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How does your understanding of the roots of the educational system in the US influence your view of education?
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I think it is important to know and reflect on the history of our educational system. It is inspiring to me that the Pilgrims wanted to make learning how to read of utmost importance so all of their children could read the Bible. I think it is important in our classrooms to keep that in mind and to remind students of all that the Pilgrims brought to our country. What a privilege it is to know how to read. The educational system began with an emphasis on the Bible and we should continue making that our emphasis in our Christian school classrooms. As technology, knowledge, and understanding increase in our country, I do think it is very important to learn and adapt and to utilize all that we can to help enrich our education but to never forget what the Pilgrims had right.
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I think knowing the history of what we do and why changes came about is important because it gives us a sense of the fluidity of education. I think of the Mississippi River and the way it meanders and cuts new paths. Education in the US has cut new paths, but knowing there it started and why, help me understand how subtle changes over time can take you in a totally different direction.
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Students come to our Christian school from all over. Some are coming from a school where there is no homework. Some are coming from a school where they use standard-based grading. I understand the pros and cons of behaviorism and constructivism and try to make the best of the system we are working with.
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The one thing that the lecturer said that stuck out to me was the pilgrims were mommies and daddies who wanted their children to read so they could learn God’s Word. All the explanation of traditional versus process/mastery orientation and those being specific or structured was so confusing to listen to. I understand the way of education has changed over time as America has changed, but would it be nice if it was as simple as teaching children to read (or do art) so they could learn God’s Word.
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Understanding the roots of the educational system inspires me in my view of education. It is truly an example of how the beginning of education is rooted in scripture and motivates me to be intentional about that in my teaching.