A Quick Journal on Scope

Lately, I am thinking quite a lot about the questions of curricular scope, or content-driven curriculum. Why do so many educators feel such pressure to cover such an ambitious scope of material, say from "A to Z?" For the 21st Century, should we be looking for a different model of "coverage" that balances better deep learning with certain content knowledge acquisition? I think we should. Of course, a degree of content knowledge is arguably necessary. However, filling the head with knowledge, like filling a cup with water, is an outdated model for education. In 2009, I believe we know from the most recent brain research that our grey matter does NOT function like a vessel to be filled.

For the past two weeks, the Math-Science PLC (Professional Learning Community), of which I am a member, has been engaged in two modeling activities that involve exploring the phases of the moon and the illumination of the Earth. While the pace of learning has been slower than a delivery relying on "sage on the stage," efficient lecture, the quality and authenticity of the learning have been rich and extraordinarily high level. By acting as a "guide on the side," the PLC facilitator has provided a learning experience that will stick with me forever. Finally I genuinely understand the qualities of shadow and illumination for the Earth and the moon, finally I can understand the sinusoidal function that describes the data, finally I appreciate that exploration and discovery should be the driving, motivating forces in a classroom. Here's to learning more by doing less.

Good Intentions...

With the noblest intentions, I started this blog in order to improve communications. As it turns out, I actually have to write to the blog to communicate in this manner! Looking back over the two months since my last posting, I am not sure that I could explain why I have not posted anything here on a more regular basis. When I began this blog, a trusted friend told me to start small and plan on posting once a month. I thought I could post at least once a week. Well, the friend was correct, and I have learned. Without falling into the cultural trap of declaring this a "New Year's Resolution," I will try to do better. I will try to write more regularly, and I will try to write things worth reading.

In terms of work, I am most involved at this time with planning for a PLC (Professional Learning Community) on 21st Century Thinking and Schooling. Beginning in January 2009, I will be co-facilitating this endeavor with Bob Ryshke, Executive Director of The Center for Teaching at The Westminster Schools. Using Daniel Pink's A Whole New Mind as a jumping off point, we will first explore what the 21st Century will call for in terms of learning and skill development. If anyone is still reading this blog after my terrible accountability to posting, I would be interested to hear what you believe are the most critical learning tasks or skills for the 21st Century.