What I have learned through my fellowship is I have a giant gap in my classroom, a gap between what the students are learning and application to the real world. Don’t get me wrong, I have my students learning all about scientists, job opportunities, and so on. However, I have not taken the time to answer the “why do we need to know this?” For example, new to our 6th grade curriculum is matter. I have seen my entire 6th grade matter unit in action, in a cutting edge biotechnology lab, here at Biogen Idec. I can almost hear my students saying, “You mean scientist still use what they learned in the 6th grade?” You betch ya!
My fellowship has taught me to mind the gap. The gap I have created between my curriculum and actual real world application. It is no longer enough for me to introduce perspective jobs and scientist in the field. I want to consciously develop lessons and labs where students are performing real world tasks, where I trick them into learning the 6th grade curriculum. Wish me luck!
This is powerful stuff, Erin! Thank you for sharing. You speak to the heart of our program.
Amneris
So great of you to recognize and be honest about an instructional weakness. I think giving students the ”why-is-this-important” will fix a world of ills–it will inspire them, enrich them, engage them, and even cut down on off-task behaviors from reluctant or distracted learners. Good luck!
Erin, you’re exactly right! I think as a general educator that I need to keep this in mind too. In the early elementary grades we are laying the foundations of number concepts and relationships in math and foundational reading skills of decoding and comprehension in English Language Arts. I think what we really need to be communicating to our young students is that “Reading” and “Math” are not subjects, they’re tools. I think that the engineering design process is a good way to get students to “get it”. I plan on using this approach more in my classroom in order to address this issue of “why you need to know this”.
Erin, I love your photographic analogy! You so accurately point out the disconnect between education and reality. I find that incorporating global awareness and integrating subjects makes for great authentic learning experiences. Such an awesome connection you’ve experienced!