blogging for education: a blog

my sidenote: this weekend i went and saw Across the Universe, so i might be havingsome ‘let’s take action’ feelings, i dont know.  anyway, my main issue with the presentations, as i stated on the discussions page, is the absence of a question-answer period.  I didn’t enter into education to have information fed to me in this manner.  I feel, as I am sure many others do (indicated by the discussions) that after four years of doing a Bachelors of something, learning how to analyze, critique, discuss etc, that I should be denied my fundamental right as a student to QUESTION.  i understand that sometimes its a time issue, or that the presenters just didnt fit it into the schedule, but i really feel that to understand the information, truly, we should question it.  The recent presentation on home schooling is what really sparked this rant, which is funny because i do understand the benefits of homeschooling, and though i might see the negatives according to me, i think that the presenters were talking to the converted.  We, as pre-service teachers (sounds like i am training for something, like the army, yikes!) surely do see the beauty of one child classrooms, different curriculums, many and varied field trips, working outside of time constraints.  Unfortunately, i left the presentation feeling like i was robbed- the information was interesting, compelling whatever, but the way it was presented sort of ruined it for me.

that rant though, was not my reflection for the week.  Yesterday i was at my friendly coffee shop (bean scene- delicious cappaccinos: do you think they will pay me for the free advertising?) talking about the segregated school idea put forth by one of the trustees on the coast mountaint school district school board.  i, of course, think that this is a disgusting idea. my uncle has down’s syndrome, and was very nearly segregated from the school system.  i have experienced the undeniable benefits of knowing this funny, honest and courageous man.  and i think that children benefit in this same manner: keeping a diverse student population together as one creates tolerance and understanding.  so, i am opposed to the idea, as were many of my conversees.  someone, in a disgusted tone questioned why, in the first place would they consider segregation.  i quickly responded: money.  blank stares all around.  most didn’t understand the funding per student ratio, and were appalled, but immediately were able to understand the reasoning behind why a segregated school could be beneficial.  i think that their responses stemmed from the idea that no one wants to be reduced to a number.  anyway, i was then quite proud to tell them the advances being made in this school district, and tell them about iep’s etc.  i know that there are still leaps and bounds that need to be acheived in the education system,  but i am happy to see the positive side of what we are all involved in.

 i think thats all for this week. i watched ‘whats eating gilbert grape’ yesterday. all i did this weekend was watch movies.  anyway, what a great movie.  i have noticed that when i watch things now i question if i can use it in a classroom.  it has put a lot of my life in a different perspective and it has made things more important to me.  interesting.