"Mind the Gap: Session 2"

Mind the Gap

1.    Chapter 1: In recounting her journey through many education reforms, Diane Ravitch makers a number of provocative statements. Choose two, quote them and personally respond.

Quote 1

…Chandler Bagley complained about the “fads and reforms that sweep through the educational system at periodic intervals”.  (pg,3)

It is nice to hear that fads in teaching come and go, in a time with so much negative feelings toward NCLB we know that the sun will rise again.  We might find ourselves frustrated with the new common core standards, but again we will see them pass and new ideas take shape.  Our mission is to promote new/old ideas that work and apply them to our classrooms.  We do not need to be pigeon holed into a single theory or practice, but rather teach with our students at the front of our minds.

Quote 2

“Over the past two decades, the state of California replaced its reading curriculum, its mathematics curriculum, and its science curriculum, but the history curriculum-touching on some of the most sensitive and controversial topics and events in American and world history-endured.” (pg, 7)

This quote definitely hits a personal chord in my early upbringing as a Hispanic male in a majority Caucasian focused history curriculum which our state still subscribes to.  In our present time Caucasians are no longer the majority and the harrowing stories of minorities need to be taught and discussed.

2.  2     How would you characterize a well-educated person? What should any well-educated person know in today’s world?

Teachers need to not only know the most current pedagogical approaches, but also be well educated.  What does it mean to be well educated? Go to an accredited university or get high marks? Is being well educated have to do with flexibility and understanding of other’s opinions as Ravitch states? I agree with Ravitch’s statements that to be well educated has more to do with thinking and learning a variety of subjects, as well as “listening respectfully to others”.

3. 3      What would you like to say that you did not say?

I’d like to state that I am greatly enjoying this book, whose author is both engaging and interesting, recalling history and current events. I would also like to know why the performing arts standards have not been undated, in a time of curriculum change it seems the arts are getting forgotten again.

4.   4   Choose one gap listed from your subject area and identify 3 resources: a website, an article, and a book that can help you fill that gap.

Mead, V. H. (1994). Eurhythmics: In Today's Classroom. New York: Schott.

The prime text book for students of Dalcroze Eurhythmics, containing games, music and pedagogical techniques. The back of the book contains a library of movement/music games to be played with students of all grades.

My lack of knowledge about Dalcroze Eurhythmics has been filled by this wonderfully complex and beautiful hand book to teaching movement and music in the classroom. The book gives great ideas for integrating music and dance into everyday routines and holidays.  After reading sections of this book I am already playing music games with my summer campers daily.

Mackie, J. (1978). Basic Ballet: The Steps Defined. New York: Penguin Books.

Grau, A. (2005). Eyewitness: Dance. New York: Dorling Kindersley

The next two sources expanded my understanding of dance and its many forms and styles.  My experience with dance has mostly been as a fan with a few dance classes over the years.  These books give me a better idea of the complex movements and techniques I need to research in order to become more acquainted with the beauty of movement.

5.5      Why/how any two of these articles were useful to you topic/questions?

Focusing my ideas and imagination and allowing for exploration within my field of interest.

I responded to:

Ashley Gould

Kelly Bull