There is one thing about Internet that we can`t do - we can`t put an intonation in the text. Like the title of this post - its suppose to be sarkastic...
I work in school for three years. I teach subjects like history of culture, politics and law, and comercial sciences (smth like that). Its lots of subjects for one teacher, its lots of topics and also lots of methods. During three years I have extracted the core of methods I am using as a base, and, whenever I find out about some interesting new method, I try it as well. Like all the Internet tools Bill has showed us. I will definatly try them out. :) During these short three years, I have already noticed that every new year, students are different, so also my core of methods are changing as well. Basically, I am changing my methods, according to characteristics of my students, not according new method itself. I have one bad example of how a method, forced in schools, can ruine everything: two years ago a delegation from Ministry of Education and Science went to Netherlands for experience exchange. They brought back one idea, forced it in schools and its not working, and now, instead of learning three different subjects, kids must learn one mystical subject about everything and in the same time about nothing. There is no respect for subject, for teachers, and no results in the end.
I like to call my methods "the old school" (however there are also pc and Internet based methods as well). What Bill is teaching us - "the new school". I understand the enthusiasm of Bill, because he knows, that his methodology is working, but mine is working as well. Unfortinately, I`m starting to feel like a bad person, because of sticking to my way of working and not becomming a "worshipper" of Wikipedia and Co. I didn`t join Jehova witneses, nor Latvian Peoples party and I will not become a fan of Wikipedia in this exact moment. :) I realy believe, that instead of forgetting about "old school", we should combine them both in new core of methods and let time to make changes there. As it is for me, I will let my methods change according my students and their needs, possibilities and interests. I will try everything, I have learnt here and only then I will say: "Oh, yes! Its great!" or the opposite. If there will be such... :)
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3 comments:
I agree with you, my friend, that effectivity of method you can be evaluated only after trying it!!!
But new tecnologies are very actual today. And they can be effective! Let's check! :)
Hi Laura!
I really LOVED your reflection for today. I so enjoy it when my students take the things that I say and then combine that with their own opinions. To me, that's what education is about.
Try new things, learn about new things, but always do what is best for YOU. I think I said in class (about Wikipedia), it's ok if you like it, it's ok if you don't like it - but only after you understand it. That's all I ask.
Great work!!
Bill
I realy understand how great invention Wikipedia is. And what possibilities it gives. I enjoy idea that I can share information about things that are dear to me (like my town) with the rest of World and do that in such e-place, which is known for everybody. And even do it together with other patriots of Liepaja (my town). But from us, teachers, several quality of work, results of work and responsibility is asked not just from Ministry of Education but also from society, and I realy care what will be the result of my work. Thats why I will never stop at Wikipedia, but I will force my students to go further in their learning and researches, use different sources of information, and methods and ways, how to work. Internet is a great tool for education, but if you are not creative and don`t offer different methods, you get borring and not exciting anymore...
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