I'm almost numb to all the letters spelling out new things to be mindful of in the classroom. In fact, the word mindful makes me cringe. Mindset, social emotional learning, engagement, growth mindset, distance learning, remote learning, blended learning, or personalized learning. No, I'm not being insensitive. I'm just tired of new catchy words describing things that have been around (in one form or another) for years. I'm tired of pop-ups in social media touting these words as the new end-all in education.
First, there is no such thing as the end-all when it comes to education. Stay in the profession long enough and you'll hear the same concepts called by a myriad of names. New things aren't necessarily created as much as they are old practices that evolve which can be an improvement, a setback, or just a new name. Nothing stays the same in education. Things are constantly changing and moving. In fact, they've probably changed before the article was published. It just takes being in a classroom for an hour or two to realize this.
Secondly, tried and true methods have a way of popping up again. And again. And again. Teachers know what works. We really do. We have been living it and practicing it for years. Maybe someone should ask us the next time they come up with a "new idea" and see if it's really something old. Maybe someone should ask us if it worked, You would think asking a teacher would be the first response, but .....
Which brings me to the third point. Teachers are rarely asked for their expertise. I think most administrators are afraid to ask for a teacher's opinion. Until recently, I never attended a faculty meeting when the floor was opened up to teacher ideas. That's too scary. Someone might hear the truth. And some people aren't big enough to hear the truth. They just want to follow what is currently trending. It might make them look good.
But doesn't that leave out one very important element?? What about the kids? Has anyone ask them? Do we watch them? Do we tweak things to improve how they work with kids or are we just continuing to use the same methods because we're following protocol?
Maybe I'm not being diplomatic- certainly, no one has ever accused me of being- but I just find it silly to do things just because. Give me a reason. Show me how it will help my kids. Don't give me statistics or a lengthy lists of articles to read. Don't tell me to do it because it's something new our district is embracing. Try asking me to try it. Ask me for results. Ask me how my kids respond. Ask me what I'd adapt to my students.
Teaching isn't a cut and dry science. It is constantly changing. Every minute, hour, and day. There is nothing boring or the same in education. What worked yesterday might be a flop today. You have to roll with it, keep learning, and keep moving.
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