Brian Cohen
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Pressure from Tradition

9/13/2011

4 Comments

 
I try to make very clear to anyone coming into my classroom that I am a ridiculous teacher. Oftentimes observers will see me singing to various students or shouting out corny jokes across a quiet room. I do this for many reasons, including the fact that teaching really can be a performance career at times. 

That being said, I'm sure there are teachers out there in situations where the pressure and inertia of "what has always been done" is forcing them to resort to more traditional methods in their teaching. The standard "chalk-and-talk" methodology was how I learned in high school and I recognize that it has value, but my true belief is simple: if we want to make sure our children are succeeding in the world (and not just on standardized tests) we need to make sure they are enjoying themselves in schools. No, that does not mean we water down the curriculum. Yes, it does mean we refuse to just "cover" material instead of actually teaching it. And it definitely means we reevaluate what the purpose of homework is.

Tradition is a great thing and I value the experience of those who have been teaching for many years. At the same time, innovation is prevalent and lauded all over modern society. As educators we need to look into ourselves and figure out what that means for us, our interaction with students (who are very dynamic) and their parents (who might demand the traditional), and our curricula. 

For me, it means a big shift this year where I assign homework and let the students decide if they need it or not. I partner that with a standards-based grading system where students can demonstrate their mastery of something whenever they want (within limits). And I'm absolutely ridiculous in class so the students pay attention (and believe, me they do). 

What works for you?
4 Comments
Danielle Morris Sutherland
9/13/2011 11:23:16 am

B-Co, I just wanted to say that I totally agree. I feel like what I do everyday is entertainment with learning. I'm crazy in class, trying to keep them engaged. I use my quirky personality and quirky materials. Rock on

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ka3kcj
9/17/2011 04:56:24 am

I do agree with the statement that school needs to be fun, as does teaching. For the past 3 years I have not had fun teaching, but tried to remain "outside the box." So far I have succeeded, but with all the NCLB stuff, I am afraid that actually enjoying teaching is going to have to wait. We just missed AYP again and the powers-that-be are breathing down necks once again.

I would love to have the luxury of monthly assemblies where each class hosts and/or participates, plays that are read, learned and performed within the classroom, art projects on Friday, music (God, I miss music) and things that don't involve "TAGging an answer, filling in bubbles or using Magic Math words.

I want to have fun too! I am a better teacher when I am having fun teaching.

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Alon
9/19/2011 11:54:20 pm

hey dude, I'd love to hear how the SBG is going! Keep us updated, I think it has a lot of potential.

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Your best friend.
9/23/2011 09:01:25 am

I'm quickly becoming a master of the impromptu physics lab. "Not compelled? Let's test it." If you want to take things on faith alone, you can go to church or chemistry, I say.

Let's talk more about the SBG system you have, I'm intrigued.

Great blog, I've been compelled to be more publicly reflective with my own practice recently. Stop by 6th period soon!

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    I am a math teacher in the New York Department of Education. I infuse technology and real-world problems into my curriculum in order to prepare my students for the future. I would love for people across the country to recognize we teachers can't do it alone. If you don't believe me, come visit my classroom!

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