Quality, NOT Quantity!

How many "educators" give out homework assignments that seem pointless? How many weekly assignments, that are the same as the last, can a student complete before he or she is tired of doing them? We as educators are responsible for keeping our students interests and giving them the best learning experiences as possible.

I understand that practice makes perfect, but there is a fine line between practicing a skill (or learning how to use a tool) and overloading a student with pointless busy work. It is from my personal observation that college professors and elementary school teachers are the best at giving quality education.

During elementary school everyone learns the basic needs to function in society. We learn: to read, write, spell, do very basic math, the calender/seasons, social skills, etc. Some elementary teachers, like Helen King at Pt England School, are introducing their students to create blogs where they show their work that they are doing in their classrooms. Room 14's blogs include iMovies, Hyeprstudios, Art work or stories.

In college, students are taught the skills they need for the job they desire by professionals in their field. It is the in-between areas that need the good educators. Middle schools and high schools are the worst when it comes to busy work. Teachers cram in the needed material required by the state and do not apply enrichment activities until just before the tests.

I strive to be the more creative teacher that allows my students to learn in new ways. Of course I will have a curriculum which I will have to abide by, but that does not mean I must take the same boring routine steps in teaching that curriculum as the educators before me did. Times are changing and so must our teaching methods.