I stole this from the web page of a journal called the District
Administrator. I think is gives one pause for thought.
The amount of energy and resources spent to serve the "Feel Good"
movement in education (aka, doing what we have done for years, who
cares if it works or not movement!) is astonishing. Why have the
programmers for the various video games figured out how to best
attract young people? The formula is this: 1-Ask each player to
identify him or herself, without regard for background; 2-Allow each
player to move ahead, rewarding success and being supportive in
failure; 3-When designated success levels are achieved: reward,
recognize and celebrate the success; 4-When the player fails, stay at
the level of the game, don't regress, and ask if support is needed
(via the shortcut or extra points route), 5-Achievement of the stage
or expertise is celebrated again; 6-Feedback is always timely and
constructive. Now, many of our educators perform in this manner but
each child is not always privy to these conditions. Have we ever
asked why distant education and elearning are exploding in popularity
and support?
Posted by: Ron Canuel Director General of the Eastern Townships
School Board, Montreal Canada.
cheers,
joe
Joseph J. Bellina, Jr. Ph.D.
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556