The education system has remained relatively stagnant throughout history. Change and creativity is present in our education system, but it normally moves at a slower pace. Reimagining education can look very different depending on one’s own personal worldview and/or lens. The system has flaws much like any system. The curriculum is a base or directory of what students should learn each year in school. An educator’s approach or dynamic with students can really determine what is taken from each lesson. Ultimately a student’s experience at school, whether it is social, cognitive or physical, can create a varying perspective of what school is supposed to be. As described in Greg Whiteleyâs Most Likely to Succeed (2015) the education system gives students what is considered fundamental information from each subject. In comparison to the alternative school in the documentary that gave their students and teachers freedom to learn and teach outside our traditional education dynamic, developing fundamental knowledge but also skills.
When I think of reimaging education, I think of taking agency as an educator to make changes that positively impact my students. Taking into consideration the individuality of every student and how the learning environment I create, and foster can impact their perception and experience of school. This could include modification or even alternate activities, taking a more student-centered approach. I will need to consider what are the learning outcomes on a whole and Indvidual level and what I want my students to take from a lesson.
The education system will shift and change, and I am incredibility excited and also curious for what that will hold. I hope to bring a different dynamic than what I had in school. I experienced a more lesson plan/teacher focused setting which did have its pros and cons. I find that a lot of what is considered fundamental information is not necessarily what stuck with me the most. I find the chances I got to prusue my own learning objectives passionately is the information I can quickly recall. This can look very different for each individual because people thrive in different learning environments. When taking too many factors into account the possibility of losing sight of the overarching goal could occur. Concerns about the education system and their assessments adequately setting up students for the route of post-secondary education have become relevant. Educators must determine how alternative teaching methods may affect student outcomes. Taking into consideration social, cultural, and technological factors can help educators mitigate obstacles.
