http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa5295/is_200703/ai_n21233187
To expose a little of what I am trying to do with my curriculum creation, I have included this article for some support in my argument that schools do not do enough to prepare students who do not plan to go to college for success after graduation. I have seen too many students either pushed to go to college or the military when, in fact, neither were a good fit for the student.
I have been noticing as a teacher that the focus on curriculum in schools has been to get students into college, with little thought given to the needs of students going directly into the workforce. These students may be able to read and write when they graduate, but what good do Shakespeare, Physics and Geometry do for students who are not trying to fill out college applications? These students generally buy in very little to classes they do not feel matter for what they are wanting to do after graduation. I had the hardest battle teaching world cultural geography to students who not only had no desire to go to college, but they didn't even plan to leave that area of the county.
My goal in creating my curriculum software is to make the subjects for school be challenging but appropriate for the students. If the students do not find a reason for the subject, they will struggle more with it. Make the curriculum meaningful to every student is my philosophy. With that, I feel it is my duty as an educator to make sure all of my students find meaning in what I am trying to teach them. This link, I feel, backs up my feelings on this subject.
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2 comments:
You make a good argument especially in light of the changing economic times. We need to prepare students for whatever their individual immediate future is whether it is college or work. In our community college, we have both vocational certificate as well as 4 yr. degree programs. The academic advising team has been working diligently to formulate "career paths" for students with each level being an end unto itself, yet still offering advancement opportunities if pursued.
KB
Tobie,
You've taken on a huge role! You are right many students are displaced after highschool. There are students who don't fit at college or in the military and they deserve better than slinging burgers at a fast food joint. There should be a resource for training/education in an informal (distance education type) program to give these kids the skills they need to succeed in their choice of endeavors. Perhaps if curriculum had a purpose for the student he would be interested and apply himself to learning and who knows maybe walk away learning an important skill. I wish you much success with this idea!
Elizabeth
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