'It must be remembered that the purpose of education is not to fill the minds of students with facts... it is to teach them to think, if that is possible, and always to think for themselves.' --- Robert Hutchins
In a true learning environment, the true learning happens when the child thinks and creates his or her own learning through opportunities provided by the teacher. Many times, I have found that when students bring up a topic or ask a question, it leads to more questions and the sharing of ideas. This becomes a learning moment for both the class and the teacher. This provides an opportunity for another lesson or an extension of a lesson.
This quote is appropriate for a couple of instances that took place this week. This week was a Science Fair on McCool’s school grounds. In my class, learning stations were set up for a “Bubbles Experiment.” The station had plates with soap and water and various objects. The objective is to make bubbles with the objects. The students were to observe and record their findings.
With the Science Fair, Andrew placed 2nd place for his grade level. Again, the quote suits well in this instant. Andrew and his cousin, AJ, worked together on an osmosis experiment using raw eggs. An exchange of ideas and thought processes between the boys helped Andrew answer questions and understand concepts.
In a true learning environment, the true learning happens when the child thinks and creates his or her own learning through opportunities provided by the teacher. Many times, I have found that when students bring up a topic or ask a question, it leads to more questions and the sharing of ideas. This becomes a learning moment for both the class and the teacher. This provides an opportunity for another lesson or an extension of a lesson.
This quote is appropriate for a couple of instances that took place this week. This week was a Science Fair on McCool’s school grounds. In my class, learning stations were set up for a “Bubbles Experiment.” The station had plates with soap and water and various objects. The objective is to make bubbles with the objects. The students were to observe and record their findings.
With the Science Fair, Andrew placed 2nd place for his grade level. Again, the quote suits well in this instant. Andrew and his cousin, AJ, worked together on an osmosis experiment using raw eggs. An exchange of ideas and thought processes between the boys helped Andrew answer questions and understand concepts.
As we "guide" our studens to meet their reading goals, we should keep in mind that we can't fill their minds with ideas but allow them to explore reading using the strategies that have been introduced adding to their schemata.
Well said my friend! You sound like a wise old person. In the future, I would say...as Lorna Gonzalez would say...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on Andrew winning second place in the school's science fair. You are such a fantastic parent and teacher for allowing him to do these activities. Keep up the great job!
Like the quote...hmmm...one should always think for himself! Not many people can relate to that! We as teachers should model that and encourage it more.
ReplyDeleteThe best teacher in our lives and our students' lives is definitely experience. Congrats on the science fair winning. Always a winner when 'quit' does not exist. Happy Easter!
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