The readings we have interacted with thus far, along with the presentations by Mrs. Sheffield and Mrs. Caruthers have shed light on the different approaches to learning inside of a community. Every child learns differently, but the state and district have to find a way to synthesize and establish a legitimate and cohesive structure that will work for children in the community. The presentation by Mrs. Sheffield showed me how hard it is to accomplish this task. Looking back on my learning experience growing up, I wouldn’t have thought about the purpose of my learning, or the skills that the state wanted me to establish. Instead, I was more focused on getting good grades to get into college, or learning something that was meaningful and made a difference in the real world. If I were to be honest, however, I do not like the scientific approach that the state takes to educating its citizens. I have a strong belief that every child learns differently, and have their own goals to their education. Sheffield mentioned in her presentation that the goal of public education in the state of Virginia was to establish five skills in these children; creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and citizenship. However, I do not think that the state has failed a child, if they do not develop all of these “skills,” nor do I think a child is uneducated or not competent to continue their education if they are lacking in any of the “five C’s.” However, I do realize that the state needs to categorize and have goals for the education of children, but I believe it needs to be less scientific in nature.
For Mrs. Caruthers presentation, it was incredibly eye-opening and illustrated the different characteristics of communities. It was surprising to see how VMI or Lexington doesn’t recycle, despite the times we are in and the terrible effects of global warming that have been seen in the last decade. I am looking forward to getting to Maury River Middle School and interacting with the students, and sharing this sentiment with them in order to get their opinion. I believe it will be helpful to see how eighth graders view their community and the health of their community as a whole.
Blog #2 HR:
Class notes and presentations
Ben, You bring up important, age-old debates about the purpose of K-12 public education as a way to prepare students to actively participate and contribute to their culture, community, state, nation. I’m glad you found that our visiting experts inspired more thought. Can you say more about why you think students lacking these 5 qualities will still be successful in their lives, or in our current democracy? What evidence from your readings might you use to forward the argument that an ability to communicate with a wide-range of audiences won’t matter?
MAJ Hodde
This was very interesting. Even in college now, I focus more on getting good grades and completing assignments more then what is going on in the community and world around me. I feel it is important for students to be involved in their communities. I am excited to hear about your first experience with your class!