroom for all students to feel good. It also deals with activity-based learning and thinking of students as individuals. This is important for teachers to remember because it is an area that seems important in the classroom because there are many students and they all learn in their own way. As a teacher these are the important aspects of this philosophy I wish to put into my classroom.

Empowerment

In entry 139, I felt so bad for Ramiro because he put so much effort into his education just to pass the tests and he could not pass the test. As a future educator, I despise the fact that one set of tests decides whether a student can move on in school. This form of assessment is not an accurate representation of a student’s progress and learning throughout because it bases what they know on one day of testing when there are so many factors that can affect their test scores. Ramiro studied and worked so hard in the weeks leading up to the test and still did not pass. If our goal as educators is to discourage students from wanting to learn more I feel as though tests are the way to do so after reading this entry. In order to have an accurate account of our students’ progress in learning, we should have an assessment that demonstrates their learning for everyday they are in our class. Our students are capable of being able to learn no matter who they are but when they are constantly failing the end test it frustrates them and makes them assume they cannot learn anything. This teacher tried her best to help him and all of their hard work paid off as he finally passed. She showed dedication and understanding for her students, which was both inspiring and beneficial. As a teacher, I want to do the same and always be there to understand my students even when a pointless test is telling them they are failures.

            In entry 142, is very empowering in the aspect that they were able to go be a part of a world culture event. They were able to make a difference and do what they love. This was able to show the opportunities we as teachers can give our students. We can be a part of the school community by taking control of an event, coaching, doing after school programs, and giving kids a place after school to relax and unwind while getting things done. You can show your students you care by being a part of their life and making your career more than just a job where you show up when you are supposed to and leave as soon as you get the opportunity to do so. These students got the dream of a lifetime and it was all due to their teacher saying yeah I have time and would love doing this for my students. They dominated students from all over the world at soccer, and were able to gain a confidence and understanding they may not have been able to obtain in the classroom. It gave these students a positive role model that they knew was there to help them. It was inspiring to see what this teacher did for his students and athletes. It was also a remarkable adventure for them to embark upon. Overall, this story did a wonderful job showing that one is only able to achieve their dreams and others dreams if they give a little fight for it.

Teaching Philosophy

Idealism: This was invented by Plato and thought as the only reality and philosophy worth knowing. It deals mostly with reasoning the using ones mind in a logical aspect. The emphasis of learning for teachers of this model is subjects that challenge the mind such as literature, history, philosophy, etc. This is generally focused on teacher-based learning meaning it deals mostly with lectures, discussion, logical questioning and thought process, etc. These are the ways in which this philosophy deals specifically with.

Realism: The realists are the opposing belief to the idealists. Realists look for reason. Aristotle created this philosophy. These philosophers believe in the more scientific approach by using senses and the world around them to better understand information and find truth. This philosophy emphasizes the subject matter of the physical world, particularly science and mathematics. The teaching methods focus on one’s ability to master facts and skills through the process of demonstration and reiteration. It deals with the idea of critical thought scientifically through observing the world around us and experimenting the thoughts/theories one may have. This form is strict rule system set up mainly teacher-based with an emphasis on scientific subject matter.

Pragmatism: This is the philosophy tat believes reality is through experience and observation because there is a constant evolving and changing. This philosophy believes that the world is constantly moving into a different path of change and so are people. This philosophy believes that one learns best through experience and discussion of one’s experience. Those who believe in this theory are active learners producing thought then acting upon it to better understand the world around them. When implementing this philosophy into the classroom one deals with communication, hands on learning, experiments to experience the truth behind a question, collaboration, and have different projects because the mind is always changing and should be challenged in new ways. This form of learning consists of mixing different concentration areas to give students a full range of information. This system is one that is student-based and has the student’s best interests in mind.

Existentialism: These philosophers believe we are who we are and that each individual is different. This deals with the thought process that everyone should be given his/her own individual choice. They believe that we create our own lifestyle and way of learning. According to this philosophy teachers should have a focus on students and each individual student. They should focus their teaching on student feelings, individual selves, personal preferences, etc. They believe each individual is in charge with coming to his or her own conclusion on subject matter. They do not believe that students’ abilities can be measured, tracked, evaluated, or standardized. They are very student-based mainly focusing on student preference rather than curriculum.

            I personally feel as though I relate more to the concepts laid out in the philosophy of pragmatism. This is due to the fact that I always find myself wondering how I can incorporate all disciplines in my classroom to help my students get the most out of the content I am teaching. I also always want to implement multiple ways to discover one subject area due to the fact that this is a good way to help them learn all they can. I am a hands on learner who learns best through organization, discussion with others, and working with subject matter in multiple ways. I would have benefited from a class based on pragmatist belief and this is most likely why I would associate it with myself. I was never the type of person who learned through memorization or learning then reiterating. I had to be the one experimenting and exploring the possible answer in multiple ways so I would not get bored and give up. I want to someday incorporate the elements needed to help my students learn as much as they can which means I will be flexible in creating a system of methods that are uniquely different but all help them explore a new topic. I want to inspire them and get their opinion on the class. I want a system that is student-based because that is the way in which one is able to get the best results from students. I want to encourage students to do different projects that demonstrate their learning in the best possible way. My students will be able to discuss with peers different subject matters as well as work on their own to come to a conclusion. Variety is key in exploring a subject and topic to the fullest and this is what I believe pragmatists do. This is the reason why I feel as though I associate with them more so than any other philosophy.

Rejuvenation

I really enjoyed entry 115 because it was such a great idea that the teacher had. Allowing her students to be pen pals to students from different areas is a great learning experience, it seems as if these students are able to see how though people are from different areas they experience very similar problems. The students were so encouraging as they dealt with their pen pals problems much like there own. This allows students to understand one another on a deeper level. It is also a great learning experience of the many different home lives people face on a personal level. I also really loved the idea that the students got to go to the other school and experience a completely different setting. I believe this is a great learning experience for the students and the teacher. I also believe that I would enjoy doing something similar to this with my class, allowing them to see diversity in this interesting way.

Entry number 117 was also a very intriguing journal to look at. The idea that this teacher moved away from teaching but somehow found his/her way back to it was amusing. The idea that they were teaching again shows that it is the kind of job you find your way back to it. I really enjoyed this entry because I enjoyed the way he taught music and commented on how it relates to poetry. As an English teacher in training, I find myself knowing how difficult certain genres of text can be for students. Much like this teacher, I want to help my students obtain as much information as possible. I want them to understand instead of hide away not knowing. This story encouraged me because I have been thinking about how I want to use other materials to help my students learn. I want to connect the classics of literature to young adult literature and film adaptations. I want to do what this teacher does when he/she relates poetry to music. I want to give my students the materials needed to help them get a more complete understanding of the material, so they will in turn be better suited for their future. This entry inspired me because it informed me that this is something I will be able to implement in my classroom.

The last entry that really connected with me was entry number 121. When I was in school, I had struggled with reading I had a hard time reading aloud. I was the type of aloud reader that would accidentally skip words because my eyes would flash by them without me realizing that I had missed saying it. I had been made fun of by students and even teachers. This struggle I faced encouraged me to read more but it also discouraged me from participating in the classroom. I was angry with myself and disappointed at the same time thinking I was horrible because even my teachers mocked me. After reading this, I was inspired to be like this teacher and help my students. The way this teacher handled the situation was amazing and I really enjoyed this entry as a whole.

Episode Four of The Story of Schools

At the beginning of Episode 4, I was shocked about what was to come in this section due to the first question answered. When asked who won the civil war the boy replied, “ I have no idea and I don’t care.” This was a surprising confession being made. I had an idea of what this period till present day would look like but this shocked me even more. Though this time seemed to be one in which they claimed students were not being challenged, there were many different types of schools being presented showing kids true potential to learn. This movie demonstrates the fact that students are unique and need learning systems that help them excel instead of hindering students by not meeting their educational needs. This movie shows the benefits of hands on learning and being interactive with students’ learning. As everything around them progresses, it does not make sense to keep school the same as it has been throughout the decade. School itself needs to keep moving forward however the strategies being introduced and the testing systems seem to be pushing students back into the past. They are unable to move forward in learning because they are forced to sit and listen as teachers talk to them. I believe interactive learning would be a positive help to students’ education. After hearing that in the 80’s 500 million was the cost of testing, I realized there are many more tests being placed into the schools now showing that much more is spent on testing every year. This is absurd and the money could be used to help the progression of education and make a unified test that would be more beneficial to our students.

Funding seemed to be a topic that was mentioned many times in this episode. This showed what government funding is used for in the field of education. It was interesting to see the kids getting a choice of what type of education they want and getting paid to go to that form of school. I think it would be interesting to implement these different learning strategies into the public school system. They claimed they were worried about the students leaving the public school system for these alternative schools. If these different strategies were implemented in the public school they would have nothing to worry about. As a future educator, these topics are ones in which I will have to think about in the future. I want to make sure my students are being satisfied with their education rather than getting bored because they are not being challenged. This episode helps me get the information presented in the past.

Response to Episode One: Story of School

            In the beginning times, it is interesting to hear that there was not a free or public education being offered. This shows the progression schools have made over the years from the start forming a free public education for students. This episode of Story of School allows one to see the progression school has made in some areas, such as expanding from the beginning one room classroom. This episode shows the many influences there were on education such as Jefferson, Horace Man, Douglas, Catherine Beecher, etc. There were many different arguments, which could be the reasoning for why the schools are still being discussed controversially in present day as well. This made it clear that overtime we have slowly adapted to new issues being presented; however, the idea of the school system still needs improving and fine-tuning to make it better. It showed that the schools have not reached their full potential, allowing the viewers to wonder if the education system will ever be being altered.

            Though this time was a giant turning point for the country, it had many issues still being presented in the new idea of public schools. For instance, not all students could afford the school at first meaning only those rich enough were allowed an education. These schools were only catering to certain students’ beliefs and cultures. Other cultures were not being addressed in the school system such as Catholics. This brought up much controversy leading to the many different immigrants wanting their own school system that they wanted the board of education to pay for. There was exclusion among the schools where African and Native Americans were placed in schools with only their race. This was the beginning of the segregation that led to all the struggles with integration in the future.  This video introduces the struggles we faced in the early stages of the education system while also allowing the viewer to see the progression and areas that remain similar in schools today.

               It is interesting to think that even over the long stretch of time there still are so many trials we face in the world of education. Though we have progressed from being those female teachers being forced to the west to live with a different family every week as we educate in a one-room class, we still have problems we must overcome. This is how life is; there will always be obstacles to overcome. We will never fully agree on one system to run the schools with so there will be constant changing and disagreements overtime. I look forward to watching the progression of education and teaching over the years to come from a front row seat. It will be interesting to have my voice heard and hopefully help aide the education system in some way.

Nation at Risk

Nation at Risk was put into order due to low test scores and a decline in students’ performances in educational scenarios. This brought to light the many flaws present in the educational system. The two articles force us to look more closely at the problems faced in the education system today; however, I am not sure if I fully agree with what is being said. There is certainly a need to fix certain aspects of education, yet there are also sections of it that are continuing to progress. Though I see the need to progress and fix these problems presented in education, how does one decide how to do so? It is difficult to find a way in which to state how to fix the system when there is always going to be contradicting opinions like the ones presented in this article. It leaves the readers confused to whether or not this movement is beneficial or not. It also leaves the reader infuriated thinking that the educational system has failed. As teachers, we need to be open to seeing when kids are struggling, so that we do not let them fall behind. After reading these articles, I have come to the realization that students are performing at such a low level because they are being pushed through the system even though they are not ready to be moving forward due to some of the laws in place. As a future educator, I want to work with my students individually to help them achieve all they can while also remembering that I must educate all students to reach their learning goals. 

Works Cited: 

"A Nation At Risk." Archived: Archived:. N.p., Apr. 1983. Web. 06 Oct. 2013. <http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/NatAtRisk/risk.html>.

Toppo, Greg. "Education." 'Nation at Risk': The Best Thing or the Worst Thing for Education? USA Today, 1 Aug. 2008. Web. 06 Oct. 2013. <http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-04-22-nation-at-risk_N.htm>.

Disillusionment

         In this section of Teaching Hope, there were many different forms of teacher struggles that one thinks about but never really knows how to deal with. It is a difficult area in which to explore this idea of having to listen to administrators and those above you who are not benefiting your class and students but hindering them. The first blog that stood out to me in this section was the blog numbered 77, which was the second blog in. As the students complain about having another test and the teacher recites the struggles they faced that one morning already, I think of the honesty being expressed in this text and even the message hidden within the greater picture. Most of these tests of knowledge are inaccurate representations of what students know and have learned. This is due to the fact that the tests show a student on one day who may have had a rough day or may be nervous. The results are not as accurate as if they were to observe their progression throughout the year much like the teacher does. The teachers know what their students are capable of and though we as teachers try to voice this opinion to those above us they refuse to listen. It is true that they have lost the memories of what being a teacher is like. They have given teachers goals to achieve in a years time yet they spend one day examining if these students have reached the goals set out by the board. These students are not given the respect and trust they deserve to show how hard they are trying to work to achieve all they can. Instead, these students are being cheated by an inaccurate judgment of what they know and beings forced to move forward when they cannot even voice their concerns. This is horrible, yet it happens in every grade level at every school in the country. We as teachers just need to encourage our students and show them that we know how brilliant they are.

            The second and third entries that moved me were the last two in this section. They were both very similar in some ways but different in others. They were numbered 108 and 109. They both discussed stories of teachers who were working hard and really impacting their students’ lives. One teacher was going to be awarded Teacher of the Year. However, their administrators then fired both unfairly. One was fired merely based on the color of her skin. The other one was told how wonderful she was then given a letter that knocked the wind out her. Neither saw it coming and both had no opportunity to say anything. The first of these teachers found in entry 108 summed it up so well. This teacher’s words were encouraging and wonderful at the same time. She claimed, “teaching is about never giving up, no matter the risks” (245). The second teacher also was encouraging stating the truth that we teachers need to remember which is that we are there in the classroom “for the kids” (246). These words are encouraging and the ways in which the many teachers handled themselves in this section were great examples and resources for when I am a teacher. I really enjoyed hearing the intricacies of this aspect of teaching and how one should conduct him or her self.