In my recent post, Midterm Exams and 21st Century Knowledge, I said that we ought to be focusing more on developing reasoning, problem-solving and researching skills, and de-emphasizing rote memorization of names, dates and formulas. Our sophisticated technology allows us to look up data and procedures easily, freeing up our “head space” for higher level thinking. Yet, every year, students are still required to cram for exams by stuffing lots of facts into their brains.

Here’s one of the replies I received: Yes, what the formula is may be important but as long as we know where to find it,it is much more critical to know why, when and how to USE it. So yes, I agree with you. The next thought is how do we change the system and the teachers entrenched in it?

I think that technology is going to be part of the key to a dramatic change for the better in our educational system. Right now there are experimental programs being piloted, including School of One, a system which uses computers and interactive software programs to deliver individualized, self-paced instruction. Kids learn best when they learn at their own pace, and technology can make this possible in ways large-group classroom instruction simply cannot.

I also believe that once teachers are freed from their roles as classroom lecturers and disciplinarians their energy will flow in productive directions. Once technology takes over the bulk of the lesson-delivery process, teachers will have time to help individual students or pursue special-interest topics with small groups. Teaching will become a very different profession from what it is now.

A few teachers, the ones “entrenched” in their old-fashioned roles, will not welcome the change. But I can’t help believing that most real educators…people who love knowledge and are excited about learning…will be overjoyed to spend their careers actively empowering kids to develop into strong thinkers and communicators.

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From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (January 29, 2010)

    Last reviewed: 29 Jan 2010