Dear Nikki,
I like how you described to Beth that we are on the “Magic School Bus.” Going from school to school has really opened my mind about America society, education, learning and teaching. Especially from today’s trip to KIPP, I noticed that I am really starting to make connections. On the bus ride back, I thought about an at-risk young girl in the “Dropout” movie. She is a big dreamer --“life is life; school is school.” In the movie, she talks about all the cool things she wants to do with her life. But the reality was that she eventually dropped out like everyone else and probably found it hard to even find a living. I wonder if her life will change if she would attend KIPP.
I like how you described to Beth that we are on the “Magic School Bus.” Going from school to school has really opened my mind about America society, education, learning and teaching. Especially from today’s trip to KIPP, I noticed that I am really starting to make connections. On the bus ride back, I thought about an at-risk young girl in the “Dropout” movie. She is a big dreamer --“life is life; school is school.” In the movie, she talks about all the cool things she wants to do with her life. But the reality was that she eventually dropped out like everyone else and probably found it hard to even find a living. I wonder if her life will change if she would attend KIPP.
I personally felt very connected to KIPP, because while I was growing up, all we would talk about was getting good grades. In China, teachers get paid base on students’ performance. The only difference was we were forced to learn. From what I see, KIPP kids are inspired to learn. Even though I am still leaning on Montessori or Dewey free and organic style of teaching and learning, I had to admit that those years of structured learning helped me to become who I am as a learner now. When I have an idea, I know what I need and how to get there. You were so right. If those children come from families without any structure, it must feel safe and comforting to study in a such an environment.
The 5th grade reading class left a great impression on me. Students were very engaged in learning. The atmosphere was more inviting and active than MICDS. The teacher was like someone walking out of a“Teach like a champion” video. Beyond mastering those skills, you can also feel the care and love she expressed to her students. That made me wonder, would she still be a good teacher without TLC? Probably. I think those tricks can be more efficient in achieving learning goals, but they can’t change who you are as a teacher.
I also notice that we felt more comfortable and asked more questions when we were sitting in a room, instead of standing in the hallway. I regretted that I didn’t ask enough questions to Jeremy; obviously he knows more about KIPP academic. I was thinking maybe at the beginning of the Edu block, we can all come up with a set of questions together to ask at every school we visit. It might be more helpful for us when we compare them.
When I am comparing MICDS, Soular, New City and KIPP, I start to think: do schools have to be the same? Is it possible to be the same, especially in a diverse nation like US? What does equal education mean? Is education who we are? Do we become ourselves, or become someone we are taught to be? What does freedom mean in teaching and learning? What do I believe about freedom vs. structure? Is it even possible for children to have freedom without having principles? How about adults?
My intuition is telling me, it’s time to open EAP and learn about Mary Kimball Morgan, as an educator, not Principia’s Founder. Thank you for driving this magic bus and riding with us.
Much Love,
Jamie
10.13.15
KIPP St. Louis
http://www.kippstl.org/
The 5th grade reading class left a great impression on me. Students were very engaged in learning. The atmosphere was more inviting and active than MICDS. The teacher was like someone walking out of a“Teach like a champion” video. Beyond mastering those skills, you can also feel the care and love she expressed to her students. That made me wonder, would she still be a good teacher without TLC? Probably. I think those tricks can be more efficient in achieving learning goals, but they can’t change who you are as a teacher.
I also notice that we felt more comfortable and asked more questions when we were sitting in a room, instead of standing in the hallway. I regretted that I didn’t ask enough questions to Jeremy; obviously he knows more about KIPP academic. I was thinking maybe at the beginning of the Edu block, we can all come up with a set of questions together to ask at every school we visit. It might be more helpful for us when we compare them.
When I am comparing MICDS, Soular, New City and KIPP, I start to think: do schools have to be the same? Is it possible to be the same, especially in a diverse nation like US? What does equal education mean? Is education who we are? Do we become ourselves, or become someone we are taught to be? What does freedom mean in teaching and learning? What do I believe about freedom vs. structure? Is it even possible for children to have freedom without having principles? How about adults?
My intuition is telling me, it’s time to open EAP and learn about Mary Kimball Morgan, as an educator, not Principia’s Founder. Thank you for driving this magic bus and riding with us.
Much Love,
Jamie
10.13.15
KIPP St. Louis
http://www.kippstl.org/