RE: Focusing on the learning rather than on the teaching

["Ken Macur" <kmacur@virchowkrause.com>]

I think that you are in for a disppointment. Nothing can be done to
"ENSURE" that students learn.  Students are responsible for their own
learning. At best, I can create an environment where there is joy in
learning (both for the 'teacher' and the students). 

You can lead them to the classroom, but you can't make them think. 

Plus, there is variation in everything. We all learn in different ways,
and at different rates. If you and I are in the same classroom studying
nuclear physics (or any subject, really), one of us will likely learn
more than the other; especially if you 'time' us - give us the same
sixteen weeks to learn the stuff listed on the syllabus. 

There are many problems with the calculation of 90%, 80% etc., learning.
How do you separate the learning from the teaching from the exam
writing? How do remove the competition and negative stigmas attached
with learning only 70% of the material this week? What's the point of
tellin a child that they are NOT gifted or talented? 

I guess I could go on, but I think that you get my point. The
measurement systems in education are flawed for their inability to
measure and for how they are used to demotivate. 



Dr. Kenneth M. Macur, C.P.A.
Virchow Krause Consulting
115 South 84th Street, Suite 400
Milwaukee, WI 53214
414.777.5537 (office)
608.295.5012 (cell)