Session 2 forum 1 summary

Session 2 SummaryObservations, Questions and Themes from Forum 1

(discussing our past educational experiences)

Sunday, September 26, 2010

PositivesEmphasis on critical thinking

Focus on “big ideas” rather than memorizing details without understanding

Learning what one’s strengths are and how to apply them

Overcoming a frustrating situation can lead a student to value the outcome and enjoy future challenges in that area - a sense of mastery


Positives (continued)Different modes of assessment - multiple choice tests, exams, papers, oral presentations, portfolios, exhibitions

Creative projects that extend learning

Incorporation of student choice into what was learned and how learning was demonstrated

Using the arts and other “multiple intelligences” to enhance academic classes (i.e. drama productions in English) rather than as separate domains


Positives (continued)Extra time to fully process directions and content - benefits for test taking as well as longer term projects

Allowing students to develop internal motivation

Tutoring & individualized attention

Supplementing classroom experiences with outside world experiences (i.e. lessons, trips to museums, etc)

Hands-on experiencesSunday, September 26, 2010

NegativesAbility tracking - students knowing who was in the “top group” - promoting competitiveness and feelings of inadequacy

Emphasizing short term performance/memorization over long-term understanding

“One size fits all” philosophy - planning & teaching towards learners who needed little guidance or modification, even withholding help from students who needed repetition or reteaching


Negatives (continued)Labeling students as “stupid”, “lazy”, “unmotivated” or “problem students”

Valuing test-taking ability over other demonstrations of achievement or understanding

Memorizing information valued over long-term memory or being “intellectual” - learning vs. performing

Not clearly articulating goals of activities, including hands-on experiences - students disengage if point isn’t clear


Negatives (continued)Cultural disconnection - traditional values, language and culture “vs.” mainstream educational values and culture

Decline in flexibility and incorporation of “multiple intelligences” as students get older

Family’s beliefs about education and achievement influencing level of external support for learning & how students feel about themselves

Emotional toll: fear, anxiety, shyness, learned helplessness, lack of confidence


Session 2 forum 1 summary

Education

Transcript of Session 2 forum 1 summary