Technology and its many uses in education is definitely an issue worth exploring. Teaching is a very complex field and technology is but one issue affecting teaching and learning in British Columbia. An issue which informs virtually all aspects of teaching and learning at my school is poverty. Maslow's hierarchy of needs tells us that in order to access higher functions in the brain and process information and learn, basic physiological needs such as adequate food, clothing and shelter must be met and an individual must feel safe and secure. Too often my students come to school without having eaten breakfast; cold because they don't have a warm coat suitable for the season; or distraught over an incident occurring at home before class. As a community of educators we are tasked with meeting these physiological and emotional needs so that students are in a mindset where they are able to learn.
Recently a report card on child poverty in the province was issued. Check it out at http://www.bctf.ca/publications/BCTFNews-web.aspx?id=38642#1 I think you will agree that it is sobering. As we invest our energy into creating innovative and more effective models of instruction perhaps we should pause for just a moment and remember that as educators we don't teach reading, math and science. We teach kids. Let's take a moment to understand where these precious souls are coming from when they walk through our doors. They are carrying a lot more baggage than what is contained in their backpack. Ruby Payne has written several books relating to poverty and education. Her insights have helped me to undergo a paradigm shift and better understand my students and how to help them progress in their learning and life. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs Payne, Ruby. Framework for Understanding Poverty: A cognitive Approach. aha! Process, Inc. 2013
3 Comments
Randy
12/6/2015 03:54:58 pm
One in five children still poor! I know only too well the challenges having worked in a "south end" elementary school years ago. I got to school early and had my room open with food and warmth. In a particularly cold snap, "Rex" who slept by the wood stove at home would arrive a 7:00 am and I let him sleep in the furnace room before class to warm him up. Yes, kids first. Tech for many is a luxury hard to be achieved.
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Lindsey W
12/6/2015 05:08:55 pm
Beautifully written Chantelle. This is my first year teaching in an inner city school and I have had my eyes opened. Never have I been so aware of the needs of whom I'm teaching instead of focusing on what or how I'm teaching. It has been a steep learning curve but one I would never trade.
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Stefanie
12/7/2015 05:54:48 am
I couldn't agree more Chantelle. Your students are lucky to have you! I come from a place of similar experience having taught the majority of my career in inner city schools. My primary goal each day is to ensure that my students know they are in safe place. It can be difficult at times discussing the benefits of online and blended learning knowing that this is not always an option for all of these students.
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AuthorI am a primary teacher and aspiring writer. Archives
February 2017
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