Today!
14 07 2008I have been reading blogs of others who are ready for change in educational technology. Change the way we are thinking, change the way others are thinking, change, change, change. But in our thoughts and ideologies, thoughts of pedagogies….what about the children? Are all of our ideas and outcries for the advocacy of technology about how children are going to be more competitive in our growing global society? How are we going to reach the children that we are losing day by day to violence and “street” education. What are we as educators doing to ensure that the students that sit before us during the school day are going to ready for what they are to face when we are no longer there for them. Thats what I want to hear about. Not about what this gadget can do, or that gadget…how can this help the children to succeed. Today, I am making a pledge to myself to read more about HOW technology can help students succeed. That is my main concern. Today, I pledge to be an advocate for children, not for myself and how many people know my name or who I am. Today, I will learn for the children, I will read for the children, gain as much knowledge as I can for the children. Today, it is no longer about me, its about them. We are losing them. Let’s do all that we can as voices for them before all is lost. I have never even heard of Douglas High School until I read a blog that highlighted the preview for it. Unfortunately, I do not have any premium movie channels (HBO), but I would love to watch the documentary. It is my plan to purchase it soon. But what about these kids? What are you going to do differently today? If there are any links that anyone can suggest to help me in my plight, please offer suggestions. Thanks!
“What are we as educators doing to ensure that the students that sit before us during the school day are going to ready for what they are to face when we are no longer there for them.”
Make sure that you teach a hidden curriculum. Take a look at the school curriculum for your class and create a curriculum that stands up behind it. Never start off with I am going to teach about Harriet Tubman. Start off with I am going to teach about courage. Never start off with I am going to teach them how to write a letter to the President. Start off with I will empower them to make change. Most importantly, stop calling your class by its name-Soc Stud, Math, Sci, Eng, whatever-call it life. I teach life. I use the social studies to do it. Kids will remember life skills, they won’t remember social studies skills.
I don’t know if this video fits…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPHp0lbRFpA
This post sent me on a sprawling web exploration and has kept me up way past bedtime. I did find this that you might find interesting:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_pedagogy
@Paul Bogush, I loved that definition of Critical Pedagogy, and you are so right! I like the way you put it…
“Never start off with I am going to teach about Harriet Tubman. Start off with I am going to teach about courage. Never start off with I am going to teach them how to write a letter to the President. Start off with I will empower them to make change. ”
That statement in itself is a mouthful, and inspiring. I would love to quote you when I speak to some of my teachers this year. Thank you so much for that!