Friday, September 30, 2011
Week 6 D.E.J.
"Instead of focusing lessons on specific test topics like reading, writing and mathematics, and other subjects, Summers believes that “educators must integrate critical thinking into all curricula to generate a lasting impact” (2005, pp. 2)."
Thinking back on the teachers who made the greatest impact on my life, I realize that those who I remember were those who really challenged me and taught me critical thinking skills that I could take outside of the classroom and into real life. I believe that most teachers want to make this kind of impact on their students, and provide them with these skills. However, the realities of the pressure to "teach to the test" and prepare students for the WesTest often overwhelms other goals and outcomes teachers want to accomplish. It seems unfair to both the teacher and the student that the success of the whole school year is dependent on a few days of high stakes testing. Teaching critical thinking skills through critical media literacy is one way to help students prepare for these tests, while also teaching important skills that will benefit them in the future as well.
Learn critical thinking through media literacy education. (2010, October 25). Retrieved from http://medialiteracycolloquium.wordpress.com/2010/10/25/learn-critical-thinking-through-media-literacy-education/
Does the "No Child Left Behind" Act and State Testing Mandates Improve Schools and Increase Educational Opportunity?
Berlak, H., (March 2005) Retrieved from http://www.educationanddemocracy.org/Resources/NCLB_short.htm
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Powerful statement: "the whole school year depends on high stakes testing"... I totally agree! When will we look at students as individuals to see if they are making progress from year to year?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite teacher also taught critical thinking skills instead of just the basics. I learned so much from him because I learned to figure out things for myself.
ReplyDeleteI read the whole article you found for your additional resource. This was the quote I had the strongest reaction to,"NCLB as well as state policies that mandate standardized testing technology tied to prescribed curriculum undermines democratic values and cultural diversity. Democracy can only be sustained by an informed, engaged public that possesses the inclination and critical skills to question political authority and public policy." This is exactly why I thought we needed a course in Critical Media Literacy for our Master's Degree!
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