Has the Education Paradigm Begun to Shift? By: Clifton B. Chadwick Presented by: Huda

Introduction A positive shift in education paradigm is occurring. New Concepts such as, student centered learning, attainment based evaluation, knowledge based constructivism and effort based intelligence are growing. The is affecting the way educators conceptualize education

Schooling cost has gone up as seen Figure 1 Schooling cost has gone up as seen Figure 1. However, according to Branson and Boulding the cost have gone up but performance remained the same. Reigeluth and Karnoff, schools are not perfect and are not designed to meet the educational needs of students for a few reasons: A) Children learn at different rates and in different ways B) Individuals have different learning needs C) Schools teach predetermined, fixed content in set amount of time

Figure 1: Trends in Education Costs

Table 1. 13 elements that compose the teaching system in traditional schools

6 Ideas for New Approach Paradigm Reigeluth suggested 6 core ideas for new approach paradigm Attainment based evaluation systems Learned-centered instruction Expanded curriculum that includes 21st century skills New roles for teachers, parents, students and technology Organizational structures, choice, initiative, and decision making systems Nurturing school culture. Professor Clinton added two more mentioned by Resnick Knowledge based constructivism Effort-based intelligence

Attainment based evaluation systems A good way to evaluate achievements in terms of established goal and objectives, but not by comparing students with other students. Some charter schools use some form of attainment-based evaluations. It is growing in across America.

Learned-Centered Instruction It has been the most significant development in education change. Some organizations (e.g., The Coalition of Essential Schools, NEA) have all endorsed or have attempted to adopt learner-centered education methodologies, with varying degree of success. Along with Charter schools and international schools. Learner-centered education looks at different types of learning in relation to individuality and directionality. According to (Kirshner, Sweller, and Clark) Learner centered education should be somewhat less directed and somewhat more social .

Figure 2. Forms of Teaching

Expanded Curriculum & 21st Century skills Curriculum needs to include 21st century skills because the world is changing. Education needs include new ideas of the knowledge economy. Different jobs require different skills and knowledge that have to be added to curriculum. Many jobs involve non-routine, abstract, unstructured cognitive work that is hard to computerize.

Figure 3. Changing Work Tasks

New Roles Teachers should learn more about lesson design within their specialty such that they can develop, arrange and implement classroom activities that will contribute to meaningful learning. Look for effective teaching practices and take responsibility for their students, mentor students and learn along with their students. Develop clear defined goals and take accountability for achieving them. Students must become self learners and collaborate with teachers and classmates.

Reigeluth and Karnopp suggested new roles of technology use are required such as recordkeeping, planning and assessment. Technology can be used for instruction and students can use it to master knowledge and concept, and personalize learning to meet their own pace and needs. (Needs improvement) Used in curriculum providing access to world of educational resources. We need to make this information fit the curriculum and general structure of subject matter and know how to transform it into meaningful learning activities.

Nurturing School Culture Teachers should be mentors, designers and facilitators and that requires professional development. Teachers should be able to teach students to be more self directed, and that will further shift pedagogical model.

Organization Structures and Decision-making systems In order to have a nurturing school, decision making should be decentralized as much as possible. There should be administrative mechanisms to support teachers. Increased parental involvement.

Knowledge-based Constructivism Schools are not teaching students higher order thinking, critical thinking is NOT widespread. They teach content but don’t teach students how to use the content to think. Students are not doing well in abilities to recognize assumptions, evaluate arguments and draw conclusions. Schools and teachers need to focus on developing norms, values and behaviors that lead to serious Academic responsibility and instill a love of learning and knowledge that will lead to continued learning throughout life. Idea of knowledge-based constructivism takes into account the idea of developing in the students a strong structure of knowledge and use that knowledge to think.

Effort-Based Learning and Intelligence Jobs of school has been to provide students with an education that befits their naturally-occurring position on the intelligence distribution. It became more evident that the greater effort put in by students that don’t learn easily can compensate for limitations in their native ability. Thus a new position suggests that effort-based learning system can create intelligence. Effort has to be from both sides, learners and educators. Intelligence is not something you are it is something you get.

Charter Schools A good example of new organizational structures of schools that are adopting some of the eight areas suggested as focal points for paradigm shift. Distinctive features: longer school days, more flexibility and accountability for teachers and principles, higher expectation for students, more discipline and structure, more curricular innovation, and more rigorous testing. Student are performing very well in math and reading tests.

Table 3. Progress Towards Paradigm Change

Conclusion Several states moving education into a new paradigm. There is a broad acceptance of the concept of student/learner centered education. Attainment-based evaluation is also very important development. Role of technology is also growing.