Chapter ten is great in the sense that it allows for the application of good ideas. Not only does it address some theory but it also gives examples of practic (as Prof S mentioned in class), more so than in chapter one.
Chapter ten "bottom lines" the reader. Chapter one mentioned a hypothetical scenario in which school would be designed to create better citizens. In theory, that is what school was meant to be. I can appreciate the fact that chapter 10 elaborates on how we can reconnect with what school used to be. Teaching useful and applicable skills and material is what we, as educators, should be focusing on...you know..besides the kids.
Page 151 outlines "New Literacy Skills." The remainder of the chapter lists many bulleted points. The "New Literacy Skills" outline as well as all of the bulleted points are ways in which we can impliment some of the given theories into the classroom. These points resemble many of the new Common Core Standards. Perhaps this is a sign of academic progress?...
Fun Fact: I love the idea on page 153 about rotating students' seating charts every few weeks. Something so simple could possibly produce some interesting and productive results!
Page 154: The Great Synthesizers
Dear whoever wrote this particular section,
I whole-heartedly and without reservations give my upmost admiration to you for your obvious appreciation regarding the value of CRITICAL THINKING and THINKING in general! In an age where everything is immediate and available, thinking can be taken for granted. I love the idea of synthesizing. Observing and analyzing may be step one (and a very important step!), but step two is the application and manipulation of the conclusions drawn from step 1. This reminds me of the more sophisticated functions in Blooms Taxonomy. I love that pyramid.
Page 155: Story Tellers?
Yes! Story tellers! You know, the people who know stuff and can communicate it in a way that is beneficial and/or pertinent to someone else? WONDERFUL. This is applicable to basically anything, that's the best kind of tool.
Fun Fact 2:
Gardner added another multiple intelligence to the list? ...Interesting.
The last thing I would like to mention is "Passionate Personalizers." I will say that although I have hated my jobs in the restaurant business, it (A) pays the bills and (B) has taught me a great deal about the value of effective customer service. Why do I make more money than most people when it comes to serving food?..Because I know that catering to the needs of others and exuding a personable attitude will get you farther than any manuel ever will. On a side note, it is humbling, and that's a great attribute as well.
As always, well said, Laneah. Could I use your blog as an example for future classes? I ask not only because of the obvious evidence of critical thinking and speaking back to the text but because you are so admirably creative! It's a breath of fresh air after often reading journal after journal of "I agree with X because Y..."
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