On Mon, Dec 01, 2003 at 05:21:12PM +0000, ian wrote:
I think the problem is one of lines of least resistance. If you allow learning to follow a mediocre line of least resistance that is where it will go. Teachers know how to use MS Office so many if not most will
In quite a few cases it's more "think they know" which results in the likes of children attempting to format something in a wordprocessor by inserting spaces. (Then getting upset when it dosn't work.)
simply use it at every opportunity rather than adding challenge and variety. We get all the excuses such as its what they will use, anything else is too difficult, too snowed under with work, we haven't the resources etc. What it really boils down to is its easier - this is no
There's also a common mentality that MS (whatever) is never a hard option.
criticism of teachers as a group, its human nature. Perhaps we should plan a curriculum that avoids the comfortable cop out and actively encourages innovation and challenge, particularly for the most able. After all the people that really make a difference in the world are the ones that are prepared to go out on a limb and challenge the status quo. Very dangerous to encourage kids to be such in a school though ;-)
Hence it would be unlikely to get endorsed by government. -- Mark Evans St. Peter's CofE High School Phone: +44 1392 204764 X109 Fax: +44 1392 204763