Week+1

= Week One: = = Understanding Education March 2, 2009 =   Amber is purple  Luke is **__BLUE__**  Nicole is PINK Mathew is GREEN

SIR KEN ROBINSON: IS EDUCATION KILLING CREATIVITY?  media type="youtube" key="iG9CE55wbtY" height="291" width="357"

Children come into the education system with a raw and innocent mind set. There is no problem that doesn't have a solution to them. The story of Gillian Lynne showed that people are so quick to draw on conclusions that if a child does not do well at school they must be dumb, when in fact they maybe brilliant at some other area. For Gillian her movement in class was looked about as negative. This was her creative side breaking free, she was experimenting with her body. When dance was suggested she flourished. It was not that she was dumb, or had a concentration problem it was that her individuality was not being catered for at school. As teachers we need to cater for a range of student, some of whom might like to dance. So why don't we include more creativity in the classroom?! - Nicole  <span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0); font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif;">I found this speech by Sir Ken Robinson completely inspirational. One of the biggest things I got from this was the importance of the future and the fact that we do not know what it holds in store. This is true. Also true is the fact that teachers teach the minds of tomorrow! So how do we know then how to educate and what to teach if we have no clear insight into the future? How can we be sure that we are preparing children well? Sir Ken states that we need to rethink how we go about educating our children. I wholeheartedly agree. I believe that it is time that we started to dream about the future and what kind of world we would like it to become. What values should we cherish? What skills? Then education should be retinkered to set about making those dreams a reality... This, I think, greatly impacts upon our identities as teachers, or at least, should help us to be aware of what baggage we are taking with us into the classroom to pass onto future generations of learners. I guess that the fact that I agree so strongly with Sir Ken reveals something too. I believe in the multiplicity of intelligence and the need to celebrate and educate in a way in which acknowledges this. This is partly up to the way that we teach - we can find creative ways to teach the things that we are expcted to cover, but it is also partly a curriculum/policy issue. What I have written so far in week one shows some of the values which I take into the classroom with me, but there is one very important one which I have yet to mention; a mantra of types that I intend to share. 'Unity in diversity'. This is what I would like for the future. For all people no matter their differences(race, gender, sexuality, culture intelligence type, musical taste,age, disability and so on), to celebrate those differences and everyone to be united by the fact the world, country, city, town, community they live in is a diverse place and mutual respect the key to living harmoniously together within it. I believe too, that we must BE the change that we wish to see in the world (Ghandi). -Mathew

<span style="color: rgb(131, 0, 255); font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">I too found this speech very inspirational. And I found what Matthew wrote very inspirational too! We are going to have classess full of individual students, with individual needs, so how __do__ we cater for them all? I have been thinking that creative things are the things most likely to be taken up outside school. It's very good to say we need to provide more creativity in the curriculum, but what do we get rid of? Obviously the Maths and English type subjects can't be moved, and how often do children take up academic hobbies outside school? Most children I know play sports, take dancing lessons etc. So whilst I acknowledge how important creativity is, I am saying that where else are children going to learn the academic lessons that are essential to get by in this world? I think we could incorporate more of the arts, but I also think that children are better off pursuing these things outside the classroon aswell and learning the academic lessons inside the classroom. Don't get me wrong, it is still extremly important, I'm not saying to reduce the arts in the curriculum by any means, I just don't see a way of increasing it whilst keeping the other important subjects. Then it comes down to some children aren't given the opportunities to do things outside school.... I don't really have an answer....

As Mathew pointed out; we are teaching the minds of tomorrow. We need to instill the vital morals and values into our students that will help them become valued members of society. Unity in diversity is a great mantra to teach by. I'm finding it hard to see how we, as one teacher, can do all this for our students. How do we instill morals into children? How do we teach them to accept the differences people have that make then unique? It's very daunting. <span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0); font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif;"> I don't believe that teachers are responsible for instilling morals, in fact, I don't think that this is possible within a year. We can't take on such a huge responsibility on our own; as you say Amber, we are but one teacher with a lot to cover! We can't instill, but we can teach. Our job is to open minds to possibilities and teach passion for learning to enable children to pursue their own dreams. You would be surprised at what can be covered while also tackling the curriculum... -Mathew <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Starting this degree I was confident in myself that I could make a good teacher. Based on other peoples ideas and my thoughts on what I thought made a good teacher. Day 1 Lecture 1; I was unsure of what I was getting myself into really. I felt yes, Luke you will be a good teacher, everyone thinks so, but the fear in me thought 'Do you really want to be a teacher?'. After watching this short video all the reasons and thoughts that made me make the first step in applying for this course came back to me. Teaching is so important, and good teachers can change a persons life. Sir Ken Robinson spoke so well when he discussed the notions behind teaching. I agree with Amber in the fact that we have a class of however many individuals, with ALL INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. I believe that each child in a classroom is different. Each child has different interests. Each child learns a different way. Each child will act and behave a different way. It is our job as teachers in the 21st century to acknowledge that and understand what we can do to nuture each individuals needs and gifts. I was not the best at sports when I was younger. I would act out in class to gain attention. I was always tapping and humming songs. I was unaware of this but my teachers suggested to my parents that I try a different form of extra-curricular activity. I pursued the guitar. I am now 23 and have been playing for over 11 years and still am as passionate about it as I was back then. Just a small example that each child is different and if we nuture their individuality we can really help them in their future life.**

__<span style="display: block; font-size: 130%; color: rgb(0, 128, 128); font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; background-color: rgb(255, 161, 0); text-align: center;">ISSUES SURROUNDING MALE TEACHERS __

<span style="font-size: 120%; color: rgb(255, 0, 53); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There seems to be such a negative image of males in the media and I think that impacts on the way they are viewed. It leads to issues with trust. It was made clear in the lecture that male teachers should not be left alone with a student at any time. How daunting that they can't be trusting!! It seems so irrational and yet there is an understanding of why this would be the case. Matt and Luke what is your opinion on the pressures faced as future male teachers? - Nicole <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 53); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0); font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif;">I was actually surprised at the emphasis that this was given within the lecture! Allegations can be made against any teacher. Common sense should prevail. It is sensible for all teachers to make sure that they are not left alone in a room with one student, not just male teachers! Having had my own class, it was not hard to make sure that I was not left alone with a child in the room. I also made sure that I wasn't left alone with a parent in the room either! This wasn't difficult to do nor did it feel like a big deal, just common sense and best practice for all concerned. There are plenty of privelages that come with being a male teacher (being somewhat of a rarity has some advantages both within the eyes of the profession as well as those of the childrens'). As well, there are other things that occur due to the fact of gender that weren't mentioned; such as the expectation that as you are a man that you can do/can't do something or that you are not as good a teacher as your female counterparts because you were employed because of the fact that you ARE a man! On top of dealing with gender stereotyping, I also have to deal with issues surrounding sexuality! You think issues surrounding male teachers are negative? Take a moment to contemplate those that face a gay male teacher! -Mathew <span style="display: block; color: rgb(0, 128, 128); font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">

<span style="font-size: 120%; color: rgb(255, 0, 53); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You raised a good point about not being alone with a parent either. I had not thought about being alone with a student or parent as a big deal, however listening to the lecture and the points Matt raised opened my eyes a little bit. I realise it is so there are not situations of 'he said, she said' and rightly so in an age where you can be sued for anything. One of my teachers at Primary School was a male and I don't remember him being any worse than the female teachers I had. He taught us well and gender just wasn't an issue for me. He was everything a teacher was supposed to be. At the primary age I don't remember being concerned with sexuality, is it the students that are concerned with it or the staff and parents? - Nicole <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 53); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0); font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif;">Homosexuality is viewed negatively by society in general (and sometimes equated with pedophilia by people/media), so it adds an extra pressure to my role as a teacher. Assumed heterosexuality is also sometimes pretty hard to deal with; children, colleagues and parents asking about my wife or girlfriend - this can be hard to get around (it is much easier to be 'out', but this isn't always acceptable/sensible). You would expect that sexuality is not something which comes up much in a primary school, but with homophobic bullying rife (using gay/lesbian as a taunt) it is something that can come up from time to time, that is, if you intend to teach respect for all people/diversity. With this in mind, it is good to consider that some of the children you teach will grow up 'gay' (it is also possible they have someone who is 'not straight' in their family, possibly even a parent). All children deserve to learn in an enviroment where they feel safe and respected, tackling bullying in whatever form it takes is an important way to achieve this. -Mathew

<span style="color: rgb(131, 0, 255); font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">My favourite primary school teacher was a male and I simply adored him. I was lucky enough to have him for two years and was thrilled!! I remember going with him (just me and him) to the pet shop during a lunch time to buy our classroom pet. I thought I was so special and loved every minute of it, but looking back, it definitely was not the smartest thing for him to do, and I'm quite suprised that it happened! I think it's very smart to never be alone with a student, and that was a very good point Matthew: also a parent. I guess being alone with a parent is more of a risk for male teachers, by way of being accused of something, but females need to also be careful that they don't became the person with a reason to accuse! Nicole, I had never noticed that there was a negative sterotype of males in the media. Is it just the paedophile issues you are refering to, or are there others? When I think of the media, many bad women stories come to mind; undressing in class, being involved with students, being a stripper outside work.... I have to say I haven't heard many negative male ones recently.

I, like Nicole, really knew nothing about sexuality. I don't think I even knew it was possible that same sex couples existed. I guess I was very sheltered and never imagined that people would deviate from the 'norm'. I now believe it is a very important issue and children need to be taught about these things, but I would have no idea how to go about it. As Mathew said, it is becoming increasingly popular for familes to have homosexuality a part of them, and children need to know about it, so that they can accept it. I know I was a culprit of using 'gay' with a negative connotation - "that is SO gay" but I can honestly say I didn't know what it actually meant. What age should children be introduced to the fact that some people might have two mummies, or two daddies? It's very sensitive and I think parents would have all different ideas to when is appropriate for their children to be learning about it. Are things like this going to be covered during our course? I certainly hope so!!! I'd hate to say the wrong thing.

<span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0); font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif;">I don't think that the issue of homosexuality needs to be raised as an issue, just that respect for difference (whatever that may be) is. We can teach that families are diverse, that people are diverse and that this is exciting, interesting and worthy of celebration. I don't think that we need to go beyond that (unless it becomes an issue that needs to be raised, such as, if homophobic bullying/language occur - and again, how this is dealt with depends very much on the situation). This isn't a new situation, rather it is that discrimination on the grounds of difference is becoming unacceptable. Little by little we build a better future, a better society. We have a part to play in that. -Mathew <span style="color: rgb(131, 0, 255); font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**I have to say I regret being so late adding to this discussion. Your points raised are fantastic. As a male entering into the Primary teaching force I have heard nothing but praise being a male. I believe firstly being male or female a teacher needs to use common sense and be careful with what they say and do with children. As it was stated in the lecture 'All you need is one parent to complain, or put a negative thought towards your name and your career is over.' This is a very scary notion. I believe I will use all my common sense and best judgement not to be put in a situation which could get me in trouble but you never know how different children misinterpret scenarios. This is why it is so important to, as the group agrees, to ensure we are never left alone in a room with a child or parent. As homosexuality is concerned. As I young child I was totally unaware of sexuality. That is over 10 years ago though. Homosexuality in my view has become a lot more acceptable and known about in recent times. This means that the younger people of today will be more knowledgable about homosexuality. If parents and teachers alike both educate their children that there is no difference in having two parents of the sex maybe this might not be an issue in the future.

Furthermore, males teachers can be a blessing in disguise for some students. I had two male teachers in my life. Year 3 and 5. As discussed in my teaching motivations, I was a very naughty child. I would act out in all classes and strive on the attention. It was my male teachers who I truly respected and felt that if I acted out in front of them I would let them down. I seemed to connect a lot more with males than I did with females. Did you Amber and Nicole find difference in male to females teachers? And Matt did you remember having more or less respect when having male to female teachers?

- Luke

<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 53);"> Luke I did not notice any issues with male teachers during my schooling. There really wasn't much of an issue until we got to high school, then there was a difference. But this was more related to who we related to as teenagers I believe. **

=<span style="display: block; font-size: 140%; color: rgb(11, 157, 157); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 161, 0); text-align: center;">Further Links/Resources <span style="display: block; font-size: 140%; color: rgb(0, 128, 0); font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 161, 0); text-align: center;"> =

[] Sir Ken works with many groups and organizations around the world that are designing more creative and holistic approaches in education, culture and business. This site contains many ideas and inspirations, including links to some of the organisations he works with, some providing potentially valuable teaching resources.

[] An ABC interview with Sir Ken Robinson (16-06-09) where he puts forward the notion that 'Education systems are too narrow'. //"Sir Ken Robinson, a leading thinker on education, creativity and innovation, who has advised various governments and major global corporations says that most education systems around the world including Australia’s, are still modelled on the needs of the industrial age, were already narrow and are getting narrower."//

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