Comparing Education Models

Democratic Schools

I have never heard of this type of “free schooling” before, even though it is here in Massachusetts. As an educator of preschool students, I frequently have parents who are newly enrolled boasting about their child’s advanced academics when in reality what we are looking for is social or self-help skills. This sense of democracy is missing amongst the world today and is so important, but being in a parent’s position, this may be too extreme of a choice for me personally. While the mixed aged group fosters learning and maturity, I am not sure that I am comfortable or confident enough in a young child to explore and learn all they need in life through free exploration. Yes, feeling valued in their voices and votes, being inclusive and having ownership of learning are great attributes to have, but I may need just a little more balance to make me comfortable sending my child into the world as a young adult.


Pedagody of the Oppressed

I am also unfamiliar with this Paulo Freire’s book from what I believe to be his opinions on the oppressed life during the 1960s. This article was a bit confusing to digest but seems to reflect Freire’s theory of society’s role in the relationships between teacher and student. That while an oppressed society looks at a child as an “empty vessel for banking information” that instead they should be a “co-creator of knowledge”. The use of dialogue to solve problems liberates the oppressed. I am still unsure of how this looks in the classroom other than applying the theory that educators are not the dictators of the classroom. That students should feel free in their collaborations and questions throughout the learning process.



Flipped Classroom

“Ah-ha!” This instruction strategy is one that I wish I had in middle school through college. With the changes in teaching strategies from today compared to that of parents, it can be challenging for students to succeed at homework when they need assistance. The idea of using technology as tutorials and mini-lessons at home, allows students to contribute in multiple intelligences and allows for guided learning and mastery in class with peers and teachers. With a day and age where many schools supply laptops and tech devices, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this type of learning become more popular with the popularity of home tech access. While it may take more preparation to create these online videos, the benefits of observing and assisting in the learning process during school greatly benefits student learning. Some students may initially be worried about “teaching themselves” or “not understanding” but that background knowledge that they receive at home only fuels inquiry and practice during the class day. Some critics argued that it is encouraging more tech use at home, however, I look at it as a way to show students that technology can be used for research and learning to benefit their education.



Montessori

Montessori is an educational model that I have had the chance to observe first hand and studied. My current school has adapted some of the Montessori aspects including open shelving, mixed aged groups, free-choice and natural furniture. Typically, there is no technology in these classrooms but I was excited to see the last line of the article revealing that there are Montessori phonics apps being developed and potentially could be an open choice for independent work and small group practice. To me, this is a better balance between children’s independence in discovery and learning like demographic school but also have the support from observant teachers to help guide learning. The only part that always makes me a little uncomfortable when going into Montessori classrooms is how quiet and calm it is. That seems to fit a specific temperament of child and may not be the best fit for children who need more sensory input and guidance.



Waldorf

While there is a Waldorf school close by, I have not experienced it myself other than articles of its practices. I appreciate that teacher trainings include social-emotional development because I feel like early childhood education teachers should be well versed to help build collaborative skills. While there are some aspects that seem beneficial for child development including natural materials and a regular daily routine, there has been some controversy and speculations on the fundamental basis of this educational method. With a debated representation of mainly white students from the original introduction of Waldorf, there is little diversity amongst students. There are no vaccinations required and a heavy influence on spiritual beings. As a future parent, I am unsure if these underlying traditions would make me comfortable in allowing others to “create a spiritual purpose” for my child. There is no technology use in this philosophy.



Glen Urquhart

Through the website, I am sold! Not only the content but the ease and informative nature of the website makes me want to learn more. There is a blend of traditional academic teaching methods and thematic learning along with place-based environmental and community involvement. They promote inclusion and diversity and while it is yet again a tuition based private school, GUS strives to evolve the individual student as a whole. This seems to take aspects of these other methods and place it into a learning philosophy that seamlessly blends the socio-emotional, community and academics together. The photographs of the classrooms seem to have many of the newest technologies such as smart-boards. As one parent’s testimony said, “[my children] were encouraged to discover their individual voices, explore the world around them, and apply themselves with diligence.”