If we are asking the question “Do we need to change?” then we are not yet changing and adapting to the conditions that made us ask the question. It is a paradigm shift to move beyond the question of need, recognize necessity, and act in a proactive rather than reactive way.
We can keep having the same conversation over and over again… But wouldn't it be effective if we moved on to some other questions like:
Where can I start?
Where can I find others like me that are struggling to change?
Who can I find as a mentor?
What's next? How do we get there?
What other questions will move us forward?
When we finally have some better questions, we can get past questions we've been asking since before the Bronze Age.
David; thanks for this – you summed up exactly where I am at right now. I have just started the Coetail course for the very reason that I see digital as the way to go. I have for several years questioned, dabbled (hung out), critiqued and to a large extent rejected all things digital. As you suggest however, digital is here to stay, so I am going to embrace it. Coetail – or rather the connections I am making in the course – are showing me how. Its mind blowing. So I am lo longer the chipper. I am the one that ties it all together and makes it work. Loved the vid. Thanks
You’d think by now that the conversation would finally be over and it’s always shocking to me that so many are just beginning to talk about this. Even more shocking to me is the fact that many don’t even know the conversation is happening at all. It’s one of the motivating factors that keeps me securely attached to Twitter and my pln – that’s the group of people I need/want to push my thinking. That’s the group of people that have had the conversation and are looking beyond to those new questions that drive us to improve. Sometimes I wonder if that same old conversation is still happening because the only people that can and will move beyond are that lesser percentage that are willing to take the risks and move beyond their comfy, safe practice to something new, unknown and unpredictable. Immediately after wondering about that, I think that that’s what I need to teach in my classroom everyday. But how do I do that in a small town in which I’m in that lesser percentage? How do I explain that to parents that want a traditional education for their children? It’s a tricky balancing act to be pushing beyond the conversation when so many aren’t even aware it exists.
David this is a head spinning post for me on so many levels. First off it makes me want to write a blog post entitled “If I were in charge” because I see many flaws with our education system as it stands now. But despite the flaws I am trying to find ways to make the changes and inspire others to make their own changes too. I will continue to constantly question and change my teaching practice as I see fit from what I am learning as a connected educator. I will be reflective in my learning and my teaching. I will advocate for my young learners, and I will continue to use my voice on my blog to share what I’m doing and why. Who knows, maybe one day I won’t be the odd ball. But in the mean time my classroom runs very differently than those around me and I have no intention of doing what every one else does just because everyone else does it. My students, and their learning needs come first. It’s my job to best meet those needs. Thanks for making my brain spin.
Yes; education must change! I have lost my patience with all establishments and people who disagree. Great essential questions. Education must be revolutionized. . .and quickly. Love the video!
David,
Like many others who have commented here I find it amazing that these conversations have to be had and that those resistors still exist. I have but a handful on my staff who still believe that handing out the worksheet, using the text generated exams, and grading – oh my grading. Grading applies so much to this video; we have been having the conversation of ‘if the student gets grades of 50, 75, then 100 on assessments during your unit, why would you average their grade instead of having the grade reflect mastery of the concept’…
thanks for this video – it is great
This is so true, David! I really like how my administrators are making the shift in these questions this year. Instead of talking about the need to change, we’re looking at where to begin. They’re giving us the time and support to make these changes, and they’re encouraging us to work together as we make these changes. We’re then not just acting alone — we’re acting as part of a team! They’re also sharing what they’re doing to change, and I think this is also so important. I’m glad that we can all change together.
Aviva
http://www.weinspirefutures.com
Thanks for the comments everyone! What I find uplifting is Aviva’s comment. It reminds us all that, yes, there are schools out there where change is at the forefront… change that is well conceived, supported, and led with a shared vision of what is possible.
I love the video, and think it has amazing parallels to many who struggle in what seems to be a lonely battle to move things forward… but it is really refreshing to hear a story from someone who isn’t having ‘the same conversation’!