Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The “Facing Forward” Episode

Poem: “What Fifty Said” by Robert Frost

Statement of the Whole: Some in education believe the old folks should get out of the way of the new wave in education.  Others believe that innovation and “the new” are what is damaging education.  How do the various generations participate in education without killing each other?

1. Every generation questions what the previous generation has done, thereby creating new conversations
   1. What is eternal or timeless about teaching?
   2. What aspects of education are time specific, or tied to the times?
   3. What is a truly gifted teacher? With new ways of reaching students, it would seem that the best teachers should gain the “market share” — what do those teachers share in common?
2. What mind frame will best embrace the new without losing what it means to educate?
   1. How is one faithful to his tradition in a changing time?
   2. How do you wisely choose technology when it is new and the consequences unknown?
3. What creative solutions/revolutions are already beginning to take hold as viable alternatives for the typical school model? What else might show up? Which should educators support?

Next Time:  What is Education?  If we are going to discuss it on the Backporch, shouldn’t we define it?