Trend Analysis #2

For the second trend analysis I thought more about the Harry Potter Book Series. Although these books were originally written for elementary school age kids, people of all ages read them, especially middle school age kids. Although the stories of Harry, Ron and Hermione are fictional they do present everyday issues. Harry talks about being bullied and the value of friendship is greatly reinforced in every book. Another theme that I think is important for adolescents in perseverance. Harry is faced with a new evil every school year, and each year he gets stronger, learns more and is determined to defeat his enemy and make it to the next school year. My only problem with the book is the use of magic to get back at people who have done something to you.
Although none of the students are every hurt by anyone else, the idea of "getting back at" someone is not a good problem solving skill.

Trend Analysis #1

I looked at teenpeople.com, which is the website for Teen People Magazine. I remember reading this magazine in middle school. Th website stresses the importance of being "on top". It talks a lot about "Whose Hot Right Now". It gives the impression to me that if you wear clothes like this, you will be more popular, and be "on top". Fashion is very important in the celebrity world where people are critiquing every little thing. I feel that this may cause some adolescents to put the same emphasis on fashion as well, and may cause them to be more critical of others around them. Teen People is definitely aimed towards the teenage girl. There is a lot of gossip on the website. "She said this" and "We saw this" occurs frequently. I was also disappointed that I didn't see anything pertaining to current world issues. I think this is something that more adolescents should pay attention to.

Today's Early Teens

A Couple Questions

1. Are middle school students different then they were fifteen years ago?

• I think middle school students are much different than they were fifteen years ago. Although the changes that occur in every person has not changed, the reason why and the speed at which these changes happen are different. Many times youth of today are forced to "grow up" because a greater amount of responsibility is expected of them at an earlier age. With the divorce rate as high as it is, many children are left in single parent homes and are forced and expect to take more responsibilities of the household, such as cooking and cleaning.
  
  The media today also has a big influence on young teens. They are seeing more images of what it's like to be "grown up" than ever before and at a younger age. Technology has also caused students to think differently than those of the 1980s. Ways of accomplishing tasks has also changed with technology. Student now think about how long it will take to word process a paper, not how long it will take them to type on a typewriter, or when they will be able to get to a certain place to be able to use the only computer there.
  
  There are many more reasons, but I do feel that young teens today are different. All still have hopes and fears, so they are a like in that aspects, but fears and dreams today seem greater and more exact.

2. Are the basic skills students will be required to master for their future reflected in what we do in schools?

• This is a difficult question for me. I want to say yes. That we do present real world scenarios and consequences. I want to say that every student, when finished with high school, is ready for any situation that presents itself in the world. But I don't think this is completely true.
  
  I think the demand for technology use in schools is steadily increasing to give students more opportunities to see and use technology. Yet, because of funding, or lack of, many students are using out dated technology, and not getting the real practice they may need for the world after high school.
  
  One thing I think we need to spend more time on in schools is group problem solving and conflict resolution. With all the wars, conflicts and fighting we see and ear about our young teens need to have some way to a solution. We don't spend enough time hearing both side of the story so that we can better understand each other, and maybe, in turn, prevent some future conflicts.

3. Has society changed faster/differently than our schools?

• I believe that society is changing at a MUCH greater rate than our school. Important new events and discoveries are occurring all the time, and we are not able to keep up with it in schools. We are using out dated history and science books that don't tell the whole story.
  
  There is more I would like to say, but I am out of time. Some for another day.
  

Internet and Learning - Promise or Problem?

I think the internet and technology are an essential part of learning today. There are so many things the internet can offer. Teachers and students can find examples to support theis topics. It is also a great source of information. As seen here at Luther college, email is the primary form of communication when face-to-face communication is not possible.

With all the great opportunities the internet presents, there are also problems. In many areas and schools, there are still many students who do not have access to a computer or the internet, even at the school. Also, because there is so very much information available, and anyone can post things on a website, there is a possiblility of finding incorrect and misleading information. Technology can be a very helpful tool, but me must teach students the correct wy to use it if we want them to be successful.

Cell Phones in Schools

I know there are more and more people with cell phones everyday. Many people depend on them for business and communication with family members. With the current wireless providers continuing to expand, there are few places left where cell phones can not be used. One place where I feel they should not be used is in schools.

Sometimes when I'm out shopping I see young girls and boys with cell phones, who are barely old enough to be out of elementary school. Because of the rising number of students (in all grades) with cell phones, this is an important issue to consider.
Some people may give excuses as to why they should be allowed. Some include parents being able to reach their children in a time of emergency, or the students contacting the parents. To this I say, "That's what the school is for." The principal's and dean's offices are there for students and parents when one or the other needs to be contacted in an emergency. Although a cell phone could be faster, it is also a distruption in class. If we were to allow cell phones for emergencies, students would then be allow to call them all the time (because who can predict when an emergency situation will occur?). This then presents a distraction to students and to teachers. Cell phones can be used to play games during class or to cheat on homework and tests.

Some people fear that cell phones make it easier for gang members to collaborate during the school day. Although I do not see this as the biggest issue, it is also another point to consider.
There are one or two exception that I would allow in my classroom/school. If there is a family trauma (i.e. an expected death in the family, an on-going helth concern, etc.), a cell phone may be allowed. This is something that would have to be discussed with the principal, tecahers, parents, and students to find an agreement that works.

So, turn them off, and leave them in your locker/purse/briefcase, or leave them at home.

Why do we teach?

I think the most important reason we teach is to give students the tools theye need to become a successful individual. We teach them how to think for themselves, how to problem solve, and how to participate in a group, whether in a job setting or in society. Especially in secondary education, I think we also teach becuse we find something that is really interesting to us, and we want to share that with other people, so that they have the chance to find something that they really love too.

I would define school "work" as the things students do to practice the skills we intend to teach. It is the practice of problem solving indicidually and cooperatively. Some people may think much of school "work" is "busy work", but I think the more important lesson to be learned is responsibility and determination. I feel that the student "learning" comes both from the school "work", and the experiences and connections made in and out of the classroom. Learning comes when sudents can link what they were just taught or read to something that they already knew, and in turn, have found a new application.

I think good teaching is helping students to find connections. I think it comes from carefully considering students' different ideas and asking them questions to promote thinking in ways different from what they are used too. Good teaching is not giving students the answers, but guiding them to find through questions and suggestions. In my mind, a good teacher is some one who says, "That's a good question. I don't know the answer. Let's find out together? What do you think about...?"