Purpose of Education and Embracing Change – week 1

The purpose of education is a constantly evolving answer. It seemed when I was growing up, the purpose of education was to prepare students for college, comply, and be able to function in society. If this was the goal, looking at my life, the education system did its job.

As a teacher in my 4th year teaching social studies, I started with the approach I discussed from above. I remember my first and second years of teaching focusing too much on content – dates, names, events, etc… The typical history stuff. In the back of my mind I felt it was silly trying to rush through the material, but I never changed. I felt it would be frowned upon if I didn’t “cover” certain topics. The last 2 years, I have stopped and asked myself, “If I rush through the material, are they really getting it and going to remember it?” Why not slow down, incorporate new strategies, and cover the content in-depth and really well?

When I look at education through a 21st century lens, I see the purpose of education as preparing young adults for a fast changing future. Students need a variety of skills for whatever path they choose – college or work force. Students must be able to collaborate with other, adapt to problems/changes, think creatively and critically. This is where innovation and risk taking comes into play.

This school year (2017-2018) has been about risks, challenging myself, and creating a better experience with history for my students. It started with reading, Ditch that Textbook, Teach Like a Pirate, and now I find myself here with, The Innovator’s Mindset. To me, I am trying to innovate by creating a new and better experience through collaboration, thinking creatively, building relationships, and incorporating tech. My overall goal is to embrace and create change.