6/29 Class

I was a little skeptical about doing the skits/presentations again in class to discuss the articles we read.  I enjoyed the first class so much and felt like it was such a special experience and to do it again almost seemed liked trying to recreate the "lightning in a bottle".  I was wrong, yesterdays class was just as good, if not better than the first.  Although the skits and presentations are wonderful, I really enjoy hearing about every one's prop and why they made the connection from their story to their own life.  I think Chrissy did a phenomenal job explaining the Ebonics scenario with her high heels.  Great job everyone!

Common School

I just finished reading Chapter 5 for today's class and I just am so angry about the way people were treated back in the 1800's.  When establishing a common school, the name to me suggests an education for everyone.  No matter your race or religious beliefs.  I am sure we have all experienced discrimination in one way or another, and some more than others.  But I would have a very difficult time understanding why I was being denied an equal chance at an education because I am Irish/German and because I am a female.  Just reflecting and thinking how I would react if I was put in that position makes me furious.  I would have probably started my own school, just like the Catholics did.  I would not want to go to school with people who thought I was a heathen.   
I then think how can someone treat another human being that bad?  Then I fast forward and I think about today and how there are still inequalities among people today, and not just related to education.
I think about yesterdays chapter, discussion in class, and the word education.  I am not sure what the word education means to me, I am still processing my thought but what does that word education mean to you?   

Chapter 4-The Ideology and Politics of the Common School

I just got done reading Chapter 4 for today's class and I really enjoyed reading about the common school.  I do not know much about the history of our educational system so this chapter was really interesting for me.  I connected with the ideas and thoughts behind the common school, but I do not agree with the idea of it being a "panacea for society's problems" (Spring, 80).  I liked how they wanted to create a common culture, reduce the social conflict, lift public morality, and end crime and poverty.  Those are all very noble and lofty goals, and I think education can help but it will not alleviate all of those issues. 
I also found the word common to be interesting.  As I kept reading I read that the word common refers to the "common moral education based on the general principles of the Bible and on common virtues..."(Spring, 85).  
The last idea that caught my attention was the one about if you really want to provide a common education where all children are receiving the same instruction across the board send them all to a boarding school.  There the children would sleep in the same bunks, eat the same food, wear the same uniform, and so on.  I thoguht this was interesting because in my morning class we were talking about knowing the child and where they come from.  The child's environment can change drastically as soon as they leave your classroom, and you may not always know what is happening at the child's home, or if the child even has a home.  Do we as teachers treat children differently based on the clothes they wear or what street they live on?  Or if the child is acting out do we just assume they are a bad kid or are they acting bad for another reason? 

 

Bibliography: 

Spring, Joel H. (2011) The American School : a global context from the puritans to the Obama era. 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill

Comments

Ok so I have never done this blogging thing and I am currently having difficulty commenting on every one's blog.  So after 2 hours I have decided to post my comments on my blog and hopefully tomorrow I will learn how to comment. 
So first I wanted to comment on Francis's blog and answer his question about the crazy teacher.  For me it was Mr. Cox.  He was a young teacher in his first job.  He taught social studies and my senior year I had him for US Government.  One beautiful spring day Mr. Cox tells us we are leaving the building and we are going up to Graeters ice cream for class.  This field trip was not planned and so we had to sneak out of the building and then also manage to sneak back in.  I remember thinking, we are going to get caught.  I can never do anything like this and get away with it.  We did of course get away with it, and I am still not sure why Mr. Cox did this for us.  It was a small gesture, but I still think it was the coolest/craziest thing any teacher ever did. 
The second posting I wanted to comment on was Rashad's post about home schooling.  It it definitely a hot button issue and I don't think we will all agree.  My belief is every person, family, and situation is different.  The parent's must do what they think is in the best interest of the child and I don't think anyone should be judged for doing what they think is best.  You can debate the pros and cons of home schooling but at the end of the day it just might be a better fit for someone. 
The last posting I wanted to comment on was Toya's post about private vs. public school.  Once again, I think a lot like home schooling everyone is going to have an opinion.  I was in public school my whole life and had a wonderful experience.  I understand why some families/children choose a private education but I think no matter what you choose, you will get what you put in.
Sorry for my lack of knowledge about blogging, hopefully I will get it soon!!!

Education-Past and Present

I am tyring to think of a formative memory for me as a student and I am having a hard time really picking one.  I always enjoyed being in school.  I didn't always like getting up early in the morning to go to class but once I was there I really enjoyed the experience.  Even last night at work, I was really excited to start summer classes.  My co-workers thought I was nuts! 
I think the major issues facing the field of education are curriculum design, class size, quality of the educator and other administrators, and the whole constuct of the public education system. 
The next question is really hard for me.  This will be the third education class I have taken since coming back to school.  For me thinking about the title of the course I would like to study and discuss the foundations of education and looking at have those core ideas changed?  If they haven't, why not?  Do we need a cultural shift in the way our public education system works right now? 

Learning Style

As a student I am usually pretty quiet.  I usually need time to process information and I really like to reflect and think about what I am going to say before I actually say anything.  For me to take intellectual and creative risks in the classroom I would have to be comfortable with the professor and the others in the class.  The environment would need to be supportive and understanding. 
As I said earlier I am a pretty quiet student.  I will get involved with class discussion and ask questions if I am confused.  I always stay on top of my work and I usually try to complete assignments before they are due.  I am a visual learner, it helps me to see things and to actually go through the motion. 
Since I decided to come back to school and I am paying for it this time around, I think I am taking my education more personally.  I also work 5-6 nights a week, so that is why I try to stay ahead of my school work so I am not stressing the last minute to complete an assignment. 

WebLog1-Class Survey

My name is Lizz Steinmetz and I am from Columbus, Ohio.  My email is esteinmetz14@jcu.edu.  I prefer to be called Lizz.  I am pursuing my licensure in physical education from K-12.  When I am not in class or working I really enjoy watching the Ohio State Buckeyes, Indians, and the Browns.  I also enjoy watching movies, working out, cooking, and shopping.