Reflection on Educational Issue: Non-traditional (Alternative) Schools

            Throughout this presentation and even reading over the paper written, I feel as though I became more interested in non-traditional schools and the ways in which they work. Growing up, I had certainly heard of non-traditional schools more by the term “alternative schools” and also knew people who left my school to attend these school; nevertheless, the true definition of these schools and their methods were not a topic widely discussed and explained. I feel as though this is something we as teachers should change. I do not think non-traditional schools are for me personally because I am a strict by the book type person, but I knew people in school who struggled and would have benefited greatly had they known about these schools. As teachers, we should let students know about their options because though we may want them to be in our class in our school a different type of learning experience might be what benefits them more. As a teacher, I plan to educate my students on the options laid out for them. If they desire more AP classes and we do not offer them at my school I would give them online and alternative programs to help them achieve this. This project has helped me see that non-traditional schools are also very interesting and beneficial to students.

            This presentation and information on non-traditional schools has also shed some light on areas I wish to add to my classroom whether I work in a non-traditional or traditional setting. I want to add more hands-on and project-based learning. I wants students to be involved in what they are learning because it is a good strategy in helping them learn and be more engaged. As a future educator, I want my classroom to be a positive learning experience much like what was expressed when discussing HCA in the paper. I want my students involved in the community and feel comfortable in my classroom especially. I want my students to feel connected and comfortable with me, so I can hear what they have to say and be open to catering to what they wish to accomplish. I believe that students learn best and the teaching experience is more exciting when the teacher and students work together. I believe that these methods presented in non-traditional schools could also be incorporated in the traditional schools as well.

            Overall, I really enjoyed the presentation on non-traditional schools and found it very educational. Lauren, Mel, and Kalib did a wonderful job giving me a clear idea of what these schools were like, and showed me the different aspects that went beyond what people generally hear and know about these types of schools. I found myself wishing I could have experienced HCA for myself. Though, this school did not sound exactly like the kind of structure I like in a school it would be a wonderful job opportunity and great learning experience overall.