Place Based Education

This week in Edu 100 we learned about place based education and the environment! After looking through pins on pinterest I found a school that does place based education in Virginia. I had never heard of this type of education before I read about it this week and I think that it is so fascinating! The school talks about how important it is to go beyond the regular curriculum of math, science, language arts, and social studies. They cover other activities such as artistic, social, athletic, and  more. This is private school that goes above and beyond regular public schools. Students get smaller class sizes and gets a hand on experience with what they are learning. The school is located on 137 acres of land so the students can take their learning to a whole different level. As much of an awesome experience it would be to have gone here, I think that it would such an incredible school to teach at! Being given the opportunity to take the class on a "field trip" right in the backyard would educate the minds of so many students! Would this be a type of school you would want to send your child to? Would you consider teaching here?

 The goal of a Hill School education is to build character, self-confidence, and scholarship through academic and co-curricular excellence, individualized attention, and a strong sense of community.
I think that this gives both the students and the teachers an amazing education opportunity.
 You can click here to learn more about the school I am talking about!

The Montessori Learning Theory

The Montessori method of learning was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. This type of learning style focuses on multiage groupings that foster peer learning, uninterrupted blocks of work time, and guided choice of work activity. This type of learning encourages the children to be independent by letting them have the choice of what they are interested in within the limits the teachers set. With the range of ages within the groups it helps the students who are older by reinforcing what they have already learned and it also helps the younger child learn by example. When they grow they will be working with people of all ages so this is an important aspect.

When comparing the Montessori method to the Banking Concept  they do not fit together. The Montessori method is all about communication and group work. Doing what the students finds to be interesting and going with it. Whereas the Banking Method focuses on what the teacher has to teach and what the students have to memorize in order to "succeed" in their school. Their is no line of communication, in which case how can a child fully understand what is being taught if they cannot think critically about the subject, for their own opinion, or ask questions? It is said in Freire's article "the Banking Concept" that "he or she is rather the possessor of a consciousness: an empty "mind" passively open to the reception of deposits of reality from the world outside" (Freire 4). I think that this is an excellent example of how to explain that students are not really gaining any knowledge if they are not challenged to think about what is going on. They just do what they are told and that is all.

I think that the Montessori style of teaching helps a child reach their full potential. "Montessori students learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly--a skill set for the 21st century"(American Montessori Society). They are learning about things that interest them all while being independent, working in groups and being about tho discuss what they are learning with a range of  ages. I cannot really see where the banking concept will actually help a child develop and learn, especially if they do not think about what they are learning.

Follow this link and it will bring you a website with a bunch of information and a video that helps describe what Montessori is in more depth.


Sources:
http://amshq.org/montessori-education/introduction-to-montessori
https://www.google.com/search?q=montessori&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=3XVlVOqJLcyggwSUhISoCA&ved=0CAsQ_AUoBA&biw=942&bih=941#tbm=isch&q=montessori%20quotes&revid=1992072903&imgdii=_

What is your Educational Philosophy?

This week in class we got the opportunity to find out what type of teaching philosophy we have! I found this to be very exciting! I know that I have certain beliefs for what and how things should be taught in a classroom but it was nice to see exactly what category my thoughts fell into. If you would like to find out for yourself click here for the assessment! and once you are down you can click here for your results!

When taking the assessment I had a feeling I was going to get Progressivism for my educational philosophy but it turns out that one took second place. I ended up with Humanism! After reading what Humanism stood for I do believe that is one is the right choice for me!

Humanism
Humanist educators consider learning from the perspective of the human potential for growth,
becoming the best one can be. The shift is to the study of effective as well as cognitive dimensions
of learning. Beliefs include: human beings can control their own destiny; people are inherently good
and will strive for a better world; people are free to act but must be responsible; behavior is the
consequence of human choice; and people possess unlimited potential for growth and development.
There is a natural tendency for people to learn, which will flourish if nourishing, encouraging
environments are provided.

I think that many of these beliefs are truly important. If someone set their mind on something they believe is important they will try their best to accomplish it. The opportunity for growth is endless and if you want to strive for something better you have the potential to do it, no one is stopping you besides yourself. You can do it! We learn something new everyday, education is never going to stop, we are just going to get smarter and smarter. When teaching I think that it is very important for students to learn personal growth as well as being able to work together and develop ideas. I also believe that everyone is responsible for their own actions and  with that there is unlimited potential.