Re: [Phys-l] The Myths of Innovation

["von Philp" <vonphilp@myactv.net>]

Hugh said:
> This, I think, is the result of the "top down" management that is
> common in public school systems.

Ralph replies:
Therein lies much of the problem.  In my opinion, we are trying to improve 
student learning by starting at the top.  Whereas I believe that physics 
instruction can be improved with physics education research (and I have 
implemented several of the those techniques that appear to be successful), I 
think the improvement is only minimal.....just scratching the surface. 
Until things change from the other end, THE STUDENTS, then we will not see 
real improvement.  I think we are basically spinning our wheels for the time 
being, making slow, steady, but minimal progress.  And I think the students 
will not begin to change until THE HOME begins to change.  There is such a 
difference between the students that have parents that value education and 
discipline and those that do not.

Hugh said:
> The impression that I have gotten from science education researchers
> is that most of them are looking for the "magic bullet," that will
> guarantee that all students will learn everything presented to them
> the first time around. Such an instrument simply does not exist.

Ralph replies:
A frequent poster to these physics education lists years ago was Donald 
Simanek.  He once said, "Nothing works if the students don't."  I believe 
that.  When a student works hard at mastering the subject, they will be 
successful with pretty much any teaching method.  He also said something to 
this effect:  If you wait for someone to GIVE you an education on a silver 
platter, you will wait a long time....you must be pro-active and TAKE an 
education for yourself.

I am not against trying to improve education at the top and all the way down 
to the teacher.  But I do not believe real progress will be made until 
things change at the other end of the equation.  When parents start to be 
parents, we will see major improvement.

~ Ralph von Philp
  Boonsboro High
  Boonsboro, MD