I was directed to an article (via a Facebook friend, of course) on the Freakonomics web site. Have you read those books? They are highly interesting and entertaining. They are great to listen to – especially on long car rides.
As someone who loves to learn, has taught in and out of the classroom, as a mom who has raised different levels of learners, the topic of how we learn intrigues me. My kids run the range of 99th percentile to struggling reader/learner. What works for one child does not necessarily work for another.
Our country does not rank as high as other countries as far as student performance in the math and sciences. I don’t believe it’s because we are not spending enough money in the class room. In fact, I have very strong opinions about the use of technology in the classroom. Sure, smart boards are neat and can be used in creative ways, but nothing replaces the creativity of a teacher in engaging a student.
My kids have encountered many a creative and inspiring teacher. They have also encountered mediocre teachers. Frankly, I believe there needs to me more market controls in the education environment. The parents and the students are consumers of education. We should have a voice.
Please don’t misunderstand me. I respect and admire teachers. As a substitute teacher I can say that our kids are not always the angels we think they are (as I learned at parent conferences last night. What is it about my boys that their inner clown emerges in 7th grade? I blame my husband’s genes…..) But when you view learning through the eyes of someone who struggles, you realize there are better ways to teach.
I have not heard of Freakanomics, I’ll have to go check it out. As a homeschool mom, it is an adventure year by year on teaching and learning. Yes, some days I feel like I learn a lot more than they do! I am so grateful that there are so many curriculum styles out there for me to choose from. It is hard to have to admit that I have spent money on one, and it doesn’t work, but I have recognized as well that each child is different. Thanks so much for this post.
I will have to check it out! Two of my boys have dyslexia…really makes you understand the importance of a patient and engaging teacher.
It is so necessary!!!
the way we teach everything is wrong if you ask me. reading by the end of kindergarten? what happened to learning how to interact with others socially? sure it’s amazing that a preschooler knows their letters and knows the letter sounds and can count up to 20 but do they know what to do when someone hits them? no. too much value is placed on how much information can be shoved down their throats vs. having social graces.