1. If Covid-19 caused serious disruption (as it did) and as a teacher I saw how online "virtual" teaching was such a dismal failure, why then toss a "lifeline" to prolong the agony? Why not a concerted effort to get students back into class? The theory of online education is the polar opposite of the reality of such. Even given the great strides in Zoom, Google Meets, etc... most educators would admit that not have warm bodies in classroom seats - and its continuance - is a travesty. So why not push to get them back in the classroom? And how long can online teachers look at blank screens or hear, "My camera is broken." excuses while students play online video games with their friends? I have yet to have any computer camera "break".
2. Algebra is a basic course, nothing fancy. Having taught in China on two occasions, I can tell you that middle school Chinese students think our kids are grossly under-challenged. They are not complaining, but they do know it gives them a huge edge in the global marketplace. Now if you were to say Physics, ok, maybe that is not for everyone. But learning algebra is not harder than learning chess or backgammon (which I strongly suggest). I have been arguing with math teachers for years about the need to learn the times tables or not provide calculators until absolutely necessary. (I have been voted down every time. Seriously.) Learning Algebra is a plus and not a hardship. Why not give it a chance?
We (Americans) are proud of how smart our children are, but continuing virtual learning and eliminating mandatory Algebra will not help that trend continue. What's next, mandating 3x3 Rubik's Cubes instead of 4x4? (oops, already there!) or making the most challenging game our kids face is Uno (well, at least they'll get primary colors and 0-9 :)
Thank you again and I welcome you to take a look at what I am doing. I'm new at Substack, so please follow me while I expound on the importance of Goal Setting, Prioritization and Time Management, and Scripting for all teachers/students https://substack.com/@schoolgoalswork
Thanks for the article, but two quick questions:
1. If Covid-19 caused serious disruption (as it did) and as a teacher I saw how online "virtual" teaching was such a dismal failure, why then toss a "lifeline" to prolong the agony? Why not a concerted effort to get students back into class? The theory of online education is the polar opposite of the reality of such. Even given the great strides in Zoom, Google Meets, etc... most educators would admit that not have warm bodies in classroom seats - and its continuance - is a travesty. So why not push to get them back in the classroom? And how long can online teachers look at blank screens or hear, "My camera is broken." excuses while students play online video games with their friends? I have yet to have any computer camera "break".
2. Algebra is a basic course, nothing fancy. Having taught in China on two occasions, I can tell you that middle school Chinese students think our kids are grossly under-challenged. They are not complaining, but they do know it gives them a huge edge in the global marketplace. Now if you were to say Physics, ok, maybe that is not for everyone. But learning algebra is not harder than learning chess or backgammon (which I strongly suggest). I have been arguing with math teachers for years about the need to learn the times tables or not provide calculators until absolutely necessary. (I have been voted down every time. Seriously.) Learning Algebra is a plus and not a hardship. Why not give it a chance?
We (Americans) are proud of how smart our children are, but continuing virtual learning and eliminating mandatory Algebra will not help that trend continue. What's next, mandating 3x3 Rubik's Cubes instead of 4x4? (oops, already there!) or making the most challenging game our kids face is Uno (well, at least they'll get primary colors and 0-9 :)
Thank you again and I welcome you to take a look at what I am doing. I'm new at Substack, so please follow me while I expound on the importance of Goal Setting, Prioritization and Time Management, and Scripting for all teachers/students https://substack.com/@schoolgoalswork
Mike