Lesson #3:
Think big and look for answers in new places.
by Wendy Crick
I have also learned that when it comes to reading, many in the educational community do not integrate or in many cases have knowledge of the most recent and scientific data. From my experiences, it is clear that educators need more knowledge of what is happening in other fields that are connected to human development and learning. Many educators appear to stick with their “own kind”; meaning that they look mainly within the educational community for answers. This seems very unfortunate because there is so much to learn from other sciences. When it comes to reading there seems to be a lot of theory being pushed. These ideas come with wide spread support, yet lack solid, long term evidence that they make a significant difference. Many strategies I have used in the past seemed like they should work, yet they yielded very little growth. As I read some of the research by cognitive psychologists I am surprised at how much more in depth and thorough the scientists have been with their research. When I say this I mean they look through years of data. Perhaps it is because they have approached things from a more scientific perspective which mandates solid data and proof. I am certain of one thing; that the studies and information that I have read concerning reading published by the scientific community have given me much more comprehensive knowledge. The information has allowed me to understand the whole child and be diagnostic and prescriptive in my teaching. Barriers must be broken between the educational community and the scientific community. The knowledge from both schools of thought must be shared and integrated to create the best systems of reading instruction. There is so much knowledge to be gained when we all share our strengths and insights.
More Lessons -
Lesson #1: Turn your anger into a passion.
Lesson #2: The lack of reading skills is a symptom not a condition.
Lesson #3: Think big and look for answers in new places.
Lesson #4: The need for engagement versus compliance.
Lesson #5: The need for quality remediation rather than accommodation.
Lesson #6: Empowering students
Lesson #7: Shift from grade level expectations to reaching ones highest potential.
Lesson #8: Exchange excuses for answers.
Lesson #9: Separate self from the system.
Lesson #10: Change is the only constant in our universe.
