| The Academic Mold
by
Daniel J. Dyman, Ed.D.
At least one principal contends that students need us. In reality, it is we who need them. Surely, today’s students need to “Become Good Citizens of Earth.” That would be priceless.
My dream has been to see at least one model school somewhere with the wherewithal to care enough to inspire learning and to nurture talent rather than without justification demand proficiency and amalgamate mediocrity. In other words, help students get where they are going nurturing their unique abilities rather than having them succumb to the imposition of prohibitive rules and unrealistic demands.
All students are not the same as if cookie cutter copies. One size does not fit all. Out of perhaps convenience schools have been similarly structured following an inept formula of instruction. Each needs to progress at an accommodating pace, each needs to be appropriately advanced according to their capacity to achieve recognizing unique individual differences. In other words, provide each student with the latitude to mature wholesomely.
In the typical classroom, some are overlooked in deference to meeting the demands of a contrived schedule set in the context of a semester, trimester, or quarter configuration as may be prescribed by some imposing assembly. It just does not matter. As one student confided, “I didn’t learn anything in math today because I didn’t learn anything the day before and the day before that. Others may get it but I don’t. The teacher goes on and on without providing the help that I need.”
In deference, when ready as demonstrated by whatever means, students need to be moved on rather than restricted by some arbitrary system of accounting regulations or protocols. Interests vary. One size does not fit all. The job of education is to enhance or at least to get out of the way. Enabling success should be foremost.
Teacher quality varies. The brilliance of a few does stand out. However, a good majority is overshadowed by the bumbling performance of perhaps more than a few who insist upon the imposition of artificial as well as trite requirements. A setting without trust imbued with fear is unacceptable for whatever reason. Always, teachers must be recognized as noble caregivers.
Realize that some students do not fit the academic mold. Some because of an assortment of disadvantageous experiences have developed behavior patters that are out of alignment with the expectations within the classroom environment. In the conventional classroom setting, these students tend to divert attention in unanimity with their developed needs. Properly attended, they could succeed rather than impede.
As observed, one social worker in a school setting of almost two thousand students coupled with a handful of overburdened primarily academic counselors is far short of what may be required. Programs that enrich behavioral as well as character dispositions must be put into place. Think and Achieve, 1998, Daniel J. Dyman, may well work to resolve those apparent shortfalls.
Dyman Associates
27916 Crestview Drive
Elkhart, IN 46517
574.295.9098
http://www.DymanAssociates.com
Creation date : 22/01/2009 @ 20:26
Last update : 22/01/2009 @ 20:26
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