Is the rise of charter and private schools making schools better? Are they created because communities are not satisfied with the present school systems? Too many schools are still stuck in traditional ways. They may have updated methods, programs and strategies but are still haunted by traditions.
Even with changes in programs, students need more. They should be happy when entering the classroom. But, with the focus on testing, recess time is shrinking and homework is growing. With that, there is more emphases on worksheets.
Recently, education systems have started to experiment with a number of reforms that are designed to make learning fun. They incorporate programs that provide real world experiences and prepare students for future working conditions.
Schools Need to Engage and Excite Students
Core subjects are no longer taught in isolation. They are interwoven to enable students to focus on the bigger picture. This allows the student to apply skills that go beyond the traditional methods. As a result, student assessments go beyond simple test scores. Daily assessments show strengths and weaknesses of both student and teacher.
Teachers work with students as facilitators to guide the learning. They have long given up in being the ‘sage on stage’. They guide learners through the use of technology. Students collaborate with classrooms outside of their own community. They are able to Skype and podcast programs.
Schools find ways to engage students with local fieldtrips. They walk to community businesses, or bring guest speakers into the classroom. Parent organizations fundraise to provide school assemblies. Educators bring traveling zoos, museums, art shows, and storytellers to the students.
Today’s libraries are shifting from quiet reading time. They are becoming activity centers for free play and scavenger hunts. Librarians bring the latest technology through drones and virtual reality systems. Sections of the library are used as labs for creating artwork to use for interactive story times. Libraries are also turning outside areas into walking story trails. Lunch and Read is a popular part of the library’s function. Students are able to read or discuss books while eating.
The past years, educators have learned much about how people learn. Minor changes in the system make it a much more enjoyable experience for students. Engage the students and the ‘fun’ will happen.
