Community Involvement
The community is like the backbone of education because it where students spend the other half of their time when they are not at school. It is the other half of their education. A teacher can involve the community with organized activities within the community outside of school hours. An example I like to use is FIRST Lego League (FLL), it is supported by schools and run by the community. There are teachers that help with the club, but parents are in the majority. Parents run the clubs as well and help with resources. Getting local engineers and computer scientists to help students with their robots is a great way to involve the community in this educational endeavor. The teacher is the one who starts the project, but the community are the ones keeping it afloat.
Chapter 11
This chapter looks at the opportunities that leaders can embrace to develop authentic learning experience for students and staff. Through twenty-first century technology and partnerships the community with become more prideful in what they have in their educational system. The Pillars of Digital Leadership will work together to bring more opportunities to the community and continue to enhance education.
This is what all educators thrive to do, but it takes a lot of drive, innovation, and open mindedness from the educator and community to set things in motion. Taking risks in education is the only way to progress and bring our community into the future.
Chapter 12
This chapter talks about how digital leadership is about creating an environment of traditional methods and using new educational technology learning. There is a need to involve not only the entirety of the educational system, but also the community. Giving the students ways to connect their education to society and it’s real life implications. Making a change that will bring us into the future and beyond.
Though this chapter focuses on the future we must not forget our past and everything that we have learned through the evolution of education. What works and what doesn’t, applying the methods that work the best and using them with new technology. Education is constantly evolving and adapting to this every changing world. Education is the essence of what we have become, a world of lifelong learners. It is what we are as a species, always curious and learning in different ways from individual to individual. We are where it begins, so let's make a good impression on young minds and make education what it was always meant to be, the exploration of our world. Asking questions and finding the answer.
I like your first sentence referencing the community as the backbone of education. I think that is so true! Our success is largely dependent on the attitudes of parents and how they encourage and develop their children’s personalities and attitudes with regard to the importance of education and commitment. The way parents model citizenship, respect and general humanity and humility is mirrored in their “mini-me’s” that we see in our classrooms. I wish more of our student population at South had positive and effective role models like I have described above; families that support and provide for their children and keep them safe and protected. Unfortunately too many of our students are neglected, mistreated, underfed and under appreciated. Not saying this as an overall statement, but we have a very low-income demographic and it is so sad to witness on a regular basis. Good post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Laura schools and learners need all the support they can get and if the community isn't behind, under, giving, and lending their support is becomes very hard for the school and the learners to be successful. I also really like your ending...let's...make education what it was always meant to be, the exploration... and I would add adventure. It has been a real pleasure learning from your insight and I hope our paths cross often. Have a great holiday season!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more that the community is an imperative part of education. I We need their acceptance, resources, sometimes money, and always their support! I also mentioned a club at a school in which parents can be involved. I'm glad to know that there are other similar opportunities for students and parents. As I'm sure you know, not every kid has a solid support system at home, which is why it is even more important that schools can offer that to each student. I feel as if the Boy's & Girl's Club really did do that and I hope that it continues to collaborate with the community and be successful for many years.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree about community involvement. Community is the backbone to any successful school. Teachers need to work with the community members for the school and students to be successful. Looking at some students and hearing about their home life is very upsetting, but they have had help from the community and the school to live a better life. I know a lot of students that are living with their older siblings instead of their parents and our school and teachers have helped in every way that they can to make sure that those kids are taken care of. My school offers a lot of support to family that are going through some rough times and need some help, whether that be food, clothing, etc.. I would like to know more about the league that you were talking about in your post.
ReplyDeleteSean,
ReplyDeleteNice post, teachers must take an active role in encouraging the community to become involved in school events. The community is a stakeholder in education, and we must put in the work required to build the relationships necessary to provide opportunities for our students and children.
Sean,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely. It is of the utmost importance that the community has a hands on involvement with its students learning. Your example with FLL is a great one. Bringing in outside experts into the community not only helps the students with their projects, it also means that the entire community can learn from programs like these. And it is also goes along with the chapters, because going out in the community and making a difference is what authentic learning is all about.
Sean,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely. It is of the utmost importance that the community has a hands on involvement with its students learning. Your example with FLL is a great one. Bringing in outside experts into the community not only helps the students with their projects, it also means that the entire community can learn from programs like these. And it is also goes along with the chapters, because going out in the community and making a difference is what authentic learning is all about.