Blog Post #10

An Open Letter to Educators



I really enjoyed Morgan Bayda's opinions about education. The only thing I didn't really enjoy was Dan Brown's video. It had nothing to do with Dan Brown as a person or any of his opinions. I actually liked him. But for a minute, and I don't know why, I actually thought Dan Brown (one of my favorite authors on this planet) would be the speaker in this video. Again, I don't know why I believed he would make a video about education on YouTube, but I had high hopes.

Even though I enjoyed Morgan Bayda and Dan Brown's opinions, I did not necessarily agree with them. Dan Brown dropped out of school because he felt as if education was prohibiting him from learning. I could never do that. Even though most of my classes at South Alabama lack any attempts to really keep me entertained, I could never say that I don't learn anything. I understand that some classes are boring. I also understand that some people, like Brown and Bayda, feel as if our education system seems to place us in a position where we feel we cannot speak about topics in the class. This, however, is incorrect. Part of learning is making yourself work. No one should have to make it a grade requirement for you to do something. For example, Bayda states that they are scarcely encouraged to speak with other students on a topic. A teacher does not prohibit discussion. Sure, you may not be able to voice your opinion during their lecture, but no one is stopping you from approaching your classmates and setting up study groups. My professors actually encourage it. Teachers do not have to make communication a part of their curriculum, even though it would be fun and nice in a perfect world. But if communication is an essential part of how you learn, don't wait on the teacher to force you to do something. Take action!

Morgan Bayda's attitude towards education is understandable. Education can be boring and you may feel a little trapped. I know that in today's world, we think things should happen immediately with a push of a button. But we must realize that it takes time for things to change. Education has been around for hundreds of years. It'll definitely take time to change it. But from what I've experienced, education is trying to change for the better. And change is easier said than done. We can want our teachers and universities to do all these magnificent things, but the resources may not be available for sporadic changes. We must allow them time to build up their resources and funds to provide us with the tools that we believe can enhance our education. We also should not forget that some of the most brilliant inventors, doctors, and educators had to sit through boring lectures just like us with nothing more than a pencil and paper. Buttons and screens keep our attention, but without the passion to learn, we never will.

Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home

This was a very interesting blog. I like how he referred to tests as drill and kill. That's how they make me feel. I'm definitely going to continue to read some of his posts. The majority of his other writings are just as hilarious as this post.

Two Questions That Can Change Your Life

Two questions that can change your life from Daniel Pink on Vimeo.

What is my sentence?

It took me a very long time to come up with a decent sentence but I finally have one. "She taught multiple generations of students how to succeed in life." I think this sentence is perfect for me. I not only want to teach materials that students come to school to learn, I also want to teach them how to succeed. All the math in the world will not be enough. I want my students to know that I care about their futures and I want to inspire them. I think my sentence encompasses all of those feelings.

Was I better today than yesterday?

Hopefully, I will always be better than yesterday. My main goal is to be better at everything than yesterday, not just EDM 310. Every week in this class, I try to get ahead in my work. But I often forget about other classes or obligations. Everyday, I will try to be better at every single part of my life.