Submitted by Chris O'Neal (not verified) on May 17, 2007 - 07:21.
Great thoughts, Diane. I, too, often think about what we all really mean by reform, reinventing, etc. It reminds me of when I look into my garage - it's truly a mess overall. There are lots of good things in there, I don't want to just obliterate it and start over, but in order to really clean it up, I've got to really dig in there, get my hands dirty, admit to myself that some things need to just be thrown out to the curb, etc. It's a daunting task - my garage is a beastly combination of great tools, tried-and-true hardware, but also lots of junk that I have just kept over the years for no real reason besides the fact that it's always been in there. But, if I'm being totally honest with myself, it no longer serves its real purpose anymore either - it's cluttered, it's innefficient, it's dusty, it needs some serious help. I sometimes think some of our schools and school systems are the same - still lots of good stuff in there, but wow - we haven't cleaned the thing out in... ever?
I've read some really good books the last few years that, by the author's intent, weren't really meant as educational K-12/Higher Ed type books, but they have given lots to think about. The World is Flat, Everything Bad is Good For You, Good to Great, etc. They have made me realize that we are far too protective of our school buildings - we're making baby steps to reform, and we've got rogue initiatives that speak to redesigning schools, but I'm looking at my own daughter who is now finishing up elementary school. When she started just five years ago in kindergarten things were drastically different than they are now - technology, life, sociopolitical issues, medicalt treatments, etc. But, her schooling, as good as it is, has remained pretty much exactly the same as it was years back. I often wonder how much of that sameness really is a good thing?
I feel like we're on the cusp of some "real" reinvention talk, thoughts, etc. I love what I'm reading here at Edutopia, and the highlights from the New Day for Learning report. Now I'm ready for the action. I'd like to build a new learning environment. :) Who's with me? Meet me in my garage and we'll start from there!
Breaking the Mold
Submitted by Chris O'Neal (not verified) on May 17, 2007 - 07:21.
Great thoughts, Diane. I, too, often think about what we all really mean by reform, reinventing, etc. It reminds me of when I look into my garage - it's truly a mess overall. There are lots of good things in there, I don't want to just obliterate it and start over, but in order to really clean it up, I've got to really dig in there, get my hands dirty, admit to myself that some things need to just be thrown out to the curb, etc. It's a daunting task - my garage is a beastly combination of great tools, tried-and-true hardware, but also lots of junk that I have just kept over the years for no real reason besides the fact that it's always been in there. But, if I'm being totally honest with myself, it no longer serves its real purpose anymore either - it's cluttered, it's innefficient, it's dusty, it needs some serious help. I sometimes think some of our schools and school systems are the same - still lots of good stuff in there, but wow - we haven't cleaned the thing out in... ever?
I've read some really good books the last few years that, by the author's intent, weren't really meant as educational K-12/Higher Ed type books, but they have given lots to think about. The World is Flat, Everything Bad is Good For You, Good to Great, etc. They have made me realize that we are far too protective of our school buildings - we're making baby steps to reform, and we've got rogue initiatives that speak to redesigning schools, but I'm looking at my own daughter who is now finishing up elementary school. When she started just five years ago in kindergarten things were drastically different than they are now - technology, life, sociopolitical issues, medicalt treatments, etc. But, her schooling, as good as it is, has remained pretty much exactly the same as it was years back. I often wonder how much of that sameness really is a good thing?
I feel like we're on the cusp of some "real" reinvention talk, thoughts, etc. I love what I'm reading here at Edutopia, and the highlights from the New Day for Learning report. Now I'm ready for the action. I'd like to build a new learning environment. :) Who's with me? Meet me in my garage and we'll start from there!
~Chris