Sunday, January 24, 2010
January 21st
The Kaiser report doesn't suprise me at all. I see this in school all day long. They are listening to their ipods and texting (which they aren't allowed to do, but I know it's going on when I'm not looking)and listening to me at the same time. The thing is that I'm not really worried about it because it hasn't seemed to effect their grades. Infact, I actually think that for this generation of students, it helps them relax. For example, I can't listening to music through headphones and read and understand what I'm reading, but these students have so much stimulation going on around them that I don't think they could read in complete silence. I think they need background music in order to concentrate. One student asked me the other day if they could use their ipods during the exam. I asked if they would be able to understand their readings (it was an english process exam). Almost simultaneously, the students said they they would be able to understand them better because they can't read in silence and music helps them relax. So, in regard to the Kaiser report, I think it definitely is the teachers that are need of change!
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I remember hearing about research on background music & studying that supports this (I can't remember where this was, if I find it, I will reference it). Right now I am listening to music as I respond to blogs - and there is lots here of interest! Sometimes, I would rather have quiet, but I generally like to listen and work. I know as well that kids are texting etc in classrooms, they are very adept at it! For most, I agree, it might distract a bit, but it really does not affect learning. In fact, I think that if we show we trust kids, and make our lessons engaging, they will respond. So what if they check a message once in awhile, how many of us don't doodle, or something like that? Sometimes we do make a big issue of small things, now if the texting is continuous or a major distraction, then we must deal with it.
ReplyDeleteInteresting story, Lana. I don't mind listening to classical music in the background when I work, but it's not through a headphone nor an iPod. I understand the relaxation and, it can be motivating. But, when I really need to focus, there is nothing better sometimes than silence. I wonder if the way that kids are today with their learing isn't just because we live in an all-at-once society. In order to keep up, have kids just learned how to effectively divide their CPU (brain) time and very well manage the incoming and outgoing data? You have no doubt heard of selective hearing. That existed before the mobile technology. Yet, coping with the hype of technology may say something about who we are as beings, that is, our evolutionary adaptability. It makes me think that I could take Darwin more seriously.
ReplyDeleteSome teachers need to change, for sure, but it's not just the teachers. I think it may be provable that it's the "power grid" that short-circuits things.
Interesting take on this topic, Lana! I tend to agree with you when you say that teachers are in need of a change. All too often do we attempt to "legislate" on the use of cell phones or iPods, when (while admittedly difficult) we should be trying to "incorporate" them. I think that teachers in general see newer technologies as immediately negative simply because either a) they don't trust the students or b) they don't know how to integrate the newer technologies into classroom material. Perhaps teachers feel that they don't want to take on the time to learn/educate themselves on how to effectively use the cell phone/iPod in the classroom?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the statement that IPods help students to relax, but I don't think the that text messaging in the middle of a lesson is a good thing. Thinking what to write about next, and who you are going to send the message to is taking away from the learning. I really think we have to shift the other way and start teaching our students strategies for relaxation. Exercise, yoga, silent reading, and meditation are some of the strategies that could be taught to students. Just because they all sometimes seem to be ADHD doesn't mean that they actually are. Surely they can multitask, but lets teach them to slow down and appreciate life free from technology and gadgets.
ReplyDeleteI think my multitasking (listening to music and working) habit started years ago, after college on my second job which was in an open plan office. I could not concentrate, not with all the activities happening right in front of me. The Sony walkman was the solution. It helped me lock into my work, my world and helped me focus real hard. Right now, even after moving into my own office space, I must still use some headphones, very large ones with all the surround sound and noise reduction technology. It is now a habit!
ReplyDeleteI guess the point of this example is that we can actually learn (or train our brains) to learn to multitask and these kids have pushed that 20% brain work to another level. Like Garry said, a moment of silence is still desired and right now, I find that I work more efficiently with no music. Can I still multitask? Yes. Do I choose when I want to or when it is most/least effective? Yes? It becomes a thing of choice even though I have all the capabilities - with or without music.
So, I agree with your post. Teachers need to change, however, it is only courteous that the kids in class remove their headphones when there is a class session. :-)
I am in agreement with you there Lana. I can`t listen to music while reading or studying either. At the most I will have the TV on very quietly as background noise.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of changing as teachers, I am not sure. With all these gadgets, and easy access to information, we need to be sure students are not using them as a way to cheat. Just being devils advocate here....while listening to the IPod, do we know what they are listening to....could they be listening to themselves recording information to help them in their task that should be done independently....
Something to think about.
Lots of good things in this discussion. I like Paul's ideas about other relaxation techniques. I heard an author talking about his book, I think it was "The End of Solitude", some people are losing the ability to just be alone with their thoughts. Maybe we could also do more active activities (hmmm active activities?) in class, get the kids moving a bit - even if it is some math stretches ... my grade 12 pre-calc students loved them ;-)
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