Generative topics are simply topics that will generate learning in the classroom. I like how the text gives features of the generative topics: topics that connect to multiple ideas within and across the subject, are authentic, accessible, and interesting to students, are fascinating for teacher, are approachable through various points, and they generate further inquiry. (Wiske, et al., 2005).
Many students don't realize that they are learning the goals that we are teaching them. We, as educators, must create goals for the classroom whether it is a personal goal of ours or the goal of the county (SOLs). We can tell the children that we have a goal, getting them to buy off on it or learn the information can be difficult yet sometimes rewarding. At an early age, children do not really have learning goals, they simply do what you ask of them. The older the child gets, they can understand that there are goals in life, sports, anything and we must tap into what they know about to help them understand that there are also learning goals. The text states that we can try using short-term goals and turn these short-term goals into a long-term goals (Wiske, et al., 2005). The long-term can be the final end of the term, but the short-term might be a week or two. Great ideas!
Performing an assignment is an excellent way of showing understanding or assessment. The ideas of the quilts in math and the water habitat project were fabulous avenues that a teacher can assess whether her students are learning what she is teaching. I think Internet access to other parts of the world is also a great way to understand what is not only going on in your own city, society, and culture but also learning about other areas. The student learns science, social studies, and sociology whether they think they are learning or not.
As I stated earlier, the Internet is open to everyone. If you have the access to a classroom computer to post on a Smartboard or you have computers on cart. Technology is the way to go. I like the idea of using technology in a subject area that has in the past given the teacher and the students problems. Maybe you could bring in a powerpoint presentation maybe you could use a United Streaming video. Great stuff!
Federal policies do have a large impact on the classrooms. We are bound by the county to teach SOLs in Virginia. NCLB was brought about just a few short years ago and the impact of this is tremendous. Because of NCLB there are better, more highly trained educators, especially in the elementary schools. I do know from personal experience that you can not have a provisional license in elementary education because of NCLB. You can have a provisional license in Middle or High School although. Why is that? Well, I guess the early years are the most important. I have however seen some pretty bad teachers in the elementary school level too. I guess it is up to the state to provide the SOL goals but hard for some of us to teach. I just don't like the idea of shoving information down these kids throats so they can regurgitate it out on a test. All of this just so the school will pass AYP. I don't like it all but the kids are worth teaching, our nation is worth teaching the kids, and I can make changes in the classroom by incorporating technology to help the children learn.
Wiske, M.S., Franz, K. R., & Breit, L. (2005). Teaching for Understanding with Technology. San
Francisco: Josey-Boss.
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I like your comment, "many students don't realize that they are learning the goals that we are teaching them" how true this is. Many times we do not know what we are teaching unless we state it clearly. Clearly stating our goals allows both parties to have a clear understanding of what to expect and what is important.
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