A New Pedagogy-Susan Holm

When I think of new pedagogy I think of a whole new approach that was just created, new founded and untested. However, after getting a snap shot of the author Will Richardson on his blog, I realized that his thinking really isn’t brand new at all. His main objective appears to be centered on using the computer in a way that stimulates learning and a new literacy. He also writes passionately about his own children. He lists types of questions he hopes they will answer when they come home from school. This gives me the impression that Will Richardson has vested interest in quality teaching strategies that make real difference to real people with real kids. Ok I’m listening!

In the author’s blogging and connective reading for August 11, 2008 he refers to the controversial book “Why Johnny’s Professor Can’t Read” He points out that the book can be compared to today’s controversy over teaching technology. The book pointed out the failure of American teachers not teaching phonics and producing readers who are not equipped. Similarly, today’s teachers and administrators are lacking the skills and understanding of the value of technology use in the classroom. The students know more than we do. It is their language, Will Richardson referred to these kids as the N-Gens or Net Generation. This blog is suggesting that we get up to speed with the changing learning culture of the N-Gens.

I agree, we can’t continue teaching the same way and expect elevated results. Teachers resist because it is like we are going where no man has gone before. Unchartered waters and unfamiliar territory are not fun. Though we may be stretched outside our comfort zone I believe it is imperative to begin to understand the N-Gen’s learning style and become literate ourselves.

The other blog that tapped my interest was “What Did You Create Today?”. I am a mother of 3 and sometimes I feel like I’m in the dark when it comes to what my child is learning on a day to day basis. My questions for my children do not seem very intuitive. I ask things like: How was your day? What did you learn today? Did you pass your test? Will Richardson points out how important is for us to expect that kids be immersed in spaces where learning is loved and engaging, meaningful work that makes them think, and doing things that are difficult to measure by state tests. He suggests that his children’s’ teachers should be role models of learning themselves. This insight causes me to think about what the students might say about my class when they go home. I want to be the kind of teacher who is also learning and creating an environment where students love to be, are engaged, where I make them think, and we do things where learning is spontaneous with action. This isn’t brand new pedagogy but thought provoking. Teach like I’m the parent who is asking those questions and my teaching will grow by leaps and bounds.