Week 9 - Class 9 Folder

"Even though a particular study may look like it's purely deductive (e.g., an experiment designed to test the hypothesized effects of some treatment on some outcome), most social research involves both inductive and deductive reasoning processes at some time in the project." (Deduction & Induction, Trochim)

I feel that many of the readings for this week focus on the idea that education should be a combination of things.  In this particular article, they discuss the combination of inductive and deductive reasoning; building off a theory and using experience to create a theory.  In other readings, authors discuss the need for direct instruction and personal experience.  I think this is the best way to educate.  Students need some sort of structure and guidance, but more importantly students need to be directly connected to what they're learning about.  Students need personal experience and the ability to use their critical thinking skills to understand the material more.  Dr. Love had students write sentences and paragraphs by connecting recycling (something they can relate to) to the curriculum.  The students had a deeper understanding of recycling and writing.    

"Personal experience is, therefore, transformed into knowledge in order to create a “frame-work of meaning” which encodes the information more efficiently in the student's brain." (The Benefits of Active Learning)

This is one of the things that Dr. Love has been drilling into our head all semester.  He has talked about this very topic on a number of occasions.  For example, in a science class with diabetes and the components of a cell and the recycling video I mentioned in my response above.  When students can relate to the material, the knowledge they are acquiring begins to mean something to them.  I know that I learn best when I can tie personal experiences into the content.  Does it do the same for you?

"What the educational radicals should offer the handwringing liberals is what radicals do best: go to the root of things. Education should be a preparation for life, especially helping kids become active in determining the conditions that most affect them." (Education Reconsidered, Aronowitz)  

Okay, I guess my responses couldn't be any more redundant.  I've chosen these quotes because this part of education means a lot to me.  I feel that education should prepare you for life and what you're learning should mean something to you.  Why learn about something that isn't going to make you a stronger person?  In my sociology class, my professor has been focusing on our group project because it will service us later on in life.  It's crucial to learn how to work in a group versus independently because in a work setting there will be a lot of collaboration.  There will be deadlines so your co-workers can do their part.  There is a serious problem with our education system today and we need to go to the root of the problems.  Kids aren't doing well on tests because the content means nothing to them.  Education is no longer an enjoyable experience and many people aren't getting as much out of school as they may like.