Testing vs. Writing and Literature Discussions

American society constantly relies on tests based on readings and lectures to measure the intellect of our youth. However, I believe that when it comes to English and Literature a simple lecture and test does not result in a understanding of the assignments.

Rather then having boring and drawn out lectures, I suggest that teachers get the students involved. Lessons that involve open ended discussions let the students debate over how they felt about the reading assignments and allow the students to analyze and interpret the literature for themselves. Once the student becomes involved and interested in the subject the understanding and easy comprehension of these pieces of literature should come naturally.

Also writing papers and creative analysis forces to read the book and interpret it for themselves. Also there is gives the student more time to think about the book and relieves the pressure of tests and one answer questions that restrict an understanding of the subject.

Homework – How Much Is Too Much?

Throughout high school I can recall dragging home a heavy workload of books to the point where my shoulders were red when I got home. A reoccurring problem among many teachers is that they don’t realize the stress that they put upon their students. Most students receive about four to five hours of homework every night, but only complete about half of it. The workload is just too much for these students to handle.

I believe that homework is very important and it does help to review topics that were recently covered in the classroom, but many teachers seem to forget that their students have seven other classes that they receive homework for almost every day. This leaves no time for extracurricular activities and causes anxiety among students.

Also more and more students seem to be having back problems at a young age. This is mostly caused by the plethora of textbooks that they have to bring home every night. As I mentioned in a previous entry, block scheduling would be one solution to this. Unfortunately, not all schools have block scheduling. Other teachers must assign homework with a reasonable perception of how much the student receives as a whole.

The Single Sex Classroom

My first three years of high school I attended an all girls catholic high school. My senior year I transferred to a co-ed public high school. Although I believe diversity is extremly important and it is only healthy for young adult to interact with each other, There were many positives to an all girls high school.

Students who attend single sex schools are more likely to focus on academics and volunteer inside the classroom. They are not afraid of being judged by the opposite sex. Also students in an all girls or an all boys school share a bond unlike any other. When I attended my first high school we were forced to befriend those of those of the same sex. We literally formed a sisterhood, which I’m sure those of you in a sorority can relate to. There were no separation of groups because nobody was there to impress anyone. I believe single sex classrooms have many positives that parents should consider when choosing a school for their child.

On the other hand, a co-ed school allows interaction with the opposite sex and prepares young adults for the real world. Is it better to have this interaction, or does it conflict too much with school work? I cannot say for sure, but I can say both have positives that the other cannot compete with.

Block Scheduling

    Every year more and more schools are taking advantage of the idea of block scheduling. This is a new way of scheduling classes that allows for longer periods and less classes. Traditional school schedules are made up of six to eight classes each school year, usually lasting about 40-50 minutes each. Block scheduling, however, consists of four classes each semester. These classes last about 85-100 minutes each. After a semester is over a student gets four more classes, totaling in eight classes a year.

This type of scheduling has numerous benefits both to teachers and students. As a English Education major I have found that teachers are unable to use a variety of teaching techniques within a 40-50 minute period. By the time the class is settled down and attendance is taken, there is only about a half hour left for the teacher to complete the lesson. This is barely enough time to introduce a new topic to a class. Block scheduling gives teachers enough time to complete a full lesson plan or activity without interruptions. Also with the traditional form of scheduling there is more time wasted in hallways between classes.

When students are introduced to four subjects at a time instead of eight, they find it easier to concentrate. Block scheduling allows students to be more focused and makes room for better test results. It is simply easier for a student to concentrate if he/she has less to worry about. Since most college schedules last about an hour and a half, block scheduling also prepares high school students for the college experience.

Block scheduling not only helps students focus on subjects in class, it helps them with homework as well. With four classes instead of eight, block scheduling calls for less homework. This gives them more time to study without the slew of textbooks and back problems. Studies have shown that the numerous textbooks used in traditional scheduling has resulted in increasing back problems with school-aged children.

Other educators have found that block scheduling causes short attention spans with young children. I believe that this upside of block scheduling greatly outweighs the downside. Every school who uses traditional scheduling should take a closer look at block scheduling and it’s advantages!

SparkNotes Vs Literature

Today SparkNotes has completely taken over high school, and even college literature courses. Students no longer feel the need to read an assigned book if they can simply read a few pages from a SparkNotes book. This is a problem because as a student and future teacher I can say that there is absolutely no substitute for reading the novel. It is impossible for SparkNotes to cover everything in a entire novel. But do not worry fellow educators, there is a solution!

A recent professor gave mentioned this idea to me about two weeks ago and I thought it was brilliant! As a project have the students compare and contrast SparkNotes to the actual book. This forces the student to read the actual novel and critique it themselves. The professor that has tried this found that there are countless errors in SparkNotes. A student would have never figured this out if he studied the SparkNotes alone. Also it helps the students take a closer look at the piece of literature, including figuring out their own themes, motifs, and character analysis!

Kean’s Education Majors

Kean University is known for it’s education program, but are they asking too much of their students? About three fifths of Kean graduates end up in the field of education, but compared to other majors they have quite a workload.

Kean takes their education department very seriously, in fact they take it so seriously it often makes their students stressed. Students who plan on majoring in secondary education(and this goes with most other types of education) must go through a entire application process after they are accepted into the university. At Kean being accepted into the university, does not necessarily mean you are accepted into their education program. There are several steps you must go through in order to officially be accepted.

First you must have a minimum of a 2.75 GPA. Although this usually isn’t that hard it’s a lot higher then what is expected of most majors. You must also receive a B- in all Subject Specialization and education classes. After completing a list of prerequisite classes, you are then able to go through the application process. This includes filling out numerous forms, having at least two recommendations, writing a personal statement, and an interview with the program coordinator. Before handing in the application you must also complete a speech/language screening test and a MAPP test(with a minimum score of 435). After doing all of this a teacher is required to take a Praxis test before graduating.

I understand that Kean University holds their education program above any other major, but the academic advisers are barely there for support and to lead these students in the right direction. After going through this myself, I have found a new respect for all education majors at the University!

Teachers Overpaid?

Researching ideas for my website over the weekend, I came across a discussion board that suggested that teachers are grossly overpaid. My mouth literally dropped as I read this statement.

The average teacher starting out makes about 30-40 thousand a year. This is hardly overpaid considering most of these teachers have an bachelors degree and are working for their masters. A teacher who has been teaching for years and has received a tenure makes a maximum of 60 thousand a year. Compared to other careers with similar credentials, an educators paycheck is not nearly as generous

Another point that most people do not seem to take into consideration is that teaching is NOT a 40 hour a week job. Many have this misconception that a teachers work ends as soon as the bell rings and the school day is over. What these people do not realize is that teachers do most of their work OFF THE CLOCK! After the bell finally does ring, they go on to their off the clock duties. This begins with after school help, which may take anywhere from 15 minutes to 3-4 hours. Then when it is time to go home the rest of the day( and most of the weekend) is consumed with grading tests and papers, writing up lesson plans, and preparing lectures. And I havn’t even touched on faculty responsibilities including numerous faculty meetings and countless workshops.

Yes I do agree that teachers have certain benefits that most jobs do not. It is also nice, especially if you’re raising a family, to know that you have holidays and summers off. However, most teachers end up working over these holidays. Since a good percentage of teachers who are just starting out are still working for their masters degree, the summers are usually a time to go to school. Also over the summer, and this especially goes for elementary school teachers, teachers spend countless hours in a hot classroom preparing classrooms with bulletins, borders, and learning centers.

So, are our teachers overpaid? Considering thier long hours and educational backround, I think not.

Helping Teachers With Low Budget Classrooms

    Every good teacher goes into a classroom, hoping to give their heart and soul into their career. However, this is not always possible with the budget that is given to educators in certain public school districts. Every year teachers take money out of their own pocket and purchase hundreds of dollars worth or classroom supplies. Together we can help raise money through www.ILoveSchools.com. This website is a non-profit organization that donates supplies to classrooms on a low budget.  If you are a teacher in need of classroom supplies, or would like to donate please visit the website and help public schools become a better learning environment. Thank you for your help and consideration!

The Scarlet Letter

Most of us have hear of Nathaniel Hawthorn’s “The Scarlet Letter”, but those who have actually read and analyzed the book know it’s truth. The story takes place in a Puritan community in the 1800’s. Hester’s husband leaves for quite a long time, so long in fact that Hester comes to believe that he is dead. During that time she falls in love and gives birth to her daughter Pearl.

When her husband finally returns Hester is accused of adultery. Her punishment for this crime was to wear a embroidered letter A wherever she went. Throughout the book she is looked down upon and the other women in the village look at her in disgust.

Even though Hawthorn was speaking of the 18th century Puritans, today’s society is still similar to his writings. Especially for women, one mistake can follow you around for the rest of your life. One good example of this was the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky scandal. Although president Clinton may have been a great president, he will always be remembered for committing adultery.

Unrealistic Teacher Films

My mother is currently a literacy coordinator for Barlow Elementary School. Almost every day I see her bring home another slew of movies based on teaching techniques in the classroom.

Although these movies are simply making suggestions in order to help teachers, they hardly touch base on the reality of teaching in the classroom. These films show cookie cutter families dropping off their children for a perfect learning experience. Although it would be nice to believe that all public schools are like this, however it is far from the truth.

Previous to her career as a literacy coordinator, my mother had taught at a inner-city public school in Philadelphia. The teachers there were lucky if the children even attended full week of class. Many public schools today face limited resources and unruly children and nothing is being done about it. Teachers in today’s society need to take control of the classroom, but videos that show well behaved children in a perfect environment is hardly a reliable resource.