Lately it feels like time is traveling at warp speed. It seems we have too much to do with too little time.
It's easy to lose sight of what matters most when caught up in busy schedules, looming deadlines, endless meetings, and the hectic demands of everyday life in general. We are feeling it more than ever in education. And that is why it is so vitally important for teachers to step back and reflect upon what is essential. I have found myself reflecting quite a bit lately.
Here in the classroom, I have to remind myself that process is more important than product. Teaching is not about the dissemination of information and learning is not about rote memorization. Will students remember all the state capitals or the stages of a butterfly's life cycle? Maybe...maybe not. Let's face it, how much content do you remember from fourth grade? Thanks to technology, all that information is at our finger tips. Can't remember the capital of Missouri? Look it up on the hand held device of your choice.
So what is most important for students to do here in the classroom each and everyday? Here's what I came up with:
-Read
-Write
-Wonder
-Think
-Communicate
-Collaborate
-research
-problem solve
-Create
At the end of the day, what is most important for
students to walk away with? I believe it is a passion for learning and the tools to be life long learners.
What do you think matters most?
It's easy to lose sight of what matters most when caught up in busy schedules, looming deadlines, endless meetings, and the hectic demands of everyday life in general. We are feeling it more than ever in education. And that is why it is so vitally important for teachers to step back and reflect upon what is essential. I have found myself reflecting quite a bit lately.
Here in the classroom, I have to remind myself that process is more important than product. Teaching is not about the dissemination of information and learning is not about rote memorization. Will students remember all the state capitals or the stages of a butterfly's life cycle? Maybe...maybe not. Let's face it, how much content do you remember from fourth grade? Thanks to technology, all that information is at our finger tips. Can't remember the capital of Missouri? Look it up on the hand held device of your choice.
So what is most important for students to do here in the classroom each and everyday? Here's what I came up with:
-Read
-Write
-Wonder
-Think
-Communicate
-Collaborate
-research
-problem solve
-Create
At the end of the day, what is most important for
students to walk away with? I believe it is a passion for learning and the tools to be life long learners.
What do you think matters most?