Here is the opening letter to families about this project...
Hello families,
One tenant of constructivism is to challenge the suppositions of learners. In response to group discussion and reflection about our classroom, students 'voted themselves in' to 'traditional learning' of segmented subjects.
To challenge their thinking on this, we have created a 'traditional' environment within our classroom, gathered textbooks, and are limiting student choice and voice. This is a prime example of responding to and tailoring learning to student interests, needs, voice, and choice.
I certainly have a hypothesis as to what will (and is already) happening, but time will tell. My plan is to continue this for a few days, give or take.
I ask that you support this process by allowing your child to explore the spectrum of emotions, thoughts, questions, and reflections surrounding our 'experiement'.
An overall goal is for students to really formulate what true learning is to them and also to help students construct the understanding that their learning, in HSCL and in life, is truly is in their hands and that our resources are aplenty.
Have a wonderful evening!
Becky Bailey
3-5 Multiage Teacher
Hartland School of Community Learning
"Education is not the filling of a vessel, but the kindling of a flame." ~ Socrates
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Emails from parents:
Hi,
First thing out of Max’s mouth was that you mixed it up yesterday re: your message below! No prompting from us…
Thought I would let you know. Thanks!
Kristie
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Hi Becky,
Was just going to check in about what went on today. Thank you for the explanation .
XXXX came home in tears because of the "traditional" setting she is in. She was quite angry. However, she was not able to tell me how long this wd go on, why it was being done, etc. I will share this email with her, but wanted you to know how she is feeling. I think she is concerned that she will be in this situation for an extended time. Just thought you should know. There are times that XXXX is unable to explain projects very well to us here at home.
Have a good night.
XXX
(Note to Mary...The child asked me to put Xs in lieu of her name. :)
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(Note to Mary...The child asked me to put Xs in lieu of her name. :)
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From Kathy Kramer (Governance Council member and Professor at Carroll University):
You freakin' rock. I love this. I hope it's part of your video journal to Mary Lee. This is definitely one for the book we'll be writing:)
Kathrine A. Kramer
Assistant Professor of Education
Carroll University
100 N. East Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-650-4917
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Somewhat randomly placed video, but not completely. Sir Ken Robinson is a passionate advocate and leading speaker in the realm of educational transformation. He wants educators, administrators, and the rest of the world to take a long hard look at what it is that we are 'doing' to our children and the future of our world given the present-day choices we are making in education. Our Traditional Classroom Project took a stab (and a jab:) at the same types of questions and issues Sir Ken raises.
Bringing in the cart! We made sure everyone had the proper grade level. If you are a third grader, a third-grade basal you shall get.
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| Andy was actually thrilled with this set up! |
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| Working silently and sitting perfectly. |
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| The sum of our learning. |
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| A handful opted out of the traditional project and continued to work with resources other than just textbooks. |
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| Little to no choice in both the content and the context of learning. Differentiation. What's that? |
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| Raise your hand to speak and wait until the teacher (who has ALL the answers) calls on you. |
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| So perfect. Aren't they? Sitting there, so quietly, practicing cursive. Ahhh... |
Mr. Risch's planned 'lecture' to students to mark the end of our experiment.
A few students' reactions to Mr. Risch's lecture.
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| Autumn, happy as could be about the 'chains being broken'. She created a new Individual Learning Plan based on this experience. |
