Thoughts for April 23

Since I'm writing this after we've had class, I want to just think over thoughts from the reading as well as thought from the class. I have to say, my mind is still taking all of this in and I'm not sure if I really know what I think or feel yet.

The New London Group brought up this idea of "new language" in the beginning of the article. I think as educators, this is a good way of thinking of it. We must be aware that new language are popping up every where that influence how we function day to day. If the purpose of education is to prepare students for higher education or for jobs in the work force, we must prepare them for these experiences. In today's world, that means they must know these new literacies or "new languages" that have emerged over the last few decades.

"Students need also to develop the capacity for speak up, to negotiate, and to be able to engage critically with the conditions of their working lives" (p. 13). The part I worry the most with in this statement in the ability to "engage critically." I fear that the high-stakes testing world we live in doesn't prepare students to think critically. Ultimately, I believe this leads us to not properly preparing them for the real work and the work place that lies ahead of them.

I think an important thing that needs to change, but is the hardest thing to change is out mentality. I think we as educators have to change the way we think and trule evaluate our purpose and what we are doing. Of course I do not hold any answers on the best way to do this. I do know what I can do for myself. The first and biggest step I've taken is to be aware. With my new awareness, I have to get out of my own comfort zone and learn some new things. I need to learn and grow with my students. I believe that holds great power.