Voicethread

After reviewing both videos,Video 1 and Video 2 I was intrigued by Ken Robison’s ideas about creativity inside the classroom. In primary school, children work with crafts and are able to use their creativity inside the classroom; however, when they get older they seem to not be able to use their imagination. Robinson argues that this is because they are expected to perform a certain way at school. If this is the case, then he argues that students find school boring because their imaginations are put on hold.

I can relate to the article because I’ve seen in it in my own students. My deaf students always seem so tired inside the classroom. They are expected to pay extra attention because of the extra effort it takes to relay material to them. The constant focus must take a toll on their concentration. It also leaves less time for creative tasks like arts and crafts.

I know that I would like to be able to offer them more activities that required hands-on approaches, but I also know that what the state and county are requiring of teachers like me. These organizations are asking teachers to teach material in a fast manner because there are so many issues and subjects to cover. Not only are teachers required to teach multiple subjects, but they also are constantly being assessed. Some of these assessments can be intimidating. I have notice that my deaf students have a hard time finishing a reading comprehension story because they are scared of having the incorrect answer.

On the other end of the spectrum, students can make school boring themselves. Lack of effort or attempts at attention, will not lead to retention. Students who sleep are hurting themselves and teachers who let them are aiding them. Does the teacher not care, or they are asleep themselves? This does not mean that every sleeping student or every hyper student can’t succeed. Some students can’t help themselves. I have seen students that have been diagnosed with ADHD that truly couldn’t; however, I’ve also seen a few students who were so medicated that they couldn’t use their imagination if they wanted to. I also know that many of our students have a tough home life and lack of discipline, but I think we have to get passed that crutch.

In conclusion, students may not be allowed use creativity, but I teach at a school where teachers are creative. I know that I want the students to use their creativity and I feel that most of my colleges feel the same way. That does not mean that everyone wants or knows how to implement this. I have been a substitute teacher and have seen how different classrooms in which the students were afraid to voice their opinion. How can a student learn and use their creativity if they are afraid of getting the answers wrong? Worse yet, how students can become creative thinkers if they are afraid of bucking the “structured” academic environment.

Standard 5 Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional
community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers:
a. participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning
b. exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community
building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others
c. evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital
tools and resources in support of student learning
d. contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community.