Well, this idea certainly didn;t come to me because of a discussion in class. But it's something that revolves around the thought we put into learning things outside ourselves and the teacher's "responsibility" to teach through dictation.
Now, I don't at all think that there isn't something to elarn, some experience to be had, some moment worth enduring in every second of life, and thus I DO feel as though every moment in class, as well, is in some way valuable. Just ebcause you are there and are being exposed to education, you will be formed into a different person, and hopefully for the better. And who's to say what the best method of teaching to get to that point is?
Well, I'm not going to assume as though I know.
But, I'd like to believe that there is a teacher out there, somehow, somewhen, sometimes, who asks his/her students what they are thinking.
No, not what they are thinking regarding a specific curriculum (unless that is, in fact, what the student is thinking about). I mean a teacher who comes up out of his /her essential time and asks a random student, maybe the one in the front row who's still not not (double negative) listening, but doesnm't seem to be all that enthralled, and says, "hey, you. Yeah you, the one wit' da head. Tell us what you're thinking."
It's entirely possible that the student isn't consciously thinking of anything. But say he has to answer. Or maybe, the appeal of hearing himself talk presents an opportunity that is just too good to pass up. Either way, he/she will begin talking, and number one, we can gather that the first thing he starts talking about may not have been what he was thinking of before, but something he/she feels is important. Or its' something being used to cover up what's really nagging at them.
Anyway, throughout the course of this ramble session, the students would hopefully enjoy the respite, and they may all learn something. The student, the teacher, and everyone around them.
After all, I've discovered that emotions are evermore present and affecting when spoken about.
You know what, I have a story coming on now about this, slowly creeping into my head (and for the record, I actually started thinking about it on friday).
Thanks, Mr. Allen. This should be fun times.
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2 comments:
Dylan- This is an AWESOME idea! Of course, I'm saying that right now after reading about it and how great it could be, and I would probably curse the universe if I was ever called on to share what was going through my head at a given time, but still- it's a good idea. I'm not one to talk very much in class because I think I will never say something that's smart enough. If I was simply asked to share what I was thinking, though, it could generate discussion and I wouldn't be judged because, well, I don't have a ton of control over what thoughts go through my head! This wouldn't work so well if I happened to be daydreaming at the time of being called on... then I would be forced to make up something that I'm not really thinking just to avoid the embarrassment of sharing what I am actually thinking. Really, though. If this worked, it could be awesome! The whole class sharing their thoughts without getting judged? Sounds great to me. A+ idea ! :]
Dylan, I completely agree with Margot that this would be a great idea, especially for a group with a class environment similar to the Academy. However, I don't think this type of discussion would be suitable in the current school system. Moving forward, I think that Mr. Allen already tries to apply this frame of mind to his lessons. When he realizes that someone hasn't participated in a while, he calls on then. Trying to keep the pressure to a minimum, he asks him or her to share anything about the text or whatever is being discussed. I think of myself as a planner; therefore, I think or write everything out before I say it. However, when Mr. Allen goes on a random selection streak, I get very nervouse, probably because I am one of the usual victims. All that previous thinking goes out of my brain and I go into panic. Overall, I think you introduced a very interesting style of teaching that would benefit students in the long run, but at the start, it would only interest for the students that really like to speak up in class. This was a really great writing piece and I think it connects well to English class.
After I wrote this review, I realized that you were probably talking of just a more open discussison with less direction or focus on a specific topic or text. I think Margot and I were getting at how Mr. Allen would lead the discussion. Sorry!
Lauren
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