hydrochloric acid is a chemical used to clean metal.  Too often students say “Why are we learning this?  I’ll never use it.”  With an integrated curriculum students should immediately understand that what is being taught has a purpose.  Again, it is easier to understand Goya’s paintings if you know that he was influenced by the internal strife of his motherland Spain.

 

Our society is rapidly becoming more and more automated.  Technology is amazing!  Today’s students must be instructed in computers.  Our society almost demands it.  It is already possible to buy groceries without using cash or a check, just pay by “MAC” card.  I believe there are unlimited possibilities for computers in the classroom but it must be managed properly or it will be abused.

 

The curriculum should challenge the learner to become a cognitive person, through experiences, demonstration and teaching.  Finally, an activity period should be developed to help the child learn how to play and socialize cooperatively; kindergarten through twelfth grade.

 

The school must set high standards and expectations for students.  I believe if a person has goals to meet that are challenging, but not impossible then this person is more likely to be successful with the help of good instruction, positive reinforcement, praise, and caring than a person who has little or nothing expected of him.  Also, some degree of competition but should not be the only means of evaluation.  Nobody “fails” unless he/she chooses to fail.

 

The methods employed to teach the curriculum must be flexible to be useful for the many different learning styles of the students.  One method or set of methods may work for one teacher and subject but be totally wrong for another.  Students learn best by doing through experiences, activities, and demonstrations.  Teachers should strive to utilize as many different methods as possible.  For example games such as Scrabble would be appropriate in an English curriculum.

 

The teacher should be a positive role model upholding the laws and values which govern the society.  He/she should demonstrate knowledge of the subject in which he/she has chosen to teach.  The teacher should be a guide and mentor for his/her students.  Teachers need to be empowered to make decisions in the classroom.  Just as different people learn differently, teachers can teach differently with

success.  It is equally important that teachers respect their students.

The student has to be made responsible for his/her education, just as he/she is responsible for making his/her bed.  If the student is given the opportunity to make decisions and choices within the educational system he/she will become responsible if he/she is held accountable for his/her decisions.  Because the students come from varied cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and abilities, cooperation between the students can benefit all.  As a volleyball coach I taught that there is no “I” in “TEAM”, and for a team to be successful you must put the needs of the team above your personal needs.  This same spirit of cooperation must be taught in order for our democratic society to continue.  Cooperation will foster a respect for each other among the students.

 

In conclusion, I see the goals of a quality education to be as follows:

 

Þ Communications Skills:  reading, writing and comprehension.  Communication is necessary for cooperation and the society.

Þ Self-esteem:  through responsibility the student will gain self worth and develop a good character.

Þ Critical Thinking and Decision Making Skills.

Þ Cooperation:  so the learner may successfully work within the society and sustain family living.

Þ Science and Technology:  useful skills for today’s society.

Þ Art and Humanities:  understanding and appreciation of art, music, plays etc.

Þ Health and Environment:  education which teaches the importance of caring for the body and earth properly.

Þ “Worthwhile use of leisure time” (Seven Cardinal Principles)

 

Although some of the words in my thoughts on education article may seem a bit dated, the meaning and vision behind them are ever clear and pertinent.  After rereading my education philosophy article it became very apparent why the sign I brought home from Nashville, Tennessee.  The sign reads … “EDUCATING CHILDREN, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING OUR COMMUNITY DOES.”  It was actually a referendum campaign sign for the Nashville, TN school district. This sign has a prominent spot in my office as a reminder to me of our purpose.  I ask you our community members to join with me in ensuring success for our children through quality education.