Today my students read the article, "Rigor Redefined" by Tony Wager. Wagner breaks down seven survival skills that will help anyone survive in the "world of work." Afterward Wagner analyzes how high school courses are preparing students for the world of work. Sadly, most of the classes he mentions are not doing anything even remotely close to preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century working environment.
Although only a handful of classes (when compared to the thousands of classes in the nation) were observed for the article, Wagner makes a correct assertion about the state of education, especially in Florida. Educators are not doing all that they can to prepare students for this "brave new world." Of course, there are many reasons why this occurs - standardized testing as measurement for funding, salaries tied to student achievement on one test, lack of parental support - but the fact of the matter is that educators can do more for their students.
I would never consider myself a great teacher (I can always improve) but I do know that I work hard to provide my students with the tools that I witness are becoming a part of the emerging world. In my quest to become a better teacher, I ask, what more can I do for you, my students? What would you like to learn? How would you like to learn it?
17 comments:
Tony Wagner's article really did shock me but at the same time I kind of knew about it, but didn't want to believe it. For me, I believe that I need help in comprehension in reading, which I know I struggle in. I, also, want to learn more on how to write essays because it will help me for the standardized tests that I have to take. But also, I'm a little worried about taking the ACT and SAT because I don't know the exact way to take the test. Then to learn these things it makes it easier if it's visual learning because I'm a math type of person and not a reader.
When I read the article, I was amazed at how much the teacher really didn't care. The teacher of the AP Government class asked a question and didn't hear the response. Instead of telling the student to speak louder he continued. This type of teaching is not going to help us students prepare for the future. I believe that when you teach we are always forced to analyze a situation. When I read in the article about the class which was shown as a well example, it reminded me of our class. As much as it is hard to use our brains early in the morning you manage to get something out and make us use our critical thinking skills. I don't think you need to change the way you teach at all.
I loved the article that we read today in class. I always thought that companies were expecting more than a memorized formula and a couple of transition words, but I never imagined that they expected this amount of skills.
I believe that some teachers CAN do more, even if they don't get paid what they are supposed to (I don't understand how teachers, that create the future, don't get paid what they are supposed to).
Hopefully once in college my opinions will change, and the academic level will be different, preparing us more and teaching us the "seven skills"
I never had a teacher that made me analyze stories, images, etc. the way you do. Since I started taking this class, I opened my mind to new things. Before, even my boyfriend told me to step out of the box, but I never did. I am not saying this to be a suck up, but I have to say that you have amazing teaching skills and I love knowing that what I learn in this class will be present during any of my jobs interviews.
I want to learn how to study, I remember once you said that a textbook should be studied different then from a book, I want to learn how your suppose to study from a book.
I have already learn so much from you that I never learned with other teachers, you have taught me how to think beyond what I know and I love you for that, you made me love reading and exploring, and learning and I thank you for that.
What am trying to say is thank you for everything you done for us, for making us thinking, and for always challenging us, I know you say you don’t think your a great teacher but I feel your the best I have ever known.
As a student of your class I believe that you are one of the best teachers I have every had. So far my vocabulary and grammer skills have improved. I also feel more confident to take the ACT and SAT. Honestly, I really don't think your should do anything different. I would like to learn how to be more involved in the discussion. Like when we get into the cicrle. I want to say something, but everyone always takes my thought.
I feel as if the article that we had read this morning, gave me a sense of self-realization. I am truthfully not the best academic student, but when it comes to thinking on my feet, or working cooraboratly, I tend to accel. I believe, and truthfully meaning, your teaching style is simply amazing. I have never had a teacher engage me in this way, and I am excited to come to class to learn in new ways. (This is not to suck-up) I've always learned in a different way, hence me being in gifted. Its not so much the norm term of, "gifted" it simply means that I learn a different way. Your style of teacher and the way you incorporate your information into the lessons, really lets me use my head. I don't believe that much of your style should change, because you have already impacted on the way I percieve life. This class is just an outstanding way to experience the world in a whole new light.
I truly admire you as a great educator, because you are probably the first teacher that I have had that teaches from experience, per say. I really enjoy learning from your point of view because you base all of your teaching on subjects that will help us in real life situations. I can tell that you love to open our minds and let us see the world in different views, and it is obvious that teaching is your passion. It is hard to come along a teacher like that, and I’m glad I did this year for English.
First and foremost, I think you're a great teacher Mrs. Stoklosa. But back to the matter at hand, I believe you’re doing enough for my fellow students and me by giving us "the tools that are becoming a part of the emerging world." Take this blogging assignment; for instance, it has opened my eyes to all the people out there in the world and the stories they have to tell. I have acquired more information in these first two weeks from the RSS Feeds than I would've received, in bits and pieces, if I continued my regular internet surfing style. However, there is always more to learn and I am always welcome to new knowledge. I would like to learn how to ask smart questions and then be able to discuss the answer in the same educated manner. I would like to learn how to convey my thoughts in this way by participating in an exercise where a classmate and I have an exchange of questions and measure each other's capacity to answer them effectively. I think I'll become so much more eloquent if I practice this.
I was tempted to comment on your "Who are You" post, just because No Rain is a ridiculously good song, but when I saw a definite lack of comments here, I reconsidered.
I think the article was great, and I, like just about everyone else, agree with what Tony Wagner was saying. We need to "stick it to the man." Schools really aren't giving us what we need, the sustenance we crave.
As for your teaching ability, I would say you're one of the best teachers I have had in a long time. You get us involved. You don't really give us any busy work, and you use unique techniques that most teachers would stay away from. I don't think that there's anything else that really needs to be thrown in, except for maybe more work, but that would probably be cause for protest.
So... how about some extra credit? :)
I believe you are one of the few teachers who has actually made me think critically other than in a math class. I know there are things that you have to go over because it is part of the curriculum, such as The Great Gatsby, and are really not that great; therefore, it's hard to get other, more interesting things in. Some things you teach us right now (vocabulary words and sample SAT/ACT tests) are more for those tests, just like what Tony Wagner said in the article. But then there are things like the blog that make us explore more of the world, obtain news and put them to use. Things like coming up with a thesis statement right there on the spot are things that provoke us to think critically, on our feet, creatively. According to Wagner, those are the skills most sought after by companies of todays world and those are the skills we should be learning. So, to answer your question, I believe activities like that should be done more often. A way to do this is with the Paideia seminar style questioning. It is an excellent way to provoke questioning, another very important quality needed in todays business world.
I would really just love to improve on my writing skills. I love to write and express myself but I always feel like its never enough when im done. I discard my work and get frustrated when revising it. I would like to find a way for who ever is reading my works to feel as if they where me when I feel what I want to express. I have visions that I would like other people to see in their minds I want to share the beauty of my emotions with others through writing but it seems imposible. If there is anything I would ask to improve on would be to enhance my ability to draw others into my world, my mind.
I think you do a good job of actually teaching us how to think. I believe I have become a better thinker in your class, although you may not believe it because I'm still not that great. Even though we should be pushing ourselves to improve our critical thinking skills, better encouragement from teachers at a younger age would help as well.
I never seen any teacher with as much passion for their job as you give each day, I can tell you care and how you want us to learn about life.
Any teacher that can make me want to go to her/his class is fo sho a hell of a teacher!!! you do that!!!
I think that Wagner's article really makes a bold statement that unfortunately is true and really describes the situation in the education today. Teachers today are based more in knowledge and memorization, instead of analysis and thinking outside the box. Some of them just teach because it's their job, but actually don't care if the students are really learning what will lead them to success.
That's why I really appreciate this class, because I have learned more this semester that I have learned during my whole time in high school. I have learned to think beyond what is required and go deep into thought in order to analyze everything.
I believe that you should keep doing what you are doing because it's working just the way it is and that method really makes you stand out from other teacher.
Tony Wagner's article was an eye-opener. I feel that in many cases education in school is not preparing students for real life issues. I believe I need help in writing essays because later on in life that is how communication is done through letters or e-mail. I am more of a visual hands on learner and need examples to help me better understand the issue being addressed. I am also a little bit worried about the SAT and ACT because I feel I need to work faster in order to finish in the time that is given to me. I love how you take time out of your lesson plans to talk to us about these tests and give us little key notes on how to take them. None of my other teachers do this for their students. This shows me how you want us to succeed in life and not fall behind.
Reading Tony Wagner's article really enlightened me and exposed true information on how to survive in the real world. The fact that you have shown me this article tells me that you truly care about your students. You ask and answer questions that make me think. Somehow your methods of teachings have given me a higher or different perspective of the world. I can use the skills I've learnt in your class and put them towards academic goals and personal goals of my own. Your methods of teaching doesn’t need to change. Don't fix what was never broken.
Tony Wagner's atricle should be a wake-up call to students and teachers alike. It showed me that the thing I'm learning in school aren't what I'll need to be successful in life. Although I always knew I would need more of other skills, its weird to think how little they will help later in life. Its scary because it puts a lot more pressure on myself to be prepared for after school, but it also takes the extreme emphasis off of school. I now know that I should focus on improving other skills that can't be learned in school, like social skills.
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