History+of+Education

T The History of Education //“..and why none of it matters!”// Yes, I know the title is a little disturbing, but give me a chance to explain. This book stems from 15+ years as a teacher and student in the public school system during the period of time from 1988 to 2004. Its purpose is to attempt to explain why the school reform movements that people have talked about for so long will actually work this time. I grew up in a time when teachers were constantly trying new things and was even part of a school that tried some of that “open classroom” type stuff for a few days (more on some other time). Whole Language, New Math, Collaborative Groups, Tracking, Authentic Learning, Discovery Learning….need I go on? The world has changed more in the last 15 years than any other 15-year period in its history. I say that not as a historian, but as a person who has lived his adult life during that time. **This is not a history book** in the true sense of the word. I don’t have any degrees in the study of ancient civilizations or the rise and fall of any empires. I am just a teacher with an undergraduate degree in elementary education and a masters in something like Instructional Technology (more on that later as well!). This book is my attempt at showing people some of the reasons I believe the nature of teaching and the nature of learning have changed so dramatically in the past 15 years. It is also my attempt to create something that is useful for today’s teachers and preservice teachers. My wish is that it is not just a bunch of theories without a practical use. There is a quote that has been bugging me for a while that states, “ Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” Many people have thrown their spin on this quote, l et me change it a little from my generation’s perspective…” those who study history for too long, are doomed to repeat it, because they don’t know any other way! (and they probably have poor eyesight .)” The book will be structured in a variety of ways. I hope it doesn’t get too confusing. The first few chapters will each begin with a historical look at some period of time in our history and finish with a portion I have called: “why all that doesn’t matter!” The last few chapters will be a little more traditional as I try to look at what is in store for teachers in the near future. I am sure this book will stir some controversy and debate, so in trying to keep with current popular culture…Let’s get it on!