Research shows that when young people have opportunities for “voice and choice,” they are more likely to participate in, be engaged in, and benefit from learning opportunities, both inside and outside of school. This is of particular importance for the middle school. How we create a school schedule that restructures time and learning respects young people’s opinions and ensures that they are engaged?
In some expanded-time schools teachers report that students are more engaged in their education specifically because they are choosing the enrichment activities they want to participate in. When students feel they can take ownership of their education, they are that much more likely to be motivated to achieve at high levels.
Any Thought?
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4 comments:
I agree that our students would take more ownership of their actions and most likely want to be at school. This week I had several students tell me that there is simply not enough time in each class. I agree with them. I feel that after I do direct instruction, go over questions from the math homework, and introduce many examples and problems... that there is not enough time in 50 minutes to have the students work. There are many students that benefit and learn from small groups or interactions with their peers. I have set up my room so that they are able to work together if needed. They learn from each other just as they learn from me.
Any thoughts on expanding some of our classroom time?
I would like to look at a block schedule for the middle school. I dedicated many hours to creating an ESM block schedule a couple of months ago. I would like to look at it seriously to implemet once we move to the new building. I think the academic task force is the best place to begin this discussion. Any thoughts.
Just out of curiosity, why do we have to wait until the new building? I think a change for a positive in the area of academics is needed.
Ownership of the school should not mean that the students are running the school. Right now, they seem to feel as though they are running it. I don't believe that they are ready for ownership until they can perform basic fuctions like walking down a hallway quietly.
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