I was asked to watch the above TEDx by Michael Wesch, and decide weather I agree or disagree with him, and how I might be able to use some of his ideas in schools and in the classroom.
As an educator I was almost overwhelmed by this talk as there are so many amazing talking pieces, and areas of interest. Being that there were so many highlighted areas I am going to focus on a few talking points and what I perceived as the main point.
The focal point that jumped out at me was that it is no longer a one way conversation, and everyone has a voice. I think this is an important point to somehow get across to all students. The traditional method of a "master" instructor at the front of the class needs to be reevaluated and discarded. I am not proposing that there is no instructor, just that all instructors view themselves as a facilitator of learning, and not the class focus or master. I like that Wesch talks about Knowledgable vs. Knowledge-able. Many students are knowledgeable and can reproduce the "correct" answer. Students are even conditioned from an early age in this manner, in that when they are asked to think analytically they often look for the "correct" answer or at least the answer they assume the teacher is looking for.
In working with students with special needs I find this to be true quite often. Students are afraid to fail or not produce the correct answer. I am reminded of a quote by Bram Stoker: "We learn from failure, not from success." I do recognize that it is a challenge to view failure as a learning opportunity, however I believe a strategy needs to be implemented at an earlier age.
Michael also identifies the classroom as a problem. He asks if the walls could talk what would they say. He goes on that students learn what they do, and currently are learning to sit in a class while info is presented at the front of the room by an authority figure, and that they should follow along. They should bow and follow.
I would agree with Michael, as a student I was taught to show up for class and value the information being present to me. I was not taught to value my own opinion on topics or ideas or to even challenge other ideas and learn from my own mistakes.
I am extremely grateful for my time in the United States Marine Corps, and my deployment to Iraq. This was a time and place where I was challenged to collaborate with peers in very real-world situation and problem solve.
As an educator I look forward to presenting students with real world problems, to analyze and solve and challenge with one another, while using the relevant tools.
In conclusion everyone does have a voice, but how do we hear or even listen to one another without already being clouded by our own thoughts and ideas. How do we teach students to use their voice, and more importantly that it is valued. How do we remove ego from the classroom and academic environment, and view these as genuine learning opportunities.
If you are still unable to agree or even understand that today everyone has a voice, I would ask you to reflect on the current ALS ice-bucket challenge. Even if you have not participated in this you are well aware that it is becoming a global campaign to bring awareness and raise funds in support of ALS.
If one individual can create a global campaign, what can your voice do.....
SIDE NOTE: while listening to Michael's talk I became interested in the virtual choir that he referenced. If you are interested in this as well please see the TEDx below :)
As an educator I was almost overwhelmed by this talk as there are so many amazing talking pieces, and areas of interest. Being that there were so many highlighted areas I am going to focus on a few talking points and what I perceived as the main point.
The focal point that jumped out at me was that it is no longer a one way conversation, and everyone has a voice. I think this is an important point to somehow get across to all students. The traditional method of a "master" instructor at the front of the class needs to be reevaluated and discarded. I am not proposing that there is no instructor, just that all instructors view themselves as a facilitator of learning, and not the class focus or master. I like that Wesch talks about Knowledgable vs. Knowledge-able. Many students are knowledgeable and can reproduce the "correct" answer. Students are even conditioned from an early age in this manner, in that when they are asked to think analytically they often look for the "correct" answer or at least the answer they assume the teacher is looking for.
In working with students with special needs I find this to be true quite often. Students are afraid to fail or not produce the correct answer. I am reminded of a quote by Bram Stoker: "We learn from failure, not from success." I do recognize that it is a challenge to view failure as a learning opportunity, however I believe a strategy needs to be implemented at an earlier age.
Michael also identifies the classroom as a problem. He asks if the walls could talk what would they say. He goes on that students learn what they do, and currently are learning to sit in a class while info is presented at the front of the room by an authority figure, and that they should follow along. They should bow and follow.
I would agree with Michael, as a student I was taught to show up for class and value the information being present to me. I was not taught to value my own opinion on topics or ideas or to even challenge other ideas and learn from my own mistakes.
I am extremely grateful for my time in the United States Marine Corps, and my deployment to Iraq. This was a time and place where I was challenged to collaborate with peers in very real-world situation and problem solve.
As an educator I look forward to presenting students with real world problems, to analyze and solve and challenge with one another, while using the relevant tools.
In conclusion everyone does have a voice, but how do we hear or even listen to one another without already being clouded by our own thoughts and ideas. How do we teach students to use their voice, and more importantly that it is valued. How do we remove ego from the classroom and academic environment, and view these as genuine learning opportunities.
If you are still unable to agree or even understand that today everyone has a voice, I would ask you to reflect on the current ALS ice-bucket challenge. Even if you have not participated in this you are well aware that it is becoming a global campaign to bring awareness and raise funds in support of ALS.
If one individual can create a global campaign, what can your voice do.....
SIDE NOTE: while listening to Michael's talk I became interested in the virtual choir that he referenced. If you are interested in this as well please see the TEDx below :)