Happy New School Year!

Hey,everyone...have a wonderful school year.   I officially do not start until next week, but I have been in my classroom several times already.  I'm slowly getting there.  I will be working with all new members in my third grade team...Hopefully all will fall neatly into place, but I feel very responsible since I am the only returning third grade teacher.  It puts me in a leadership role, so ... lots of pressure from every angle... Yikes!   I may be asking you for suggestions and ideas, so... stay tuned! : )

Teaching Redefined...

  The  article Rigor Redefined  focuses on the type of learning that students need to be successful in today's world... things like collaboration, using your imagination, analyzing, writing, problem-solving, etc. Technology along with good teachers can foster these skills in their students.  The article contends that good teachers do not spoon-feed answers rather they allow students to work together to solve problems and communicate solutions to the class.  The author notices "schools that are succeeding at making adequate yearly progress but failing our students. "   It is true, though.. many jobs/professions today are definitely team-oriented and require good thinking and communication skills. I guess teachers need to start asking the right question, not "How well am I teaching?.... rather "How well are the students learning?" 

Balanced Approach....

I just read The Internet Breaks School Walls Down  (see the link below... should get you there this time! )and  really don't know what to think about the current status on education.  This article contends that the  Web has transformed  from a  receive information tool into a receive and publish to the world tool.  However, the problem is schools are not allowing students to use tools that they are naturally using to become editors and publishers to a vast audience.  While I agree that technology must become a bigger part of our educational system in new and innovative ways, I don't think that we should throw everything "traditional" down the drain either. Kids also need face to face social experiences and practice as well. People as well as innovative technology help to mold lifelong learners. A school that is balanced in both of these areas would be the most successful.

http://www.edutopia.org/new-face-learning