Friday, July 9, 2010
Chapter Three Reflection
This chapter argues against educational sameness in favour of individualization and that personalized format, it is suggested, should be made at all levels, from learner to school to community. Even in the relatively small geographic area of the Coast we see very unique communities and it makes sense that each would want a school that reflects its own requirements. The authors suggest that the schools would even change regularly as community visions change. The first challenge I see is the potential cost in changing the school as the desires of the community change (if those changed desires actually materialize). Then we have to add to that mix the cost of the built in technology upgrade schedule that we are already experiencing. We presently seem to be in a funding crisis already, and we are just doing things the "old school" way. It seems we'll have to start small, have some success, give the credit to the government of the day so that they will be keen to reinvest in "our vision" so they can in turn continue to be popular with the voters who want the best for their kids. We teachers will have to lead the way with our practice, but the power-holders and bottom-line decision makers will have to be on side and willing to lead (and take the risks inherent with such change).
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I agree with most of what you've said here Jeff. Whenever I think about big changes like this that require involvement of the public or government, I think about the whole 20 year process of getting a recreation facility built on the central coast. The people could not agree even though everyone knew it was the right thing to do. Once people were onside the money appeared and the facilities were built. No-one complains about the money today...do they?
ReplyDeleteIn terms of changing schools, I think that there is a good likelihood that there would be a cost savings in the long run if we adopted these new ideas because the instruction would be spread out in smaller facilities, that could be leased, and that some of the instruction would take place online while the students are at home. The real problem is getting people onside.