TED Community » Matthew Sarker

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• A reply on Conversation: Do you think the future of teachers could be in jeopardy?

  Oct 15 2012: You point out a lot of important aspects. The textbook thing is definitely a pet peeve of mine. I haven't heard of the 'Parent Trigger Laws' before but taking a brief look, it's hard to take a stance. To try to be pragmatic, if it shows meaningful results (I'm reluctant to just place blind faith in test scores), then I'm all for it. I'll also mention that the 'correct answer is the goal' is a part of our system because of the system of testing (I'd imagine).
  
  Do you think online learning would have a positive impact on any of this or possibly be just another complication?

• A reply on Conversation: Do you think the future of teachers could be in jeopardy?

  Oct 15 2012: Hrm, yes I forgot about the extra baggage that students bring to a classroom, an important influence on their learning. From everyone's responses, I'm leaning towards an integration of both online and traditional as the best approach. I'm also coming to the conclusion that the more independent the learner, the more they stand to gain from online learning.
  
  However, keep in mind that it's not exactly a 'program' teaching learners. It would probably be recorded videos and things like that. There would also be possible feedback from students all over the world (if they're all working on the same thing). Not quite the 'human touch', but it's a very one on one type of thing that has potential.

• A reply on Conversation: Do you think the future of teachers could be in jeopardy?

  Oct 15 2012: Haha, good point, it's an important distinction.

• A reply on Conversation: Do you think the future of teachers could be in jeopardy?

  Oct 15 2012: I'd imagine then that you would think traditional education reformed is better at pursuing that focus?
  
  Also, I'll say based on what I remember of my readings of Dewey, he advocated starting with subject. The heart of it, the questions(not terminology). The different 'subjects' are all the accumulation of past findings, and these findings had very real motivations. While trying to illuminate the subject, and get the learner to really 'see' it for what it is, then the teacher could use methods that encourage social interactions and collaboration. They would be methods but the emphasis would remain on the content.
  
  I'm not so sure how a model that focuses on the social interactions and collaboration would work, but perhaps I'm not thinking big enough. Motivation is a big thing and what you mentioned might gain ground on that front. But group learning is a tricky thing also.

• A reply on Conversation: Do you think the future of teachers could be in jeopardy?

  Oct 15 2012: You're optimism is refreshing. And there's definitely something to that idea of reinforcement. I had one class like that and it was effective for me. But perhaps because of the content material, or the students slacking with the videos, other students struggled. Nevertheless, if teachers can get beyond writing notes and can facilitate the problem solving/critical thinking aspect and engage in discussions and such, it'll be a bright future indeed.
  
  P.S. Funny you mention the need for computers. I'm not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for (I have yet to watch it) but check it out: http://www.ted.com/talks/nicholas_negroponte_on_one_laptop_per_child_two_years_on.html
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  A reply on Conversation: Do you think the future of teachers could be in jeopardy?

  Oct 15 2012: I think you're quite right in that last regard. A combination of each is likely most effective. There are some things that seem to be irreplaceable, like the human interaction element of it. But based on my own experience, there are some things that online learning is clearly better at -watching recorded videos allows for rewinding, there are interactive simulations, and peers all over the world.
  
  However, in my awe of the potential in online learning, I see that maybe I've overlooked some of its inadequacies (age group, discussion/debate complications, nuances of subject matter). Definitely things to think about when pushing for reform.

• A reply on Conversation: Do you think the future of teachers could be in jeopardy?

  Oct 14 2012: First off, I'm glad you eventually found the joy of learning. I think if an educational system can achieve that, it scores some major points. I'm not quite sure what you mean though when you say 'take money out of the picture' - could you explain? In what sense is the educational system is money-based? (I don't mean to imply it's not, I'm just not sure what comes to mind for me is what you mean to say.)