1. One way that my content research (music/chanting in the classroom) has caused me to re-think an idea is the fact that empirical research is hard to find. Even though this class is content based and I have found some great secondary sources, I would love to be finding more research based articles, specifically on chanting in the classroom. (I have been looking for articles in regards to music and reading, but sometimes I have been coming across articles about reading music, not using music to spark reading in language arts.)
Throughout my research, chanting in regards to literacy has been a topic that has really sparked my interest. From the articles that I have read, chanting can make an impact on reading comprehension and on ELLs. This is so interesting because chanting can be something musical, or just something that is repeated over and over again. Chants can be made about different topics and subjects, and students can even create their own! I would love to use chants to help students to brainstorm or memorize facts. I hope to find more research with chanting and music in the classroom!
2. The Common Core reform is an effort to improve education in the United States. The effort to make a more unified curriculum is positive, and I think (if executed efficiently) the Common Core could be a really great thing for the children in our schools. I also think it is a good way for teachers to learn how to teach critical thinking in a way where they can implement technology. From what we have read so far in Ravitch, reforms usually always mean well, but end poorly. Since I think the Common Core standards are not a huge change from the CA Standards now, I really think that CA could be successful with the switch to Common Core.
Also, in regards to the union, if they didn't exist, teachers could potentially have no voice. Although Ravitch presents many different arguments about teacher unions, she also proves how some of those arguments are false. I think unions are necessary, and I feel like as teachers, we need to 'buy in' to them. In our economy today, having a union is a good thing because if we didn't have one, the government would have a lot more leverage over teachers. Also, I feel if unions ceased to exist, schools would not improve. Maybe the schools in the more affluent areas would improve because those areas would have the resources and the money to bring in the teachers that they want. However, the schools in the lower areas would suffer because the union would not be there to fight for those teachers to get the benefits and the pay that they deserve. Overall, I have a positive view on unions, but I do think that teachers need to participate and be a part of the union as well so teachers can be lead in the right direction.
Commented on:
April Klassen
Monica Mitra
Hey Whitney, I am glad I am not the only one having difficulty finding empirical research for my topic of interest. If I find any music related ones with chants I will send them your way, because I am also looking into music to go along with dance. I am hoping this will help me find more research. The ELL thing makes sense and it reminds me of GLAD. You are so talented in music, your students are lucky to have you to help them use music as a tool in the classroom! :)
ReplyDeleteWhitney-
ReplyDeleteI liked reading your comments about teachers unions because I seem to be finding myself against them lately. I was just writing on April's blog talking about how the unions are taken advantage of so often these days. I really think teachers need protection, especially first year teachers. We are bound to make silly mistakes...we are learning. However, I feel that I have come into contact with so many people/teachers who have no right to be in education. Teachers who are SO disorganized it disrupts the learning of students, teachers who use fear as motivation...just some really icky things! These teachers are protected by the union and are virtually un-fireable (word?). It's kind of a bummer to see things like that happen. Think about how many interviews we went on before finding our jobs! We are eager, excited, have so many ideas and were being passed up because there aren't many jobs available...that's because teachers who should have been fired YEARS ago are still teaching! Urg! It just drives me nuts!
Whitney,
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean by having a hard time finding empirical research. It was easy the first week, but now it is getting more challenging and I feel that I am spending hours looking for them. I am glad that you found some in language arts! I agree with what you said about the CCS. They seem great right now, but I feel it will take a few years of implementation to figure out what doesn't work and needs to be changed. I like that you support teacher unions. Have you thought of any reasons why teacher unions are not good? :)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHello Whitney,
DeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. What an interesting concept, chanting in regards to literacy. I have been looking for research in regards to memorizing math facts and did not, until now, think about chanting as a means of memorizing. I especially like your idea of allowing students to come up with their own chants.
In regards to teacher unions, you make a great point, "the schools in the lower areas would suffer because the union would not be there to fight for those teachers to get the benefits and the pay that they deserve." So true. If unions did not exist, there would be little incentive for quality teachers to work in environments that were lacking resources and support.
I too have been having trouble finding empirical research. It's hard to reconcile looking for "content" sources and looking at empirical research, because most of the empirical research I find seems pedagogical.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your comments on teacher unions, and liked your statement about buying in. If we all "buy in," but are also committed to our students and practice, then unions and student achievement can coexist.