If given a similar opportunity, what would you choose to learn? How would it be taught and assessed? Think of topics in each subject. How do YOU want to spend each period of the day?
Hmmm, now that I have the freedom to choose what to do, I have no clue what I want. Apparently, we’re also to consider how we want to be taught and assessed. Okay, well, let me choose eight classes considering that we get eight in the high school block schedule. The best way to explain how I think everything should be set up is to provide a sort of schedule and description about each one of my classes. (None are set up in order of preference.)
CLASS ONE: MATH Teacher: Any qualified math teacher, or a student who is already several school years ahead in math and has gotten high As in each previous math class. Method of teaching: Personally, I feel that every student should have a math class in each semester. However, I think the student should be allowed to control the pace at which he/she learns. As long as he/she meets and passes all of the academic standards set by the state or school (progress being checked at regular intervals, of course), the student should be allowed to spend the amount of time he/she deems necessary. This allows for more time to delve into a specific area of mathematics that intrigues if time is left over because the previous chapters were completed at a faster speed. Assessment: A regular math final at the end, but also a written test that requires students to apply the skills they learned to real life situations.
CLASS TWO: MATH (Math should be taken each semester.) See above.
CLASS THREE: SCIENCE Pretty much the same as math, but only one semester.
CLASS FOUR: PSYCHOLOGY Teacher: A certified psychology teacher should be teaching every lesson, but students should use their groups to fully comprehend the topics covered. Method of teaching: Kids in each class split off into groups to form discussion circles and cover certain topics in psychology. Examples of disorders should be taught through maybe movies or examples of notable figures in history. Students should learn how to dissect a personality and detect personality disorders based on observations and information given to them. Assessment: At the end of the year, each student should be able to provide an accurate analysis of three random students chosen for him/her from the school which are to be brought in to be questioned by the student being assessed.
CLASS FIVE: CURRENT EVENTS/DEBATE Teacher: A class of 15 or less will feed off of each other to learn. Method of teaching: Kids must keep up with current events and are to provide a report each week on important things that have happened throughout the week and how they think the events will transform later on and have an impact on society. After hearing everyone’s reports, the students should choose no more than four of the topics covered in the reports that they want to debate about in that week. Through Tuesday through Friday, the students debate the different topics each day, voicing their opinions but also backing them up with information that they found while writing the week’s report. This type of “debating” is not the Debate Class get-up-and-give-a-speech type of debate, but more of the conversational, McLaughlin Group style. Assessment: Peer evaluation. Students will grade each other on how well they think each student supports themselves in each “debate.”
CLASS SIX: HISTORY Teacher: The student. Method of teaching: A student should pick one era or semi-lengthy event in history to study about and become an expert in. (For example, I would pick WWII.) One month should be given for the student to research and choose a topic he/she finds interesting. After that, it’s go time. From then on, the student will research like hel- , excuse me, heck. I’m talking massive library book time, research throughout the Internet, going to history museums, etc. By the end, the student should be very well acquainted with the subject, knowing a lot about the sub-topics of their chosen topic. (Eg- for me it would be something like: military tactics used, the effects of the war on each country after it ended, how each country coped during the war (rationing, recruitment, and all that), important figures in the war, propaganda, etc.) Assessment: A power-point presentation or movie should be made for the end of the year/term. It should be about 50 minutes in length and bring together all of the sub-topics covered in the student’s research. The presentation will be judged by other members of the same grade on how complete they feel the presentation is. (This way, students have a chance to learn a little about the other topics.)
CLASS SEVEN: LITERATURE Teacher: Teacher and peer groups. Method of teaching: The students pick at least four more-than-grade-level-appropriate books to read and are guided by a teacher in discussion of each book. The peer groups then talk about theme, character analysis, conflict, and literary elements by themselves to further comprehend the topic. The teacher is basically there to clear up confusion or uncertainty. Assessment: Hmmmm. This is a more difficult one. I’m going to go with a test consisting of maybe five extended-response questions. Kind of like short essays. These are some of the questions that could be used: How would the plot have developed if so-and-so hadn’t done this? Why is blankety-blank such an icy character? What are some examples of how [insert theme here] is portrayed throughout the novel? How does fulanito develop throughout the novel? Etc.
CLASS EIGHT: MUSIC (For me, either piano or cello) Teacher: Actual cello or piano teacher or student who has earned many state or national level awards in the instrument and is patient enough to teach. (Preferably a cute college boy who is a musical genius.) Method of teaching: See, I really want to learn how to play either instrument, but being the frustrating person I am, I don’t want to do so because I’m not automatically good at playing either of them. The only way to actually get me to practice is to force me to. That can be done by making cello or piano a class. My homework would be to practice, and I would also do so in class under the watchful eye of my instructor. (Bonus: if the instructor is a cute college boy, I would have more incentive to practice extra hard so as not to look dumb in class. I know, I should want to look smart no matter who my instructor is, but it’s a psychological thing. Just ask Freud.) Plus, since it’s tied to school, I would automatically work harder and care more because that’s just how I am about school and doing well. Assessment: Instructor evaluation as to how much effort the student puts in and how much he/she has improved throughout the year/term.
Well, that’s basically my school year designed by me. I feel that all of the classes should really be an entire school year in length, but there’s not enough time to do that, so most will just have to remain one semester long. :( Oh well. I also wanted to take an economics class, but that didn’t even fit.
A question for anyone who posts after this: do you feel like your subjects tend to stray towards a certain area (Eg- science, history, LA)? I just like knowing this kind of thing about people.
~Caterina Golner Period 2
PS- I had to post this in three parts because it was waaaay too long. I was too lazy to edit it down. :P
After seeing Cat's surprisingly long posts, I have decided that I will not go into that much detail over my preferences over my teachers' appearances and other details I don't really think matter.
I know that I would not balance out my school day as much as Cat did. I would basically want to take math, science, and some advanced form of technology (like a programming language class) all year long, and take Spanish and Language Arts for one semester.
I thought that Cat's way of organizing her choices was good, so I will do the same. Like Cat, my choices are not in order of preference or in a schedule.
Class One: Math Teacher: A certified math teacher Method of teaching: The math teacher should first teach a lesson to the class, but actually teach it,, because there are teachers that just tell you the lesson and expect you to understand it. Then the teacher should go one by one to ensure that all the students understand the lesson and to answer individual questions. Assessment: I think a test is a good assessment for a math class, but there should be much more diagroms and pictures that basic multiple choice questions.
Class Two: Math The skills learned in math should be taught for two semesters because 1) It is important to advance in math because math skills are used a lot in life, and 2)the student might forget math skills by the time the next year rolls around.
Class Three: Spanish Teacher: Obviously, a teacher that speaks fluent Spanish is a necessity for this class. A teacher from a Hispanic country would be even better. Method of teaching: The workbooks and textbooks that we are currently using at our school are a good method of teaching. Assessment: When learning a new lanquage, I think the best type of assessment would be an oral assessment.
Class Four: Spanish For the same reasons as math, Spanish should be taken for the whole semester.
Class Five: Literature Teacher: I don't think a teacher is necessary for this class. Maybe just a supervisor to ensure that the students are doing what they are supposed to be doing. Method of teaching: I think that the students should pick a grade level or higher book and then take one week in class to read it (if needed, the student can finish the book at home). Then the student will discuss the book and get everyone's ideas on it. THere will be a leader who will lead the discussions but not control it, and the leader will alternate for every discussion. Assessment: I think that the student's should grade each other based on the participation in the discussion.
Class Six: Science Teacher: The teacher for a science class should be a scientist, not a science teacher. Method of teaching: The class should be taught in a lab environment, with more hands on activities than book work. Assessment: The assesment should be like a regular test, but again with more pictures and diagrams.
Class Seven: Debate/Public Speaking Teacher: A teacher is neededd to direct the class and to grade them, but not to teach. Method of teaching: I think the teacher should give the students a topic and have the students work on their own to write a speech or presentation. Assessment: The teacher will give a student a grade based on the speech or presentation that they give.
Class Eight: Business Teacher: The teacher should be a businessman or entrepreneur. Method of teaching: The students should create their own business with the help of the teacher, and then run it. Assessment: If the business that the students create fails, then they will get a failling grade. If their business succeeds, then they will get a passing grade.
@Francisco (and all, really) - Even though you would have the "freedom" to choose what to study, you still need to meet the basic core requirements. You still need to squeeze some of those reading/writing and even fine art skills in there somewhere. How can you work those meeting those requirements within your passions?
Cat & Yuval - Well-rounded! Where are your passions? What would you want to study the MOST?
I think that there are eight classes that should be taught:
1.American History (Revolution-Cold War) 2.European History (Renaissances-Holocaust) 3.Literature (Five "classic" novels chosen by students) 4.Grammar (What is taught now) 5.Foreign Language (Spanish, German, or Italian) 6.Economics (Credit cards, investments, loans, ext.) 7.Biology (All human systems) 8.Mathematics (Algebra-Calc.)
But, obviously, this could never work in real life. The group of students in the experiment were hand picked, and the majority of them were honor students. it would be impossible to pull of realistically.
*gloomy sigh* Sadly, I have no clue what I want to really study. I have the problem where I really like all of my subjects. Well, except for Spanish. I hate Spanish. I'd study anything besides Spanish. Oh, and anything that requires me to exert any amount of physical work. *shudder* So, I have no idea which area to really focus on. *gloomier sigh*
@Sisco The important part of this isn't really what classes you take, but HOW you think you should take them. What would your math, rocket science, and world-domination-through-robotic-minions classes be like? Also, I only made ONE comment on my preference for ONE teacher's appearance. Sheesh.
@Yuval I think for you to really learn how to run a business, you might have to fail a couple of times. To pass, the students should explain why their business didn't turn out the way they planned, or why it DID run the way they planned.
@Tyler That's why the guidance counselor/ supervisor was there.
@Cat, I'm sure Mrs. Jimenez would love to receive a link of this blog post. Anyways, I quite frankly, don't care how the classes go by as long as I learn.
@Cat, Even with guidance counselors and supervisors it still would not work. It is like communism, in that it works relatively well on paper but does not work in real life. The system would be broken, beaten, and taken advantage of. Also, there needs to be a teacher in every class so there is an authority figure.
To be honest, I wouldn't even have periods. The way I learn, it's hard for me to retain anything unless I want to. For instance, I have Spanish II, my hardest class in my opinion, in the morning. My brain isn't fully working until after lunch, so how am I supposed to learn another language? I think that I'd learn more if I learned topics when I wanted to. Obviously each subject would have to be learned every day, but perhaps changing the routine would make it easier for me to learn. Furthermore, I feel that I have more time in certain subjects that I like more or have difficulty with when my classes aren't sectioned into hour-long (or in a high school case, ninety minute) periods. From 9:30am to 4:00pm I may be able to learn double the amount of information in a class I excel in and fully understand the topics that I struggle with, rather than being bored for a half hour in some classes and barely grasping the lesson in others. Another point I appreciate is Cat's learning system where children go at their own pace. Some schools are already set up like that, however I think that this idea could backfire in some ways. If students don't have the initiative to push themselves, they may stay on one lesson for too long and fall way behind. Unless the student themselves or an authority figure were to push the pupil, he/she would would achieve nothing. As for the classes I would take, obviously Math, Science, History, and English would be required along with mid-terms and finals for each of them. As for electives, some type of Music class, a Creative Writing class, and most likely two Art classes would be in my schedule. Thankfully, a foreign language wouldn't be required for me because I have taken my two credit classes. However, Latin is appealing... Teachers would have to be present for each class because what student wants to work if there isn't an authoritative figure lingering over their heads? Each teacher would need to have a degree of knowledge in the subject they taught, otherwise how would I be sure they were teaching me the correct information? So...yeah that's my school. :) Katelynn Adams Period 3
@Sisco I'm not saying that I dislike the teacher, just that the language does not particularly appeal to me.
@Craig Way to be pessimistic. Anyway, I never said that the entire grade would participate in this experiment. I think the school would have to pick maybe the top 100 students in the grade (or fewer) to participate. Then the administrators would have to get together with teachers to make sure that the groups that are set up have different types of personalities so as to provide a diverse environment of ideas and individuals for the students involved. This type of schooling may be a lot of work for the school system initially, but I am sure that once the students start taking care of themselves as the school year progresses, the student/administrative workload will lighten up.
@Yuval You are a not a one-man (or one-woman in this case) class. You have to take into consideration that other students will be participating and that you need a fair way to grade everyone.
@KT I notice that your elective choices lean more towards the arts. Is this your area of interest?
The ideal school for me is basically the subjects that are needed in life. I don't want to have to spend time learning a subject that I won't use in the future. So here are my classes, but not necessarily in this order. First, Business and everyday finances. Here students would get prepared for future life and learning important business skills. This class would teach basically all the topics we all learned at the JA park and a bit more. As I recall I didn't do so well there so the class would do me some good. Second, English. The class would include Literature and Grammar. Everyone should be able to read and write, but expressing and improving that is what is vital both in school and beyond. That would be the focus of this class. Third, Math. This would be no different than the school's system now. Present math text books do well at giving examples of how a lesson relates to a job or life in general. Fourth, Science. Science is a large part of today and most likely the future. Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Science would all be necessary for this subject. Also, in this area the topic of global warming and pollution should be mentioned since our generation will most likely need to deal with these problems. Fifth, Foreign Languages. Between traveling, and other foreign affairs there are enough reasons to learn languages. Sorry Cat, but I kind of like Spanish. I mean Spanish is just as interesting as any of our other classes, if not more. Sixth, History. At first I didn't understand how this class related to everyday experiences, but now I realize otherwise. There is a famous quotation saying, "To succeed in the future, one must learn from the past." It is self explanatory, but it basically means that building on past knowledge and learning from mistakes can help the future. Seventh and Eighth, Spanish and Math again. I am extremely forgetful so taking the course the whole year is probably best. So those are my classes. Now looking back, there is not much of a difference between the classes I’m taking now and the ones mentioned. David Rutner Period 6
I'm obviously not the most organized of students and I highly doubt I'd make a good candidate if this project existed. However, I would of course keep the required classes and maybe foreign languages but for electives I would do the usual (PE, Home Ec., etc.) but very much like some of the other students who commented on this post, I would include a music class. This music class wouldn't be like band which deals with orchestral and classical music that is outdated, but more modern music styles and instruments. As for the school I'd be making, I'd have a study hall because I think it would be very useful and a great way for students to develop social skills, like the article said. Brett Bailey Per. 6
Although sometimes my classes can get boring and repetitive, I've learned a lot more this year than in sixth grade or seventh grade. So, I would keep my core classes the same (Well, maybe I'd take away Geometry because I truly feel it is completely useless). I think that Spanish and Language Arts are the most useful in my life. World History and Science are just enjoyable for me. Instead of Geometry, maybe I'd do something that involves the student's current career choice. That would be beneficial, fun, and educational. Yes I know, we need math, blah, blah, blah. We can incorporate it in Science somewhere. Also, in Language Arts, I would want to focus a little bit more on grammar, novels, and creative writing than the essays and especially the poetry. That would be PERFECT. Gabi Shim-Francis P5
@Like everyone besides Yuval Can someone please write about how their classes would be set up and assessed????? That's the most interesting part, and no one is doing it!!!
@Brett Craig/Tyler is just like that. :P
@Gabi Geometry is important as it deals with how to apply mathematical concepts that you learned altogether to see WHY the concepts work. (It's also obviously necessary for anyone going into architecture, space stuff, blah blah blah.) Geometry is very logical. I mean, the proofs aren't just to see if you understand the concepts you are learning, but if you can apply them to see how they lead to other concepts and theorems. As for poetry, the more of it you read, the more you start to like it. :) (Same goes for math. :) )
Cat, rocket science, and world-domination-through-robotic-minions classes sound just marvelous! I finally will comment seeing as you are short circuiting at the thought of people not writing page long responses like you. I am going to have fun with this...
Math: I like my math class with Ms. Stupp. Only, I would make it more personal, and find out what is the main problem for missing problems. For students like me who miscalculate, this would be of help. This could also help the stupid kids. They MIGHT, if they work hard, get a passing grade. Assessment: How well you understand and apply math concepts. Graded on how hard you work and improvement, but mostly how many points you got for each assignment.
Science: My favorite! I would do the same as math. Only, skip the ED.
Literature/English: I think that it is important to study literature. I would go a little more Lord of the Flies here. I say DOWN WITH THE TEACHER! I would make the class in a book club format, omit the old ladies- replace with poor man’s coffee. Yum. We would basically cram masterful and different forms of literature from a variety of authors, such as Stephen King and other classical authors. Teachers can supervise, but I would so have a Trap Keeper and I think I should minus a Fat kid being
Assessment: We would read, then arrive somewhere and discus the books. We would talk about all the elements of the book, what we like, blah, blah, ect. It would be a giant class grade.
History: I like your idea Cat. Sorry, but I would make a class just like that. 1 Semester
*Just for the record is exactly 1 semester. Now it is time for the fun! Students can take whatever they want. The courses above are meant to drown the students, only to have them see the blinking light over here. I would order a fries, and these classes.
Drama/ Debate: Like our debate class. Public speaking, with empathies on acting. Those ways people can add emotion to their speeches instead of a dead monotone. This would include researching current events and Broadway at the same time. I would have 2 co-ed teachers, one drama one debate. They would research current topics and cover all the types of debate and most of drama. Public Forum and improvisation. my definition of fun. That way we can stage slap congress men! Assessment: How well they perform and deliver concise speeches. The speeches must show research and strong, clear points.
World-domination-Class: Learn about taking over the world in an easy, understandable way. Tactics and strategy combined with logic and a countless amount of other sciences. We would learn the basics on how to rule the world. They must also learn how to get around the little things, like law persecution and death sentences. They must also learn how to get rid of problems like world leaders. Shame on them for being so weak, can you believe that some people just can’t hold their arsenic? They would handle arms and other dangerous and potentially deadly weapons and machinery. All of the students might not make it out in one piece. Assessment: The world is a dog eat dog world, so will be my class. Basically, you have places, and higher places means higher grade. Teachers don’t care. The kids must make alliances and enemies to bring the tops down in a miniature form of world conquest. Well leave the real thing for later. Kids must attack and defeat major students, and win to succeed. Their grades depend on it. They would have a certain amount of supplies, and they can do whatever to bring them down. This is mostly fictional, unless it is like a light saber battle or giant robot-chicken completion. Maybe they can joust for positions, let the pain-I mean fun begin.
Instrument/Vocal: I would learn how to play and instrument or sing. I might never sing like Lizzy, but I might sound decent when I sing a song unlike most boys who sound like a dying old rooster mixed with a strangled cat. They can pick an appropriate instrument and learn how to play. Assessment: I saw how you have improved. The students along with the teacher would teach grade you on how you have improved.
Psychology: Now if I am going to rule the world, I want to have about what makes humans tick. I say we learn all the theories and diseases, and whatever else Cat said, and use them! I think it should be like WDC, only mental instead of physical-how to understand your opponent and crush them, because you have to know how to hurt to heal. It makes sense if you don’t think about it... Assessment: Crack a criminal. We bring in criminals and crack them. Forces our way into there brains and cracks them like a nut. This would help the law too, but if psychopathic criminals are not available we can settle for other students, and maybe a few teachers. Any difference?
If I was able to choose what I wanted to learn, the courses I would choose to take would remain the core classes, such as Language Arts, Spanish, Math, and Science. And then proceed to take the elective courses like Newspaper or Yearbook & History. For math, I think it is extremely beneficial that one must take two courses throughout the year, this way you get two credits and you can learn more. As much as I dislike math, I feel that it is a very important concept you need to know in order to complete simple tasks like paying the bill. So, for the math courses, I would take the ones that provide the most knowledge you need to succeed in the future. For the English courses, I would want to focus on more of the writing aspect of the class instead of reading or analyzing with book work. Each day, I would want to write stories, essays, and poems rather than reading what other people have already written and analyzing what they are saying. While both concepts are good to know, i feel that writing is more intriguing. For the science courses, math should be incorporated somehow, and in this class I would like to spend the day doing labs and conducting experiments to learn the types of sciences such as physics and genetics. Also, there should be a cooking science class that you could take, so this way, not only are you educated in the physical & chemical sciences, but you will also be somewhat knowledgeable when cooking. In the yearbook/newspaper course, I would like to spend the day interviewing and publishing and taking pictures. It needs to be efficient and have a system that works diligently. For history, I would take American history, this way I can learn about our past, and how I can relate it to the future. Also, a current events class would be good. This way students are up to date with events going on in one's community, nation, or with foreign countries. For each period of the day I would like to spend time researching events and studying to learn more about what is happening in the world. For Spanish, language is extremely important, especially when living in such a diverse place like Florida, a person needs to know how to speak Spanish. Thus, I would take two Spanish courses in one year, this way I get double to education on my language and two credits. In each period of Spanish, I would like to spend it going over the vocabulary and grammar, and do out-loud projects to perfect my speaking. This will help me communicate with other people when talking in another language.
By being able to choose your own courses, students will be less likely to drop out, and more likely to WANT to learn instead of being forced to.
I am haunted by almost all the comments (I'm not going to say who). Cat: The cello is a BOSSLY instrument. I would take it if I had time. Craig: Your Raegan-like post somehow relating to communism always makes me smile.
The classes I would take would have to teach life, but it couldn't be in a boring way. Life is all about expression and finding your way. So, a class where it would be based on the individual would be all I need. Whether it be the arts or life skills, it would have to have a a teacher who is sarcastic and been through it all. I would want to spend every second of every day learning about what the world is really like and how to show my part in the world.
I would only need five classes every day to have my utopian school day.
Language Arts. To get by in life, we need to be able to show the world what we can do. Language Arts teaches us the grammar and skills we need to express our thoughts in words. Reading is also included in language arts. My utopian language arts class would be taught just like Mrs. Powers does (not to sound like a suck up), except without ANY essays. I can almost guarantee I will NEVER be forced to have forty-five minutes to convey my thoughts in a five paragraph essay on a topic a second grader could answer. The only difference between the years is I improve my lexicon. There are thesis's and papers, but those test your common knowledge on analyzing and interpreting data on topics that matter in the world. I have no need to tell some guy why summer is the best season, red is the best color, and why I would continuously return to Canada. Other than those monotonous essays, language arts is one of those classes that are necessities.
Math and Science. These two subjects are the intertwined with each other. Math and Science are the subjects that are allowing countries to rise in power and status. These subjects are no nonsense. They are all about the reality and using it. The classes should be taught just as they are.
History. If we don't remember out past, then it might happen again in the future. The important part about history is learning the facts of what has happened. History needs to be taught with the cold truth that it is. The main thing that most textbooks lack is the bone-chilling reality of what the world can be. The world is not always happy happy joy joy, and it is important that we have a good teacher who can show us that. Mr. Bryant's videos and documents display that with stunning accuracy.
The Arts. This is what makes us stand out from our peers. Each of us have our own way of expressing ourselves. The arts are the one method of expressing ourselves. The ONLY ideal message to teach any method of the arts is to use the individualized approach since each of us in diverse in our own way. All the subjects should revolve around our diverse personalities like the arts do, so this is a class we need.
Assessments are still based by teacher.
Those who argue, I'm hear to answer. Jake U.(kleja) Period 6
Always remember to use proper writing conventions when posting a comment on this blog! Please include your LA PERIOD, first name, and initial of last name, so I know who you are!
Hmmm, now that I have the freedom to choose what to do, I have no clue what I want. Apparently, we’re also to consider how we want to be taught and assessed. Okay, well, let me choose eight classes considering that we get eight in the high school block schedule. The best way to explain how I think everything should be set up is to provide a sort of schedule and description about each one of my classes. (None are set up in order of preference.)
ReplyDeleteCLASS ONE: MATH
Teacher: Any qualified math teacher, or a student who is already several school years ahead in math and has gotten high As in each previous math class.
Method of teaching: Personally, I feel that every student should have a math class in each semester. However, I think the student should be allowed to control the pace at which he/she learns. As long as he/she meets and passes all of the academic standards set by the state or school (progress being checked at regular intervals, of course), the student should be allowed to spend the amount of time he/she deems necessary. This allows for more time to delve into a specific area of mathematics that intrigues if time is left over because the previous chapters were completed at a faster speed.
Assessment: A regular math final at the end, but also a written test that requires students to apply the skills they learned to real life situations.
CLASS TWO: MATH (Math should be taken each semester.)
See above.
CLASS THREE: SCIENCE
Pretty much the same as math, but only one semester.
CLASS FOUR: PSYCHOLOGY
Teacher: A certified psychology teacher should be teaching every lesson, but students should use their groups to fully comprehend the topics covered.
Method of teaching: Kids in each class split off into groups to form discussion circles and cover certain topics in psychology. Examples of disorders should be taught through maybe movies or examples of notable figures in history. Students should learn how to dissect a personality and detect personality disorders based on observations and information given to them.
Assessment: At the end of the year, each student should be able to provide an accurate analysis of three random students chosen for him/her from the school which are to be brought in to be questioned by the student being assessed.
CLASS FIVE: CURRENT EVENTS/DEBATE
ReplyDeleteTeacher: A class of 15 or less will feed off of each other to learn.
Method of teaching: Kids must keep up with current events and are to provide a report each week on important things that have happened throughout the week and how they think the events will transform later on and have an impact on society. After hearing everyone’s reports, the students should choose no more than four of the topics covered in the reports that they want to debate about in that week. Through Tuesday through Friday, the students debate the different topics each day, voicing their opinions but also backing them up with information that they found while writing the week’s report. This type of “debating” is not the Debate Class get-up-and-give-a-speech type of debate, but more of the conversational, McLaughlin Group style.
Assessment: Peer evaluation. Students will grade each other on how well they think each student supports themselves in each “debate.”
CLASS SIX: HISTORY
Teacher: The student.
Method of teaching: A student should pick one era or semi-lengthy event in history to study about and become an expert in. (For example, I would pick WWII.) One month should be given for the student to research and choose a topic he/she finds interesting. After that, it’s go time. From then on, the student will research like hel- , excuse me, heck. I’m talking massive library book time, research throughout the Internet, going to history museums, etc. By the end, the student should be very well acquainted with the subject, knowing a lot about the sub-topics of their chosen topic. (Eg- for me it would be something like: military tactics used, the effects of the war on each country after it ended, how each country coped during the war (rationing, recruitment, and all that), important figures in the war, propaganda, etc.)
Assessment: A power-point presentation or movie should be made for the end of the year/term. It should be about 50 minutes in length and bring together all of the sub-topics covered in the student’s research. The presentation will be judged by other members of the same grade on how complete they feel the presentation is. (This way, students have a chance to learn a little about the other topics.)
CLASS SEVEN: LITERATURE
Teacher: Teacher and peer groups.
Method of teaching: The students pick at least four more-than-grade-level-appropriate books to read and are guided by a teacher in discussion of each book. The peer groups then talk about theme, character analysis, conflict, and literary elements by themselves to further comprehend the topic. The teacher is basically there to clear up confusion or uncertainty.
Assessment: Hmmmm. This is a more difficult one. I’m going to go with a test consisting of maybe five extended-response questions. Kind of like short essays. These are some of the questions that could be used: How would the plot have developed if so-and-so hadn’t done this? Why is blankety-blank such an icy character? What are some examples of how [insert theme here] is portrayed throughout the novel? How does fulanito develop throughout the novel? Etc.
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ReplyDeleteCLASS EIGHT: MUSIC (For me, either piano or cello)
ReplyDeleteTeacher: Actual cello or piano teacher or student who has earned many state or national level awards in the instrument and is patient enough to teach. (Preferably a cute college boy who is a musical genius.)
Method of teaching: See, I really want to learn how to play either instrument, but being the frustrating person I am, I don’t want to do so because I’m not automatically good at playing either of them. The only way to actually get me to practice is to force me to. That can be done by making cello or piano a class. My homework would be to practice, and I would also do so in class under the watchful eye of my instructor. (Bonus: if the instructor is a cute college boy, I would have more incentive to practice extra hard so as not to look dumb in class. I know, I should want to look smart no matter who my instructor is, but it’s a psychological thing. Just ask Freud.) Plus, since it’s tied to school, I would automatically work harder and care more because that’s just how I am about school and doing well.
Assessment: Instructor evaluation as to how much effort the student puts in and how much he/she has improved throughout the year/term.
Well, that’s basically my school year designed by me. I feel that all of the classes should really be an entire school year in length, but there’s not enough time to do that, so most will just have to remain one semester long. :( Oh well. I also wanted to take an economics class, but that didn’t even fit.
A question for anyone who posts after this: do you feel like your subjects tend to stray towards a certain area (Eg- science, history, LA)? I just like knowing this kind of thing about people.
~Caterina Golner
Period 2
PS- I had to post this in three parts because it was waaaay too long. I was too lazy to edit it down. :P
After seeing Cat's surprisingly long posts, I have decided that I will not go into that much detail over my preferences over my teachers' appearances and other details I don't really think matter.
ReplyDeleteI know that I would not balance out my school day as much as Cat did. I would basically want to take math, science, and some advanced form of technology (like a programming language class) all year long, and take Spanish and Language Arts for one semester.
Francisco Rivera
Pd. 5
I thought that Cat's way of organizing her choices was good, so I will do the same. Like Cat, my choices are not in order of preference or in a schedule.
ReplyDeleteClass One: Math
Teacher: A certified math teacher
Method of teaching: The math teacher should first teach a lesson to the class, but actually teach it,, because there are teachers that just tell you the lesson and expect you to understand it. Then the teacher should go one by one to ensure that all the students understand the lesson and to answer individual questions.
Assessment: I think a test is a good assessment for a math class, but there should be much more diagroms and pictures that basic multiple choice questions.
Class Two: Math
The skills learned in math should be taught for two semesters because 1) It is important to advance in math because math skills are used a lot in life, and 2)the student might forget math skills by the time the next year rolls around.
Class Three: Spanish
Teacher: Obviously, a teacher that speaks fluent Spanish is a necessity for this class. A teacher from a Hispanic country would be even better.
Method of teaching: The workbooks and textbooks that we are currently using at our school are a good method of teaching.
Assessment: When learning a new lanquage, I think the best type of assessment would be an oral assessment.
Class Four: Spanish
For the same reasons as math, Spanish should be taken for the whole semester.
Class Five: Literature
Teacher: I don't think a teacher is necessary for this class. Maybe just a supervisor to ensure that the students are doing what they are supposed to be doing.
Method of teaching: I think that the students should pick a grade level or higher book and then take one week in class to read it (if needed, the student can finish the book at home). Then the student will discuss the book and get everyone's ideas on it. THere will be a leader who will lead the discussions but not control it, and the leader will alternate for every discussion.
Assessment: I think that the student's should grade each other based on the participation in the discussion.
Class Six: Science
Teacher: The teacher for a science class should be a scientist, not a science teacher.
Method of teaching: The class should be taught in a lab environment, with more hands on activities than book work.
Assessment: The assesment should be like a regular test, but again with more pictures and diagrams.
Class Seven: Debate/Public Speaking
Teacher: A teacher is neededd to direct the class and to grade them, but not to teach.
Method of teaching: I think the teacher should give the students a topic and have the students work on their own to write a speech or presentation.
Assessment: The teacher will give a student a grade based on the speech or presentation that they give.
Class Eight: Business
Teacher: The teacher should be a businessman or entrepreneur.
Method of teaching: The students should create their own business with the help of the teacher, and then run it.
Assessment: If the business that the students create fails, then they will get a failling grade. If their business succeeds, then they will get a passing grade.
Yuval S.
Period 3
@Francisco (and all, really) - Even though you would have the "freedom" to choose what to study, you still need to meet the basic core requirements. You still need to squeeze some of those reading/writing and even fine art skills in there somewhere. How can you work those meeting those requirements within your passions?
ReplyDeleteCat & Yuval - Well-rounded! Where are your passions? What would you want to study the MOST?
I think that there are eight classes that should be taught:
ReplyDelete1.American History (Revolution-Cold War)
2.European History (Renaissances-Holocaust)
3.Literature (Five "classic" novels chosen by students)
4.Grammar (What is taught now)
5.Foreign Language (Spanish, German, or Italian)
6.Economics (Credit cards, investments, loans, ext.)
7.Biology (All human systems)
8.Mathematics (Algebra-Calc.)
But, obviously, this could never work in real life. The group of students in the experiment were hand picked, and the majority of them were honor students. it would be impossible to pull of realistically.
Tyler Levinson Pr.6
*gloomy sigh* Sadly, I have no clue what I want to really study. I have the problem where I really like all of my subjects. Well, except for Spanish. I hate Spanish. I'd study anything besides Spanish. Oh, and anything that requires me to exert any amount of physical work. *shudder* So, I have no idea which area to really focus on. *gloomier sigh*
ReplyDelete@Sisco
The important part of this isn't really what classes you take, but HOW you think you should take them. What would your math, rocket science, and world-domination-through-robotic-minions classes be like? Also, I only made ONE comment on my preference for ONE teacher's appearance. Sheesh.
@Yuval
I think for you to really learn how to run a business, you might have to fail a couple of times. To pass, the students should explain why their business didn't turn out the way they planned, or why it DID run the way they planned.
@Tyler
That's why the guidance counselor/ supervisor was there.
@Cat, I'm sure Mrs. Jimenez would love to receive a link of this blog post. Anyways, I quite frankly, don't care how the classes go by as long as I learn.
ReplyDeleteFrancisco Rivera
Pd. 5
@Cat,
ReplyDeleteEven with guidance counselors and supervisors it still would not work. It is like communism, in that it works relatively well on paper but does not work in real life. The system would be broken, beaten, and taken advantage of. Also, there needs to be a teacher in every class so there is an authority figure.
Tyler Levinson Pr.6
To be honest, I wouldn't even have periods. The way I learn, it's hard for me to retain anything unless I want to. For instance, I have Spanish II, my hardest class in my opinion, in the morning. My brain isn't fully working until after lunch, so how am I supposed to learn another language? I think that I'd learn more if I learned topics when I wanted to. Obviously each subject would have to be learned every day, but perhaps changing the routine would make it easier for me to learn.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, I feel that I have more time in certain subjects that I like more or have difficulty with when my classes aren't sectioned into hour-long (or in a high school case, ninety minute) periods. From 9:30am to 4:00pm I may be able to learn double the amount of information in a class I excel in and fully understand the topics that I struggle with, rather than being bored for a half hour in some classes and barely grasping the lesson in others.
Another point I appreciate is Cat's learning system where children go at their own pace. Some schools are already set up like that, however I think that this idea could backfire in some ways. If students don't have the initiative to push themselves, they may stay on one lesson for too long and fall way behind. Unless the student themselves or an authority figure were to push the pupil, he/she would would achieve nothing.
As for the classes I would take, obviously Math, Science, History, and English would be required along with mid-terms and finals for each of them. As for electives, some type of Music class, a Creative Writing class, and most likely two Art classes would be in my schedule. Thankfully, a foreign language wouldn't be required for me because I have taken my two credit classes. However, Latin is appealing...
Teachers would have to be present for each class because what student wants to work if there isn't an authoritative figure lingering over their heads? Each teacher would need to have a degree of knowledge in the subject they taught, otherwise how would I be sure they were teaching me the correct information?
So...yeah that's my school. :)
Katelynn Adams Period 3
@Cat. You know what?!? My business is not going to fail!!!! So that is not necessary.
ReplyDeleteYuval S.
Period 3
@Sisco
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying that I dislike the teacher, just that the language does not particularly appeal to me.
@Craig
Way to be pessimistic. Anyway, I never said that the entire grade would participate in this experiment. I think the school would have to pick maybe the top 100 students in the grade (or fewer) to participate. Then the administrators would have to get together with teachers to make sure that the groups that are set up have different types of personalities so as to provide a diverse environment of ideas and individuals for the students involved. This type of schooling may be a lot of work for the school system initially, but I am sure that once the students start taking care of themselves as the school year progresses, the student/administrative workload will lighten up.
@Yuval
You are a not a one-man (or one-woman in this case) class. You have to take into consideration that other students will be participating and that you need a fair way to grade everyone.
@KT
I notice that your elective choices lean more towards the arts. Is this your area of interest?
The ideal school for me is basically the subjects that are needed in life. I don't want to have to spend time learning a subject that I won't use in the future. So here are my classes, but not necessarily in this order.
ReplyDeleteFirst, Business and everyday finances. Here students would get prepared for future life and learning important business skills. This class would teach basically all the topics we all learned at the JA park and a bit more. As I recall I didn't do so well there so the class would do me some good.
Second, English. The class would include Literature and Grammar. Everyone should be able to read and write, but expressing and improving that is what is vital both in school and beyond. That would be the focus of this class.
Third, Math. This would be no different than the school's system now. Present math text books do well at giving examples of how a lesson relates to a job or life in general.
Fourth, Science. Science is a large part of today and most likely the future. Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Science would all be necessary for this subject. Also, in this area the topic of global warming and pollution should be mentioned since our generation will most likely need to deal with these problems.
Fifth, Foreign Languages. Between traveling, and other foreign affairs there are enough reasons to learn languages. Sorry Cat, but I kind of like Spanish. I mean Spanish is just as interesting as any of our other classes, if
not more.
Sixth, History. At first I didn't understand how this class related to everyday experiences, but now I realize otherwise. There is a famous quotation saying, "To succeed in the future, one must learn from the past." It is self explanatory, but it basically means that building on past knowledge and learning from mistakes can help the future.
Seventh and Eighth, Spanish and Math again. I am extremely forgetful so taking the course the whole year is probably best.
So those are my classes. Now looking back, there is not much of a difference between the classes I’m taking now and the ones mentioned.
David Rutner
Period 6
Thank you, David, for providing a schedule which only repeated your current classes (minus one) and failed to state how you would organize them.
ReplyDeleteI'm obviously not the most organized of students and I highly doubt I'd make a good candidate if this project existed. However, I would of course keep the required classes and maybe foreign languages but for electives I would do the usual (PE, Home Ec., etc.) but very much like some of the other students who commented on this post, I would include a music class. This music class wouldn't be like band which deals with orchestral and classical music that is outdated, but more modern music styles and instruments. As for the school I'd be making, I'd have a study hall because I think it would be very useful and a great way for students to develop social skills, like the article said.
ReplyDeleteBrett Bailey
Per. 6
@Craig
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised at all that you found a way to bring communism into this haha.
Although sometimes my classes can get boring and repetitive, I've learned a lot more this year than in sixth grade or seventh grade. So, I would keep my core classes the same (Well, maybe I'd take away Geometry because I truly feel it is completely useless). I think that Spanish and Language Arts are the most useful in my life. World History and Science are just enjoyable for me. Instead of Geometry, maybe I'd do something that involves the student's current career choice. That would be beneficial, fun, and educational. Yes I know, we need math, blah, blah, blah. We can incorporate it in Science somewhere.
ReplyDeleteAlso, in Language Arts, I would want to focus a little bit more on grammar, novels, and creative writing than the essays and especially the poetry.
That would be PERFECT.
Gabi Shim-Francis P5
@Like everyone besides Yuval
ReplyDeleteCan someone please write about how their classes would be set up and assessed????? That's the most interesting part, and no one is doing it!!!
@Brett
Craig/Tyler is just like that. :P
@Gabi
Geometry is important as it deals with how to apply mathematical concepts that you learned altogether to see WHY the concepts work. (It's also obviously necessary for anyone going into architecture, space stuff, blah blah blah.) Geometry is very logical. I mean, the proofs aren't just to see if you understand the concepts you are learning, but if you can apply them to see how they lead to other concepts and theorems. As for poetry, the more of it you read, the more you start to like it. :) (Same goes for math. :) )
Cat, rocket science, and world-domination-through-robotic-minions classes sound just marvelous! I finally will comment seeing as you are short circuiting at the thought of people not writing page long responses like you. I am going to have fun with this...
ReplyDeleteMath: I like my math class with Ms. Stupp. Only, I would make it more personal, and find out what is the main problem for missing problems. For students like me who miscalculate, this would be of help. This could also help the stupid kids. They MIGHT, if they work hard, get a passing grade.
Assessment: How well you understand and apply math concepts. Graded on how hard you work and improvement, but mostly how many points you got for each assignment.
Science: My favorite! I would do the same as math. Only, skip the ED.
Literature/English: I think that it is important to study literature. I would go a little more Lord of the Flies here. I say DOWN WITH THE TEACHER! I would make the class in a book club format, omit the old ladies- replace with poor man’s coffee. Yum. We would basically cram masterful and different forms of literature from a variety of authors, such as Stephen King and other classical authors. Teachers can supervise, but I would so have a Trap Keeper and I think I should minus a Fat kid being
Assessment: We would read, then arrive somewhere and discus the books. We would talk about all the elements of the book, what we like, blah, blah, ect. It would be a giant class grade.
History: I like your idea Cat. Sorry, but I would make a class just like that.
1 Semester
*Just for the record is exactly 1 semester. Now it is time for the fun! Students can take whatever they want. The courses above are meant to drown the students, only to have them see the blinking light over here. I would order a fries, and these classes.
ReplyDeleteDrama/ Debate: Like our debate class. Public speaking, with empathies on acting. Those ways people can add emotion to their speeches instead of a dead monotone. This would include researching current events and Broadway at the same time. I would have 2 co-ed teachers, one drama one debate. They would research current topics and cover all the types of debate and most of drama. Public Forum and improvisation. my definition of fun. That way we can stage slap congress men!
Assessment: How well they perform and deliver concise speeches. The speeches must show research and strong, clear points.
World-domination-Class: Learn about taking over the world in an easy, understandable way. Tactics and strategy combined with logic and a countless amount of other sciences. We would learn the basics on how to rule the world. They must also learn how to get around the little things, like law persecution and death sentences. They must also learn how to get rid of problems like world leaders. Shame on them for being so weak, can you believe that some people just can’t hold their arsenic? They would handle arms and other dangerous and potentially deadly weapons and machinery. All of the students might not make it out in one piece.
Assessment: The world is a dog eat dog world, so will be my class. Basically, you have places, and higher places means higher grade. Teachers don’t care. The kids must make alliances and enemies to bring the tops down in a miniature form of world conquest. Well leave the real thing for later. Kids must attack and defeat major students, and win to succeed. Their grades depend on it. They would have a certain amount of supplies, and they can do whatever to bring them down. This is mostly fictional, unless it is like a light saber battle or giant robot-chicken completion. Maybe they can joust for positions, let the pain-I mean fun begin.
Instrument/Vocal: I would learn how to play and instrument or sing. I might never sing like Lizzy, but I might sound decent when I sing a song unlike most boys who sound like a dying old rooster mixed with a strangled cat. They can pick an appropriate instrument and learn how to play.
Assessment: I saw how you have improved. The students along with the teacher would teach grade you on how you have improved.
Psychology: Now if I am going to rule the world, I want to have about what makes humans tick. I say we learn all the theories and diseases, and whatever else Cat said, and use them! I think it should be like WDC, only mental instead of physical-how to understand your opponent and crush them, because you have to know how to hurt to heal. It makes sense if you don’t think about it...
Assessment: Crack a criminal. We bring in criminals and crack them. Forces our way into there brains and cracks them like a nut. This would help the law too, but if psychopathic criminals are not available we can settle for other students, and maybe a few teachers. Any difference?
Camilo B.
Period 3
Camilo, you scare me.
ReplyDeleteIf I was able to choose what I wanted to learn, the courses I would choose to take would remain the core classes, such as Language Arts, Spanish, Math, and Science. And then proceed to take the elective courses like Newspaper or Yearbook & History.
ReplyDeleteFor math, I think it is extremely beneficial that one must take two courses throughout the year, this way you get two credits and you can learn more. As much as I dislike math, I feel that it is a very important concept you need to know in order to complete simple tasks like paying the bill. So, for the math courses, I would take the ones that provide the most knowledge you need to succeed in the future.
For the English courses, I would want to focus on more of the writing aspect of the class instead of reading or analyzing with book work. Each day, I would want to write stories, essays, and poems rather than reading what other people have already written and analyzing what they are saying. While both concepts are good to know, i feel that writing is more intriguing.
For the science courses, math should be incorporated somehow, and in this class I would like to spend the day doing labs and conducting experiments to learn the types of sciences such as physics and genetics. Also, there should be a cooking science class that you could take, so this way, not only are you educated in the physical & chemical sciences, but you will also be somewhat knowledgeable when cooking.
In the yearbook/newspaper course, I would like to spend the day interviewing and publishing and taking pictures. It needs to be efficient and have a system that works diligently.
For history, I would take American history, this way I can learn about our past, and how I can relate it to the future. Also, a current events class would be good. This way students are up to date with events going on in one's community, nation, or with foreign countries. For each period of the day I would like to spend time researching events and studying to learn more about what is happening in the world.
For Spanish, language is extremely important, especially when living in such a diverse place like Florida, a person needs to know how to speak Spanish. Thus, I would take two Spanish courses in one year, this way I get double to education on my language and two credits. In each period of Spanish, I would like to spend it going over the vocabulary and grammar, and do out-loud projects to perfect my speaking. This will help me communicate with other people when talking in another language.
By being able to choose your own courses, students will be less likely to drop out, and more likely to WANT to learn instead of being forced to.
Meredith Sheldon
Period 3
(:
I am haunted by almost all the comments (I'm not going to say who).
ReplyDeleteCat: The cello is a BOSSLY instrument. I would take it if I had time.
Craig: Your Raegan-like post somehow relating to communism always makes me smile.
The classes I would take would have to teach life, but it couldn't be in a boring way. Life is all about expression and finding your way. So, a class where it would be based on the individual would be all I need. Whether it be the arts or life skills, it would have to have a a teacher who is sarcastic and been through it all. I would want to spend every second of every day learning about what the world is really like and how to show my part in the world.
I would only need five classes every day to have my utopian school day.
Language Arts. To get by in life, we need to be able to show the world what we can do. Language Arts teaches us the grammar and skills we need to express our thoughts in words. Reading is also included in language arts. My utopian language arts class would be taught just like Mrs. Powers does (not to sound like a suck up), except without ANY essays. I can almost guarantee I will NEVER be forced to have forty-five minutes to convey my thoughts in a five paragraph essay on a topic a second grader could answer. The only difference between the years is I improve my lexicon. There are thesis's and papers, but those test your common knowledge on analyzing and interpreting data on topics that matter in the world. I have no need to tell some guy why summer is the best season, red is the best color, and why I would continuously return to Canada. Other than those monotonous essays, language arts is one of those classes that are necessities.
Math and Science. These two subjects are the intertwined with each other. Math and Science are the subjects that are allowing countries to rise in power and status. These subjects are no nonsense. They are all about the reality and using it. The classes should be taught just as they are.
History. If we don't remember out past, then it might happen again in the future. The important part about history is learning the facts of what has happened. History needs to be taught with the cold truth that it is. The main thing that most textbooks lack is the bone-chilling reality of what the world can be. The world is not always happy happy joy joy, and it is important that we have a good teacher who can show us that. Mr. Bryant's videos and documents display that with stunning accuracy.
The Arts. This is what makes us stand out from our peers. Each of us have our own way of expressing ourselves. The arts are the one method of expressing ourselves. The ONLY ideal message to teach any method of the arts is to use the individualized approach since each of us in diverse in our own way. All the subjects should revolve around our diverse personalities like the arts do, so this is a class we need.
Assessments are still based by teacher.
Those who argue, I'm hear to answer.
Jake U.(kleja) Period 6