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| Chris Lehmann |
I really enjoyed reading this Shifting Ground essay by
Chris Lehmann. I printed it out to take with me to school tomorrow and will share with my staff! The
first paragraph had me hooked and laughing because of the authenticity of the statement. It is very true, even at the middle school level. The kids head out to traffic circle with their phones in hand or
nooks open or the
i pods in their ears. They cant wait to leave the pen and paper world and digitize the rest of their day. I completely agree with the idea of teaching for the new world of digital content, but how do you do that with the lack of technology and support in the school system. I work in a
public charter school and monies are tight. While I believe most of the staff would agree, or at least be open to the possibility of a technical education, I believe resistance from our board would hold up any enthusiasm. I really believe that the age of the board members would be a major cause in the decision. It is a different world from when I was in school, let alone when the board members went to school! I think the age only makes the battle tougher.
I also was intrigued by the ideas of
engagement vs
empowerment. I never really thought of it that way. While engagement is important, the expectations should be higher than just engaged. The empowerment part transcends the classroom and leaks into "Real Life," after the dismissal bell rings.
Can there be a cross over, or a blend between the two extremes? Absolutely. Will it happen over night? Never. It takes time. If we can introduce it in small amounts, not only to our students, but to our administration and board of directors, it may be a better transition. This process will be easier if we approach it with small steps instead of giant leaps, which could create anxiety on all ends. Learning is a life long process, but society is changing, and so should our academic environments.
I love Chris Lehmann! He was just at our local technology conference here in Manchester, NH in December. I was so happy to finally meet him. I follow his blog and really relate to his vision. I think it is great he is able to implement all of his visionary ideas in his amazing school and I wish more public schools would embrace his way of thinking. I know it takes time, but I am very impatient!
ReplyDeleteI think that a significant part of the conflict is the massive generational shift that is moving through our society.
ReplyDeleteThe new generation is entering a world that is vastly different then the world the generation making policy could possibly imagine. We see this disconnect each and every day at the moment you highlight in your post.
School was originally designed to be the place students come to build connections to the world and community through gaining the set of skills commonly accepted as being necessary for active participation in the society. Today however the first thing we do is to tell kids to sever their connections to the world and community when they come to school. It becomes a place set apart from the community and society.
I'm not sure where we will find balance but I believe that our students in many ways take what we teach them and apply them to what matters to them and what matters to society.