Entry #520536, added on 07-11-07 @ 12:01 pm EDT
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| A New Windmill | Entry #520536 |
Education?
The endless debate is yet another procrastination pointing to the bottom line problem with our education system. I cannot say if this problem stems from the administrative, or the teaching level, however, I can definitely say the problem is lack of effort, and common sense.
Why do we have such a high drop out number? Simple, the students do not want to be there. Whoa, can it be just that simple? I am afraid so, and will go out on a limb, and claim the rhetoric is but another system excuse to suck more money from the essential problem of teaching. If our education system instilled in our students the same inclination to do studies, as this system puts out, the problem would be solved.
How about trying the following basic approach?
1. Every child is photographed at the point of its registration, and these photos placed in the hands of their teachers two weeks in advance of the commencement of class.
2. The teacher is then required to know the image, and name of each student when they first come to class.
3. During the first week of class, each student is to be taken aside, and told, personally, why that teacher is happy the student is in their class.
4. This positive reinforcement is to continue throughout the year on a regular, on going, basis. There is always something good, that can be said about everyone, and this type of positive feedback will produce positive comportment.
5. Some of this feedback must be expressed in front of the entire class in-order to create a bonded unit, with everybody being valued. The class should be encouraged to, freely, communicate, and the top students used to tutor those less gifted. If this is done from the lowest level to the top, bullying, hatred, and divisiveness will be eliminated.
This type of approach will instill a sense of being wanted, and furthermore, in many cases be the only form of positive approval some of these children receive. If school provides this for these children, they will automatically want to be in this type of atmosphere. Positive input, gives positive result. Imagine what this will do for many of the lost children currently thrown away by our present system.
6. It is vital this system be applied to each level of advancement. When these children move to the next level, the next teachers follow the same format, greeting each individual, and telling them how much they have been looking forward to having that student, in their class.
Teachers who are unable to handle this approach must be weeded out, and informed they are better suited to a different profession. Teaching is an art, and for my children, I prefer artists to assume the role.
Our goal in this matter is to make school such a positive factor; no child will want to leave this environment. Learning must be exciting, and fun. After all, we are dealing with children, and must pander to childish delights.
Soon to follow: Curriculm for success.
Math: This dreaded appelation needs to be restructured to fulfill the needs of a students ability to function in society. When this is done we will produce graduates fully capable of entering the world, and surviving. Also, it provides a platform for those who excel, in this field, to be clearly identified, and given the encouragement needed to continue, and advance to their highest level.
Methodology:
Every piece of paper, pencil, color crayon, book should be a number. In other words instead of adding, and subtracting apples, and oranges (abstract concepts) these children learn these basic numbers when applying them to the things they handle on a daily basis. This process should begin at the earliest possible point in education. This makes math an invisible game, and its progression can be made a natural advance.
By the time preschoolers, and kindergarten children reach the first grade, they will allready have a grasp of basic mathematics. This will happen without it ever being made a classroom subject. A natural occurrence of their daily routines. For those without the advantage of these preclasses, they should be treated in exactly the same manner, and the other students must get involved with showing this information to the late students. This will form bonds of friendship, respect, and responsibility, making the class a cohesive unit, with all involved in the success of the whole. Again a fun, and sharing game with positive results. If done kindly, and without judgement the new students will pick this information up very rapidily because of their advanced age.
This point of education must be done slowly, and with concern that all have their foundations true. There should be no rush, because rushing at this point will automatically begin to leave some behind. This will occur naturally at a later date, however, the goal should be to lead all to their highest level of achievement, and they must be praised for their achievements.. This will not happen if the process is rushed, and some realize they are not included at this early date. They will simply quit, and never reach their true potential.
Everybody must be honored for what, and who they are. Society is far better off if all are raised to their highest level of achievement. Instead of a rush to exellence for some, a steady progression to excellence for all. We do not need to be concerned with the gifted, because to the swiftest will always go the race. As professional atheletes are given higher intake of calories, so should the gifted be given higher levels of goal, and if done without judgement, it can be done so all class members are allowed to be included (as a class) in those students achievements. Conversely, the gifted student should be praised for their contribution to the success of their class, as well as themselves. Social responsibility, a good thing to learn.
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© Copyright 2007 K. I. Smet (UN: k-i-smet at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
K. I. Smet has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
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