PLN 15

            The article "Schools Would be Great if it Weren’t For the Kids," by Alfie Kohn discusses the idea that today’s students are failing due in part to teachers but also because students themselves are to blame.  This matters to me, education, and the world. First, this matters to me because I can relate to the fact that students are lazy at times and can apply themselves and work harder. It is my responsibility in the end to be a motivated learner.  In addition, this matters to education because the article notes that school reformers are interested in “student achievement” not student’s achievement. When test scores do not meet expectations the teachers are immediately blamed. Kohn says that we use a stick and hurt the teachers by firing them or a carrot is used and teachers are offered more pay for better test scores.  I agree with Kohn, that this is not a great way to motivate teachers or students.  We seem obsessed with test scores and not real learning.  Finally, this matters to the world because now more than ever in a complex economy America needs students equipped with the best information. When students are pushed out into the real world test scores won’t matter but their ability to process and use new information will.   

PLN 13

            

                The article “Googley Advice," by Jonathan Rosenberg discuses how the main students should major in is learning, this matter to me, education, and the world. First this matters to me because Google is looking for good communication skills in new employees. I find that communication skills are essential for life, and should be a necessary subject to learn. Second this matters to education because Google is looking to employ non-routine problem-solvers. The education system needs to teach students how to be good problems solvers. Third this matters to the world because in the real world all tests are open book. And we must be able to problem solve effetely. In conclusion Googley advice is good article that matters to me, education, and the world.    

PLN 12

The article, "Are they Students or are they Learners?" by David Warlick, discusses if kids in the learning environment are learners or merely students and this matters to me, education, and the world. This matters to me because the article talks about how students are given resources such as computers to learn better. Students, including myself often use computers just to find short cuts on their school work. Also, this matters to education because Warlick discuses how student’s motivation to finish their work is to just finish it for the teacher. Learners are motivated by their value in work, especially when it’s valued by others. This matters to the world because if we all can be better learners, not just better students, we can get bigger and more important things accomplished. In conclusion, the world of education needs to start educating their learners, instead of their students

PLN 10

The article, “You Know This is True,” by Will Richardson discusses how the education system is not encouraging kids to learn, but just drilling them to get an A on the test and this relates maters to myself, education and the world.  First, this matters to myself because I know that before a test I will cram all the knowledge necessary into my brain. And as soon as that test is over I take a deep breath and never think of the material again. This isn't really learning.  Second, this impacts all of education because the article points out that students are asked on a test what they briefly memorized, not what they actually learned and will remember. Through out most of my educational career I have found this to be true.  Finally, the acticle did point to the overall impact this has on the world.  When competing globaly we need students to remember what they learned. In conclusion students today need to learn and be prepared for the real world, not just be taught to take tests and receive a A.    

PLN 11

            The article/video “2020 Vision” by Karl Fisch, is a standard he set for the staff at Arapahoe High School for the year 2020, the article/video is important to myself, education, and the world. First, I would like to point out that there are a few errors in Fich’s psychic abilities, but that is not what he wanted to get at. His plan for this article was to envision the world of education in the distance future. This matters to me because his idea envisions a time when all students are connected through the internet. I would enjoy this kind of learning environment. This matters to education because his idea would change all student’s lives.  We would have access to so much more learning opportunites and input from others. This matters to the world because if we all connect to each other in many different ways, we can all learn greatly from each other and other cultures. I can only imagine how this would affect and maybe resolve international issues.  In conclusion, Fisch’s 2020 vision is a good goal for the future.  

PLN9

            In “Rigor Redefined,” Tony Wagner talks about big business’s requirements for jobs today, this matters to education, the world, and myself. First this matters to myself because in the article Wagner talks to many presidents of top companies about what they want to see in young recruits. The main thing that Clay Parker, President of the Chemical Management Division of BOC Edwards said, was that he mainly wants someone who can ask good questions. This matters to me because I don’t ask that many questions and didn’t realize that asking questions was this important. Second, this is important to the education because Wagner goes on to say that he sat in on many classrooms, and found shocking results. One experience of his was sitting in on an AP Chemistry class, after a group of three students mixed chemicals together, theirs started to smoke unlike the rest of the class. Once asked about their ideas for why it was smoking, they shrugged and went to the teacher for help, this is not asking good question or good way to look at things from a business standpoint. Third the article the talks about it’s expectation for a 21^st century classroom, he says that the education system should be preparing kids for the real world. This is important to the world because in the competition of a global economy, we need students to be prepared to compete at the very best. In conclusion, Rigor Redefined is important to education, the world, and myself.