In the age where everything is based on the standardized testing, teachers are finding it difficult to teach away from the test, and teach the more creative or technological ways. Harris (2000) talks about how teachers should just be integrating technology into the curriculum and using it as a way to cover the standards in the core. He gives different examples of the teachers who used multidisciplinary internet research projects that cover many different areas for different subjects. The students and teachers are getting to effectively use technology and still are working on preparing for the standardized tests.
I think that if teachers are going to attempt to teach by integrating technology, then they need to learn to do it effectively. I don't think that teaching to the test is ultimately going to get the students anywhere, but I think that if the teachers aren't effectively using the tools at their disposal, then they aren't really sending their students anywhere either. The reality of our situation is that we're stuck in the high-stakes environments, and our students really do need to be prepared to take these tests, even though we hate it and it's a sucky thing. But if a teacher can efficiently teach their students to pass the tests while using other forms than "teaching the test" then more power to them. The scary thing is that too many teachers can't make both work, and they have to rely on teaching the test to get them through.
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I agree with what you said about using the available tools effectively. I think a lot of teachers can fall in to the habit of seeing computers as an easy way to occupy the students, but I don't really think that's right. I think the teachers need to be active in what the students are doing on the computer and not let them get away with doing nothing. I think that computers and the Internet provide great tools that add to the way in which test material can be taught, but I also think that if the teacher doesn't really know what to do with the computer technology, they shouldn't use it.
ReplyDeleteI think that those who blame low test scores on the use of the internet are just unwilling to see what the root of the problem really is.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Allison that teachers DO really need to monitor students' use of computers while at school so that time isn't being wasted and so it is really being used as a tool.
There's a million and one things to be said with regards to teaching the test rather than teaching the student. It is, of course, a conundrum. One of the strengths of internet based research, or internet based assignments, is the emphasis of process rather than solution. What Harris wants is for the student to understand the process, which inevitably leads to a solution.
ReplyDeleteI think you can see the parallel here yes?
Think about teachers teaching solutions (a more question-answer format, like tests), then think about teachers teaching processes (a more methodical way of arriving somewhere, like internet based research). Of course, I'm oversimplifying the dilemma, but it's a start.
I think the comment by Harris about of the pressure on children to passed high stakes testing leads to questionable practices on the educational system is true.
ReplyDeleteFirst off: Being stuck in high stakes testing environments stinks for both the teachers and students I think. Having come from a very competitive high school, the only drive students really have to do well on those tests is to pass. And with teachers teaching more and more towards tests rather than actual learning, it's no wonder we see lack of interest in school; students may see it as a test they take and knowledge they never use again in their lives; and that's where the technology integration comes into play.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree though about the technology integration needing to be done well, because if you simply can't understand what technology you're using as a teacher, and the lesson plan goes to waste, there is a day of absolutely no learning for your students, and a huge blow to your own confidence as a teacher. Not to mention it simply is never a good idea to teach with tools you simply aren't good with; if you mix it up regularly in the class, and can manage to squeeze in a PowerPoint assignment for your students, but you know how effective the assignment is/can be, then you're set...if that makes sense.