When teachers used to say, “You’ll need this in the real world,” my response was almost always, “then what kind of fantasy land is this?”
Nearly every time it led to laughter.
I learned that my most earnest questions would be laughed at.
Then I learned to be silent.
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About This Blog
This blog consists of the individual thoughts of John T. Spencer. They do not reflect the ideas, philosophies or practices of the Cartwright Elementary School District. Furthermore, the blog criticisms are aimed at overall educational trends rather than any one individual or institution. The goal is to start a conversation regarding how to fix professional development.
Yep. Couldn't agree more. I really try to make real world connections in my classroom. That is the only way to learn and be. It's also why I push technology into everything. There are very professions that don't require technology.
Young people have to leave my classroom with a better sense of how to be successful in the world.
Oooh - good one. Very clever.
sobering.
yeah, as a teacher i struggle with this one.
i mean, is school the real world? if not, what is? and why?
Sad.
I knew I was in trouble when my teachers union president told me not to complain because conditions were much worse in the "real world."
He no longer holds that office.
Loved meeting you in the bloggers cafe at ISTE! Excited to have found your blog- loving what I've read so far.
So sad, yet so, so true. As teachers, how often have we done this to our students and not even realized it? That will keep you up at night...
I try never to use the "real world"phrase. I also equally hate saying "You'll need this next year for 5th grade."
I guess school is some insidious step ladder, and when we actually get to the top rung we will have somehow arrived at this vast landscape of knowledge that we can finally use.
- @newfirewithin