Language is how we communicate with each other. In order to communicate and share ideas we must first establish a shared understanding of the language we use. In science this means carefully defining terms and making vocab lists, but this use of language can also be limiting. Language is the tool we use to describe the world. If we limit ourselves to the language we have already invented we are limiting our ability to discover new ideas. We are limiting the way that we think. In order to enhance our students' learning we must encourage them to explore ideas using other languages, including non-verbal ones. Reading this passage helped me realize why we should include indigenous perspectives and knowledge in our learning. We include them because they can expand the way that we think about the world, allow us to access new understandings, and see the world from a different perspective.
October 20, 2021
Inquiry Topic
Question: How does SES affect learning in an increasingly digital world?
When we consider how SES contributes to inequity in the classroom the conversation is usually focused on extreme poverty. Issues of transportation, tuition fees, hunger, etc. are brought up. The BC ministry of education is committed to providing financial assistance for these issues but do not consider subsidizing technology. As we shift towards more and more online resources and tools, the impact of devices (including a reliable internet connection) cannot be understated.
Concept A: Internet Access
What online applications do we use in the classroom. Zoom, canvas, online simulations/other learning tools, all of these require internet access for students to use.
Concept B: Devices/Technology in the classroom
How do we use devices in the classroom. How can we empower student learning using technology while also maintaining equitable classrooms.
Concept C: Resources
What resources are available for students without access to internet/devices. Are these resources sufficient and well maintained?
Exit Slip 10/14
Watching the videos and the subsequent discussion in small groups was very interesting. One idea that stuck out to me personally was from the Jo Boaler video. In it she said that there is a pre-existing idea that only some kids can be good at math. For whatever reason this a prevalent idea in schooling and an extremely damaging one as well. Part of overcoming this misconception is encouraging our students to have a growth mindset when it comes to education and learning. I also enjoyed seeing the TED talk from the creator of wolfram alpha as part of that video. In it he said that math requires 4 steps with computation being only 1 piece of the process.
Seeing the Alfie Kohn video made me question the practices we use in education. What is the purpose of grades? And how do we ensure that grading is achieving these purposes and not creating more issues. It is hard to think about removing grades, because it is uncertain what we would use as a replacement. I think we do need some way to evaluate our students learning, but it is difficult to think of ways that we could accomplish this fairly.