In reading Hadioannou's article, Bringing the Background to the Foreground: What Do Classroom Environments That Support Authentic Discussions Look Like? I could not help but notice the similarities between the classroom of Ms. Enthis, referenced in the study and the classroom of a former colleague, Mr. Gann. My son had Mr. Gann as his fifth grade teacher, so I got to experience him from a parent’s point of view as well. Just like Ms. Enthis, this exemplary teacher refused to ‘teach to the test’. He taught with stories, humor, and really got to know each of his students, authentic discussion was his natural style. For many years after fifth grade, dinnertime conversation would revolve around a Mr. Gann story that our son shared. Year after year he was recognized as having the highest test scores in the district.
There is no doubt that this model of teaching is successful, yet why is it so rare? Why is it so difficult to move beyond the pattern imprinted after 16 years as a student?
VTS is authentic discussion, participants share from a personal point of view and responses are considered and debated in a safe, comfortable, environment. There is no one preordained conclusion to reach. Reading this study I wondered if, and I think one of my classmates already mentioned this as a possibility, would it be effective for me to present my students with a range of images and allow them to select which ones we would VTS? This would certainly be a way to ensure that we were exploring areas of interest. GLE’s, assessments, curriculum, processes and techniques would surely settle into place. Hmmm, why is it that my plan to take baby steps often end up as running a marathon instead?
I love you're blog. Here are my thoughts on this. Asking for students input is fantastic. What if they suggested themes, or ideas about what they would like to look at rather than giving them literal images to select from. If they feel they have ownership of the ideas behind the images, than what ever images appear will already have a connection, rather than presenting the range and having them select. My only reservation is that some will feel left out while others will feel validated.... hmmmm as always, you have me thinking.
ReplyDeleteI love that your son has had an experience like Ms Enthis's classroom. Id love to hear more about that at some point... as a teacher and parent in a school such as Ms. Enthis's feedback and reflection is always valuable!
BTW... to a baby, baby steps are like marathons.... ;)
PS.. LOVE the image up there.... (accompanied to your post) :)
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