ED553 History and Philosophy of Education Seminar #2

 Physical Setting of classroom  The teacher is a representation of critical thinking who respects students' point of view, search’s their understanding, and shows –authentic - real interest in their thinking. The teacher creates questions that are more meaningful than those a newbie to the topic might develop on his or her own.  Important to use different forms of media (that all students can relate to) and stimuli to help create an atmosphere that is more than conducive to learning (instrumental diverse learning posters, books, plenty of light, control and management and organization, providing tools (paper, pens, books and other research materials that are needed to stimulate learning), and plants to provide the much needed oxygen that the brain needs to encourage participation of all.  The Socrates way of teaching is meant to produce shared experiences amongst the teacher and the student and in order to do that the teacher must create an area that is diverse, inviting and educational for all

 Aristotle thinks the need’s of the community is more important than the individual in the community (Noddings, 2007). Aristotle believed that education should be provided to the public (Current, 2000). Each person has a particular vocation in life depending on their own capabilities. Each person’s capabilities should be pushed and depending on what you excel at will determine how you will contribute to the community. Aristotle also feels that children should be trained on morals and conduct (Noddings, 2007). Children need to learn how to conduct themselves and eventually when they grow up then they can question authority (Noddings, 2007).  Dr. Horton: Do you think Aristotle would have been able to identify with the Montessori model for children that has become vastly popular over the past few years? Typically, their philosophy is to let children discover their environment without direct instruction/guidance from the teacher/facilitator. Do you think Aristotle would have been able to thrive as a teacher/philosopher in this classroom setting?  Kelly: I do not think he would thrive in this type of setting because children are allowed to explore their own path without direct instruction. Based on Aristotle's philosophy of education children need some type of guidance in their learning and classroom management techniques must be in place in order for students to be successful.

 How are things going??????  Technology working for you?  Anything I can do to assist?

 Plato’s goal was to create people that contributed to their community (Noddings, 2007). Each person is only capable of doing so much. Students will be differentiated depending on ability. Each student will receive the required amount of education they are capable of. This will put them in a caste system. The role of the student is to do as much as they can and accept the role they are put in. They will contribute to the society as best as possible. (Posted by Jeremiah)  Dr. Horton: You mentioned that in your research, Plato believed that students learn what they are capable of, they will do what they can do and society must accept that and they will contribute to the best of their ability. How do you think that school of thought measures up to NCLB in today's world? Do we "allow" children to do what they can do or are they forced into doing, thinking, etc. more than what they can or are cognitively capable of doing???????  Jeremiah: I think setting the standards high such as in NCLB will give students something to shoot for. Plato wanted everyone to contribute to society. If everyone can contribute as best as they could, the community would thrive better than most. With that said, I'm sure students did not just settle. I'm sure the community tested them to get the best out each student. They are not forced into doing something, they are given motivation so they could see their full potential. I think we have all said this "They are not just trying hard enough". Whether they are trying hard enough or not, we need to give them motivation and measurable goals. As endurance runner and my personal hero Dean Karnazes says: Set achievable goals and when you have achieved that goal, set another one immediately.  Kelly: The NCLB law just made things tougher for both students and teachers. Our schools consist of students who can not read or even write a simple sentence; most are not ready for college courses so they spend at least three or four semesters taking developmental courses to bring them up to part. I believe children should allowed to do what they are capable of doing; all children learn differently and can only go so far within our educational system. We must remember to train them for what they need to succeed in the real world and become productive citizens no matter what path they chose to follow.n you have achieved that goal, set another one immediately.

 Have a SUPER Friday and a FABULOUS weekend!!!!!!