Re: blind persons and the elephant
Jim Moulton (jmoulton@horton.col.k12.me.us)
Thu, 27 Mar 1997 16:56:31 -0500
At the risk of putting it too simply:
"It is how we teach more than what we teach..."
Jim
>Everyone has heard the story of the blind persons and the elephant with
>each describing the elephant as something different based on what parts
>each is able to touch. After reading the posts so far, which have been
>very insightful and interesting, i'm wondering if we are suffering from
>the same phenomena. Is the technical training to do a web page, the
>inclusion in an email group, the transformation from a presenter to a
>coach, the developemnt of attitudes and skills to be a life-long
>learner, etc. etc..... all part of the same formulation.
>
>Of course in the life of a teacher these all are part of the tapestry,
>but we may need to organize our thoughts if we are to make sense of our
>discussion.
>
>Perhaps the tower of Babel is a better metaphor for my being ill-at-ease
>with the discussion. I suggest our discussion of professional
>development should be focused by the need for systemic change and the
>need to change the whole school not just a particular exercise in a
>grade-level's curriculum or even of a particular teacher.
>
>What does professional development mean when we care about the education
>of the whole child over their whole curriculum? When we ask this
>question we see the need for a teacher who works as part of a team and
>staff, and is a part of a community, and who uses tools for problem
>solving and inquiry.
>
>Jim Laffey
Jim Moulton, Staff Developer, Community of Learners Network
jmoulton@horton.col.k12.me.us http://www.col.k12.me.us
V-207.729.2959 F-207.729.2967