Change is here, there and everywhere. Most people don't like change and this is 'raising cain', the rebel in us all. Oh! Give me a break. So we make a pause, reflect and then make the change. In the generic vein, men pause before the change. When the pendulum on the academic clock swings from one ideology to the next, a change has occurred, the paradigm shift. Concept-based teaching in the classroom they want to see because too many nonessential facts are on the plate, causing kids to suffer from regurgitation ache with the brain foaming and not roaming as it should, inquiringly to construct and construe creatively. The molecules of chalk-dusk and spit balls flying about not good for the eyeballs for they maim with pain. A diet of Edutech cookies woud constrain those salivate balls. Yea, we would have constructed a student-friendly commune where constructivism as they call it, would flourish with equal opportunities for all. Multi-tasking teachers, they all would be, facilitating the learning process for all to see. Socializing the kids in groups of four or more, aircraft seatng in the classroom, not anymore. Exchanging, consulting and verifying of ideas are on the upward swing, which would increase the collaborative score. Censorship of intellectual thought, not again. Mind you this was never the case before. Testing, you must, but the mess in the process, we must address. Portfolio assessment and observation checklist, we implore. One-shot examining and stuffing must go through the eddo.
© Paterika Hengreaves
Notes
eddo: It is also referred to as the taro or dasheen. In Barbados this tropical plant is called the eddo. It is grown primarily as a vegetable food for its edible corm (root vegetable). Secondarily as a leaf vegetable. The leaves of this plant look like elephant ears.
'raising cain': Adam is the first man in the old Judeo-Christian Bible and he raised two sons, Cain and Abel from his wife, Eve. Cain was jealous of his brother Abel and he killed him according to Genesis Chapter 4: Verses 1 to 8. Read the entire Chapter for the full account.
These two brothers fought often (sibling rivalry) and as such, their relationship was filled with trouble. Hence, the expression: raising cain (meaning to cause trouble and disturb others.)
Very interesting I love change a long as it comes in reasonable proportions. My daughter is now studying for her exams. In her current school she can study above her level. My son who has learning problems can choose to do it in the time he needs and in the subjects we choose together. I am very excited about that.
ReplyDeleteHi Marja
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. Your kids are fortunate indeed to be experiencing education that is student-oriented. Learning is a continuous process and students should be allowed to developed at their own rate. Let the competition in learning be all about accomplishing goals one sets for one's self. Learning should be pleasurable and meaningful experiences for the learner. I wish your kids much success in their educational journey. Your daughter writes beautiful poetry of a high standard. Her creative writing talent is blooming and augurs well for her future in her literary artistry.
Cheers
Paterika