Reflection #4: Not Always the Best Way

What?
I observed two High School classes today: US History and AP Politics & Government.  Both of them integrated technology into their class lessons through video and a document viewer (I'm not even sure what it's called - when the computer monitor is reflected onto a large screen for the whole class to see).  After US History, I asked the teacher how students have changed over the 13 years that she's been teaching.  She responded immediately, "There's an element of apathy now.  Lessons must be quick and flashy, or they'll check out."  Even incorporating seemingly interesting Historical documentaries don't cut it for students.   One of her students' comments illustrates this, "Historical documentaries bore me to death."  I learned (or rather it was re-affirmed to me once again) that what worked yesterday will not necessarily work tomorrow - or even today.  Technology is rapidly changing: key word here, is rapidly.  Sure, teachers may try to engage students through films and powerpoint, but they're still nothing compared to concise and captivating YouTube videos and self-serve ipods. 

So What?
Although this reflection seems discouraging, I was encouraged that the old-fashioned teacher-student interaction can still work marvelously even when technology doesn't.  The US History and Psychology teacher that I observed has such an incredible presence in her classroom. First of all, the seats are arranged in a U shape that revolves around an empty space in the classroom where she paces back and forth constantly. Students know who is in charge in the class (not them!) and they realize that Mrs. Moyd takes her subject and more importantly, her students very seriously. It is evident that she is above their realm – socially and intellectually. She knows her content and teaches the lesson by heart.  But she also connects with them through witty humor and acknowledgments of their personal lives.  The point of this commentary, is that although technology is a very very helpful tool in teaching, it is not always the best way to engage students, or at least not the only way.

Now What?
For the future, I will remember to spice up my instructional styles and keep in mind that sometimes what matters more than teaching to students’ learning styles, is teaching relevant, significant, and practical things.