Chapter+1

=Chapter 1 - Why Schools Struggle to Teach Differently When Each Student Learns Differently=


 * Chapter 1 Discussion Questions**

According to recent studies in neuroscience, the way we learn doesn't always match up with the way we are taught. If we hope to stay competitive- academically, economically, and technologically- we need to rethink our understanding of intelligence, reevaluate our educational system, and reinvigorate our commitment to learning. In other words, as the authors of the book say, we need "disruptive innovation."  The following questions have been posed by the authors to help us examine the content as well as different perspectives on the concepts.  1. Christensen et al list four specific types of interdependencies in the current educational system. Can you list other elements that are interdependent that they do not mention? Why are the elements you listed interdependent?  2. Do you agree that the present factory-model school system cannot, for the most part, customize for different students' needs? Why?  3. In what ways are teachers- and all people - in some cases trapped by their own strengths?  4. Think back to a class where you struggled when you were a student. If the teacher had taught the subject matter differently, could you envision yourself having learned it more easily? Discuss how and why.  The next main question that is to be pondered in this chapter is actually put forth by the authors on page 35. “Can the system of schooling designed to process groups of students in standardized ways in a monolithic instructional mode be adapted to handle differences in the way individual brains are wired for learning?”

5. What challenges to the existing educational system are you seeing in Alberta school divisions and from your perspective will they be successful?  6. What are the barriers to a complete overhaul that would lead to an intrinsically motivating and individualized system of education that creates a student centric model?