Sunday, March 8, 2015
Laying the Foundation: Quality VS Quantity
As elementary school teachers, we are responsible for laying down the foundation for student achievement. We are the blueprint to their future, therefore, it is imperative that we are not just teaching to the test or just to say that we covered a concept. But, teaching in a way that ensures that students are comprehending and taking the information being extended and plugging it into their long term memory. I feel passionately about this about this because once students get to middle school the classroom sizes dramatically increase, there is less one on one time with teachers, and students are forced to become more independent. Also, students who feel inadequate, are more likely to shut down. Once a student shuts down, it is hard to re-inspire them. Again, it is quality, not quantity.
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Aarika,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. I agree completely that we as teachers have the job to ensure each child is gaining as much complete knowledge as possible. And even further--that they are learning to LOVE the knowledge. We have the job to teach concepts and spark curiosity within each student so he/she will continue seeking information. The research showing the dramatic pitfall in middle school students is so sad. By middle school, many students not only begin failing their courses but they lose their motivation, desire, and interest in school all together. What is more devastating than a child who lacks motivation to learn about the world around them? Maybe a teacher who doesn't care to teach her students how exciting learning actually is!?