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How might you use what you learned in this lesson in your school/classroom?
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First of all I think sharing the history of our nation and its educational roots is intriguing and something we should teach to students. I have often asked them questions such as, “Does God want you to know how to read?” Do you think he wants you to get better at understanding what you read?” I also think this lesson helps bring clarity to different approaches we can take in the classroom. Having standards to guide my teaching and students learning is helpful. I think it helps students feel less overwhelmed if they know where they are going and have the steps to get there. We have to be sensitive to the times however that we might need to throw out a certain standard or try a different approach.
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How might you use what you learned in this lesson in your school/classroom?
I was first introduced to the idea of standards based education about 12 years ago. It made a lot of sense to me because the Bell Curve compares students to each other where Standard Based learning, asks students to reach a level. So in theory, everyone can make an A. This has influenced my grading. I used to compare the students and give the best papers A. Grades would be influenced by neatness, students’ attitude, turning the paper in on time, etc. Now, our school has a separate grade for habit of work. If a students shows they have mastered the standard, their grades reflect that. It really helps student see what they need to work on. They can continue to work toward mastery throughout the unit. And grades are not averaged. If they learn it in the end,they have mastered it. -
I feel that it is important for each lesson to (a) tell students the objectives, (b) complete the lesson activities, and (c) repeat the objectives that were covered. Each year, try to improve. Each year, try to make the lessons more cohesive and more Biblically integrated.
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Hearing the difference in traditional and process/mastery orientation made me think of the different ways I try to teach in my classroom. I have a curriculum guide that “guides” my lesson plans that I use and try to cover each year. Although if there is a teaching moment that has nothing to do with the curriculum and I feel God wants the course to go there, we do.
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Understanding the different models of education helps me to sift through the approach I am currently taking and to have a balance of a healthy approach of teaching with an eternal perspective along with the standard requirements.
