I could see what the chapter this week was talking about. Most of the time, when I've gotten new jobs, I've felt like what I learned in school had done very little to directly prepare me for it. Of course, the many skills I did learn in school have always served me well in whatever I did, but as far as being specifically prepared, even for my current job of teaching, the school courses I took didn't do that for me. Of course, I chose to take all college-prep classes in school. I was definitely well-prepared for college, which was my goal. Perhaps if students choose to study a trade in high school they get more of that culture.
The reading made the point that school doesn't even manage to teach intellectual skills effectively because they are taught theoretically and without context. To be completely frank, I feel that some of the readings we've had have been a bit condescending, and that the authors were generalizing a bit too much. This article was in that category for me. Again, I could definitely see their point, and I do know teachers at my school that are stuck in the past, but I also know a lot that are doing wonderful things.
So: according to this week's philosophy, learning happens when students are enculturated. Information drilled in without reference to how it is meant to be applied is meaningless and quickly forgotten.
Most students learn more about how to be students and play the game of school than how to actually be scientists, mathematicians, or readers. So teachers need to be examples and real practitioners, not just perpetuators of the customs of traditional school.
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I agree with you when you say students learn how to be students and play the game than actual scientists, etc. But I think that is because we require them to take so many classess to meet graduation requirements. I think this is a positive thing because then students are more well rounded, but it is hard to focus on one area of study in k-12 education. So I agree that, as teachers, we need to set the example! Nice blog this week!
ReplyDeleteWow great post Jennifer! I agree with you – the real world application is often hard to find in classes. I think that is slowing changing. For example, this class – plans that we can take and use. That is helpful. However, I didn’t learn a darn thing in my Undergrad.
ReplyDeleteI love how you used the word enculturated. I have not heard it before this week and I think I quite like what it means. I learn so much better in real situations. I think I was one of those people who learned to play the system in High School. It was sad but true.
Nice job this week – look forward to seeing you next week.
well, yeah, learning theorists can be kind of high on themselves sometimes. What I hate the worst is when they say "look I am right" and then give all their other studies as evidence. But I tried to choose readings that get all of you thinking about learning, about what it is and how to bring it about.
ReplyDeleteAnd please note that I do not agree that all schooling is detached from reality. there is a lot of good stuff that goes on in schools. I benefitted from a lot of great teachers. But maybe this can give you some ideas for future lessons/units, like on what really goes into the job of an editor or something like that.