Whatisschool August 14, 2014

Thank You!

Once again I am blown away by the amazing conversation at #whatisschool tonight. The amount of people who joined us was staggering as we trended in the #4 slot globally for more than half the chat. It is a testament to you!  Please spread the word to other amazing, passionate educators who want to make a difference in the lives of their students, districts and to better themselves through this amazing PLN. As I go through the archives to devise next week's questions, I will be thinking deeply and reflecting on the issues you are most concerned with, and the big picture that has brought as all this far in re-imaging #whatisschool.  Archives are posted below. 

Student engagement vs. work readiness, how to teach both

#WhatIsSchool August 14, 2014 7PM EDT

(Friday 9am AEST, 11am NZT, 7am Singapore)

For the past few weeks we have been talking about global classrooms and the conversation has brought about innovative ideas for using methodology and technology to create an experiential learning space for students. It’s been very exciting! However, the execution can be more daunting as many educational institutions prescribe to test based measurement systems.  In an excerpt from her 2010 Coxsackie-Athens HS valedictory speech, Erica Goldson said the following:

“…While others sat in class and doodled to later become great artists, I sat in class to take notes and become a great test-taker. While others would come to class without their homework done because they were reading about an interest of theirs, I never missed an assignment. While others were creating music and writing lyrics, I decided to do extra credit, even though I never needed it. So, I wonder, why did I even want this position? Sure, I earned it, but what will come of it? When I leave educational institutionalism, will I be successful or forever lost.  I have no clue about what I want to do with my life; I have no interests because I saw every subject of study as work, and I excelled at every subject just for the purpose of excelling, not learning. And quite frankly, now I’m scared…”

The video of her speech went viral. Four years later you could argue that little has changed. This week we explore ways that educators can make room in their curriculum for education that will prepare students for the future and the testing they are required to take.

Questions for this week's chat #whatisschool Thursday, 

August14, 2014 7PM EDT are posted below.

Q1) What are the benefits of technology in your school, do they outweigh the cost in time and money?

Q2) What are the benefits of testing in your school, do they outweigh the cost in time and money?

Q3) If you could only have one, technology or common curriculum, which do you think would better serve your student population? Why?

Q4) Has technology and modern teaching methods you’ve employed increased student engagement in your class?

Q5) Which is more important for students, to be engaged in their careers or to be work ready for their careers?

Q6) If you could do one thing that would super-charge your student’s education for the better what would it be?

Co-moderated by children's book author and education thought leader Laura Hill @candylandcaper and international educator Craig Kemp @Mrkempnz  Please contact either of us with your questions and ideas, we'd love to hear from you!

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