The Story
During graduate school, I have had several opportunities to take classes I absolutely loved. The ironic thing is, they were generally not required courses, but ones I elected to take on the side because they sounded fun. Taking these fun courses during difficult semesters made even my trying classes more bearable somehow.
The Idea
I believe education should be a mechanism to learn not just what others want us to learn, but what we want to learn. I believe a love affair with learning is fostered when we learn about things we love. Thus, I believe educational systems should incorporate time for every learner to follow their deep interests and passions.
The Problem
I believe that too many students leave school thinking they don't like to learn. The reality is, many of us don't like to learn what others would like us to learn but we love and crave learning about our deep interests.
The Solution
Apply the 80/20 rule in school. During elementary school, learners could spend 80% of their time on core subjects building a firm foundation for the future. As they progress through the school years, this percentage should gradually flip so that by high school, students are spending 80% of their time studying what they love. What if students left high school fully prepared to enter the career of their dreams?
The Reason
Because learning about what I love is a gift and opportunity I've been given, I'd love to extend it to every learner everywhere.
During graduate school, I have had several opportunities to take classes I absolutely loved. The ironic thing is, they were generally not required courses, but ones I elected to take on the side because they sounded fun. Taking these fun courses during difficult semesters made even my trying classes more bearable somehow.
The Idea
I believe education should be a mechanism to learn not just what others want us to learn, but what we want to learn. I believe a love affair with learning is fostered when we learn about things we love. Thus, I believe educational systems should incorporate time for every learner to follow their deep interests and passions.
The Problem
I believe that too many students leave school thinking they don't like to learn. The reality is, many of us don't like to learn what others would like us to learn but we love and crave learning about our deep interests.
The Solution
Apply the 80/20 rule in school. During elementary school, learners could spend 80% of their time on core subjects building a firm foundation for the future. As they progress through the school years, this percentage should gradually flip so that by high school, students are spending 80% of their time studying what they love. What if students left high school fully prepared to enter the career of their dreams?
The Reason
Because learning about what I love is a gift and opportunity I've been given, I'd love to extend it to every learner everywhere.
I love this idea, especially in math there are so many places to grow in every direction. The problem arises when qualified individuals aren't readily available inside the school system. How do you keep students focused to a goal? How does a school district assess they are growing?
ReplyDeleteI know there are multiple platforms out their now such as Google+, Twitter, and hundreds of other sites that pull together qualified individuals in a particular area. Do you propose a independent study for all students?
Just a few questions... I would like to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for your comment! One of the big pieces of this vision is community involvement, both geographically and via the Internet. As students have interest and gain expertise in a certain area, community members can begin serving as teachers and mentors. Thus, students are no longer limited to the expertise found within their school or district.
ReplyDeleteAnother key is assessing learning according to goals in addition to standards. Standards should guide students in obtaining a knowledge base while goals should help them focus and target areas in which they want to gain expertise. The older they get, the more this focus can target what they would like to do professionally.
I am proposing an independent study for all students, but one that capitalizes on the benefits of individual work, group work, and projects.
Pam, what is the difference between "electives" and what you're suggeting? I think you understand the difference, but I don't yet.
ReplyDeleteFor one, electives don't begin until middle or high school. They are also devised by the school system and not by the students. I believe the sooner children are allowed to follow their deep interests and passions, the more likely they are to fall head-over-heels in love with learning. As they age, this learning can become ever more targeted so they're gaining skills that are important to them. These skills will also benefit others as they enter their chosen professions.
ReplyDelete