Food for Thought: Article Links
Throughout the year, we will read a variety of articles whose topics will range from education and its role in society to psychology and the nature of human relationships. It is my hope that these readings will expand the way you look at the world and challenge your preconceived notions about people. It is also my hope that by learning about others and the human condition, you will learn more about yourself and in turn, make the world a better place because you are in it.
Reading 1
This article, "We Don't Need No Education", by Ben Hewitt, challenges the concept of traditional education. The topic of this article is controversial and arouses strong emotion from those who see its merits and those back traditional education. Often opinion about schooling and our educational system form from the basis of our own very personal experiences. What are your thoughts? Does traditional education meet the needs of ALL children, or might this be a valid option worth considering for some children? What might be the consequences? Benefits?
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/nature/Unschooling-The-Case-for-Setting-Your-Kids-Into-the-Wild.html
Reading 2
This article highlights current research in support of the "Inclusive" model of education in regard to students with disabilities. What has been your experience with the Inclusive Model of Education? Be sure to address any of YOUR perceived positive and negative experiences. Be honest in your assessment. Just because research supports an inclusive environment for education, does not mean all experiences are positive.
http://www.mcie.org/usermedia/application/6/inclusion_works_final.pdf
"Reading" 3
In this TED talk, Temple Grandin, diagnosed with Autism as a child, talks about how her mind works and how this is different from the typical human brain. She has her Ph.D and is highly successful in the area of Animal Science. Her work, particularly in the area of the humane treatment of animals, has shaped the laws we have in place today regarding the humane treatment of our food animals, such as livestock. She promotes the idea that we should embraces the unique abilities of individuals with autism and that these individuals have a very real and purposeful place in society and the workforce. How did her perspective on life benefit her professionally? What might be the benefit of seeing the world differently? What are your experiences with this and why should we embrace the different thinkers of the world? (Side Note: What did you think of her presentation? Study not only what she said, but how she said it. Did you notice anything unique about the presentation delivery?)
http://www.ted.com/talks/temple_grandin_the_world_needs_all_kinds_of_minds?language=en
Reading 4
This website goes into the basics of Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Breeze through the article (note: there are 9 steps/pages to this article, so be sure to "arrow" through all 9) and take the Intelligence quiz at the end to determine your strongest intelligence type. Note that this is a theory and one that has received criticism. What are your thoughts on the idea of multiple intelligences? How much does understanding a student's "intelligence" benefit their education and the education of others? Do you think teachers teach to all/most intelligences or do they take more of a "one size fits all" approach? How might understanding a student's "intelligence" benefit students with disabilities? How might it cause us to view each other differently?
http://psychology.about.com/od/educationalpsychology/ss/multiple-intell.htm
This article, "We Don't Need No Education", by Ben Hewitt, challenges the concept of traditional education. The topic of this article is controversial and arouses strong emotion from those who see its merits and those back traditional education. Often opinion about schooling and our educational system form from the basis of our own very personal experiences. What are your thoughts? Does traditional education meet the needs of ALL children, or might this be a valid option worth considering for some children? What might be the consequences? Benefits?
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/nature/Unschooling-The-Case-for-Setting-Your-Kids-Into-the-Wild.html
Reading 2
This article highlights current research in support of the "Inclusive" model of education in regard to students with disabilities. What has been your experience with the Inclusive Model of Education? Be sure to address any of YOUR perceived positive and negative experiences. Be honest in your assessment. Just because research supports an inclusive environment for education, does not mean all experiences are positive.
http://www.mcie.org/usermedia/application/6/inclusion_works_final.pdf
"Reading" 3
In this TED talk, Temple Grandin, diagnosed with Autism as a child, talks about how her mind works and how this is different from the typical human brain. She has her Ph.D and is highly successful in the area of Animal Science. Her work, particularly in the area of the humane treatment of animals, has shaped the laws we have in place today regarding the humane treatment of our food animals, such as livestock. She promotes the idea that we should embraces the unique abilities of individuals with autism and that these individuals have a very real and purposeful place in society and the workforce. How did her perspective on life benefit her professionally? What might be the benefit of seeing the world differently? What are your experiences with this and why should we embrace the different thinkers of the world? (Side Note: What did you think of her presentation? Study not only what she said, but how she said it. Did you notice anything unique about the presentation delivery?)
http://www.ted.com/talks/temple_grandin_the_world_needs_all_kinds_of_minds?language=en
Reading 4
This website goes into the basics of Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Breeze through the article (note: there are 9 steps/pages to this article, so be sure to "arrow" through all 9) and take the Intelligence quiz at the end to determine your strongest intelligence type. Note that this is a theory and one that has received criticism. What are your thoughts on the idea of multiple intelligences? How much does understanding a student's "intelligence" benefit their education and the education of others? Do you think teachers teach to all/most intelligences or do they take more of a "one size fits all" approach? How might understanding a student's "intelligence" benefit students with disabilities? How might it cause us to view each other differently?
http://psychology.about.com/od/educationalpsychology/ss/multiple-intell.htm