The Learning Hood
Just over 12 weeks of being "the physics teacher" left. While I am apprehensive about losing that title, I am very excited to move into "instructional coach" starting in July. Leaving the daily world of teenagers and focusing on helping the teachers teaching those students is an exciting new frontier.
I will share some reflections about my role of teacher, instructional coach, even parent...all focused on public education at the secondary level.
As I have begin the move out of the classroom, I am surprised at how radical my thinking on education has become. Thinking outside the box is tough when you live inside it 24/7 with little time to as much as breath.
A new revelation (for me at least): What is the purpose of school?
Before investing any time, or money, in professional development, curriculum changes, technology, this question is paramount. What are you trying to do to the students?
In physics, my highest goal has always been to teach the students to think. The physics content was only the platform for developing this skill. I have never been interested in making sure students know the right answers as much as knowing how to ask good questions. Of course, my teaching has not always reflected this goal, because it has only been recently that I really identified it. And only more recently that I realized that this might not be the goal of all other teachers; and just yesterday that I really understood that this might not even really be the best goal for ALL students. Radical, right?!
I will share some reflections about my role of teacher, instructional coach, even parent...all focused on public education at the secondary level.
As I have begin the move out of the classroom, I am surprised at how radical my thinking on education has become. Thinking outside the box is tough when you live inside it 24/7 with little time to as much as breath.
A new revelation (for me at least): What is the purpose of school?
Before investing any time, or money, in professional development, curriculum changes, technology, this question is paramount. What are you trying to do to the students?
In physics, my highest goal has always been to teach the students to think. The physics content was only the platform for developing this skill. I have never been interested in making sure students know the right answers as much as knowing how to ask good questions. Of course, my teaching has not always reflected this goal, because it has only been recently that I really identified it. And only more recently that I realized that this might not be the goal of all other teachers; and just yesterday that I really understood that this might not even really be the best goal for ALL students. Radical, right?!