Schools That Learn

Teachers love to complain. Lack of resources, lack of cooperation, lack of motivation. It seems some teachers let the negatives stop and prevent them from moving forward. As a community in a school teachers and administrators need to stop and ask themselves the following questions. Why do we exist? What do we want to accomplish? What do we stand for? and most importantly What do we believe about teaching and learning?

Things are constantly changing around us, from technology to laws. Schools need to do the same. We need to refocus their goals and collaboratively come up with a way to achieve them. However, with the NYS Standards and Tests it can be difficult to come up with exciting programs.

Isn't the goal of schools to prepare the students for the future. If that is the case then aren't we suppose to model and teach them how to take care of themselves, think for themselves and problem solve. Schools should not just be a place where students are "given" knowledge. There is so much more a school could offer.

It is imperative for the school community to work together for a common goal. There should be ongoing collaborative assessments, school quality reviews, students input and ongoing dialogue. So teachers, stop complaining and get motivated. Motivation and enthusiasm is contagious...and isn't that what we want? Having students excited to learn.

What am I going to do? Well I would encourage my colleagues to try and do the following: Make learning fun, meaningful and authentic. In my Social Studies class last year I gave the assignment of "Learn Whatever You Want." The students were able to pick a topic and just learn about it. Then they gave a presentation or a lesson on the topic. Some students did PowerPoints, Reports, posters, cooked food...etc...The students were motivated about learning and excited to listen to their peers. If I could do this everyday then I would be on my way of reaching my goals as a teacher.