|
|
Re: Parents
Posted:
Oct 31, 2006 5:29 PM
|
|
> mathematics...the problem is trying to use a canned
> PROGRAM!!!! OR one way of approaching mathematics
> like the older, failed style of traditional math that
> most certainly didn't put us at the top of math and
> science in the world...
>
> If you really want to help your children, fight to
> eliminate canned programs thereby allowing
> professional teachers be...professionals!!
Sounds great, thinkingrules -- now, do you think simply eliminating the canned programs (though, they still need materials, right?) and empowering teachers is enough?
See, I'd put you in a special category of teacher -- one who's exceptionally bright and gifted at teaching. Many teachers are not, and I don't necessarily fault them for being simply average, but I do wonder if they'd have the same (or any) success in the absence of a guide.
Maybe I'm wrong, and you aren't particularly gifted, and any teacher given power would be able to produce better results.
Singapore and Japan are using "canned programs" (I'm pretty sure they are, anyway, Japan in particular). What's your comment about why their systems work?
Last, I am a parent. Yes, parents like to see measurable gain, measurable progress. We like to see objective results telling us our children are doing well. We're forced to buy a product that we have no choice but to purchase, and teachers are the customer relations managers. Essentially, salespeople.
As to your suggestion, what sort of rallying cry would you envision? If parents tell the school board to "empower teachers", will the teachers like that or will they cower in fear for their jobs?
|
|
