Leadership Theories, Diversity and Ethical PerspectivesWhen it comes to education, one size does not fit all! I often get asked what tool, strategy or technology I recommend, and the short answer is: it depends. I have not yet found this secret, magic formula and the truth is, it does not exist. We are all different and what works for one might not work for another. As Couros puts it, “Personalize, not standardize.” (2015) Many tend to want to treat everybody the same way, thinking, perhaps, that conformity leads to better results. Jandric describes this as “Schools taught conformity, squelched real learning, overlooked individual differences among children youth, and were holding tanks for eventual dropouts.” (2017). My experience has taught me that we all have different needs, that there are many ways to achieve success, and for some, it simply takes more time. Couros describes this sentiment in his blog by stating “I promise you that I will not take away your pen and paper to learn, if you let me use my computer to do the same. Deal?” (2015) Personally, I like to use a variety of tools, strategies and technologies depending on what I want to accomplish. If I had to limit myself to just one tool, it would be like building an entire house with just a hammer, nearly impossible. So why would we limit our students to using only one device? Are we limiting our students to the ones we are familiar with? When we give students the power to choose, we differentiate and personalize learning which, in turn, empowers students. As Fullan says, “Learning is all about purposeful engagement.” (2013, p. 17) Sometimes, we fail to see that school can be simultaneously fun, as well as educational. They are not mutually exclusive. In his article Classroom without walls, McLuhan explains that “It’s like setting up a distinction between didactic & lyric poetry on the ground that one teaches, the other pleases. However, it’s always been true that whatever pleases teaches more effectively.” (1957) Fullan tells us that “Intrinsic motivation is fuelled by play (experimenting), purpose (wanting to make a difference), and passion (devoting yourself to something you find deeply meaningful).” (2013, p. 23) That is why I believe that we should make education more fun and relevant. School is serious business, but how can we make it fun and relevant for all? First, we need to help students find and develop their passion “what Robinson calls “the element”. We have always known that purpose and passion are at the core of star business entrepreneurs and athletes.” (Fullan, 2013, p. 32) Second, and most importantly, we must build relationships with our students. Research shows that by taking only two minutes to talk with even the most difficult students for ten consecutive days, we will have a significant impact on student learning. (Fullan, 2013, p. 20) In summary, instead of making students fit into our system let's try to make our system fit our students. References:
Couros, G. (2015). Personalize, not standardize. [Website]. Retrieved from http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/5346 Fullan, M. (2013). Stratosphere: Integrating technology, pedagogy, and change knowledge – Chapter 3 – Pedagogy and change: Essence as Easy. Don Mills, ON: Pearson. Jandrić, P. (2017). The dubious promise of educational technologies: Historical patterns and future challenges. In Learning in the Age of Digital Reason. (pp. 3-16). Rotterdam, NY: Sense Publishers. McLuhan, M. (1957). Classroom without walls. In Carpenter E, McLuhan M (Eds) Explorations in Communication. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1–3.
0 Comments
|