Education | Media on War

Concensus Leadership

January 22, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Internet endeavors have proved that collaboration and consensus works and can be very profitable. There is much education can learn from those enterprises. Consensus is an agreement that is acceptable to all parties and addresses the interests of all parties. Consensus leadership is the intentional conscience decision to lead not alone, but to collaborate. In education, consensus leadership means a principal has to enlist the support of the entire faculty and support staff.

Why bother? There is a proverb that states two heads are better than one. Consensus leadership allows for many heads. Education is a complex mission and with accountability, any weakness becomes apparent. Complexity and addressing weaknesses requires a team of people. Consensus leadership allows combined knowledge, expertise, and experience of all stakeholders to become the focus. Long lasting change and fostering positive school environments does not happen with dictatorships and bully styles. It happens when staff respect each other’s ideas and knowledge from the cafeteria worker to the principal.

Developing deep levels of professional trust and openness encourages collaborative site management of a facility. Decisions come with explanations of the process and law. A process has to be in place on how to reach agreement. Discussion and finding solutions for problems that provide a win on both sides are best. Policies are established and tried, but are regularly reviewed and adjustments made accordingly. It involves listening to colleagues and students. Programs that decide what is best for all rather than one controlling group generally are accepted easier.

Success never relies on one person especially in education. Equally, failures are never because of one factor. It takes the insight of a veteran educator with the freshness of a new educator guided by administrators who listen to find real solutions to education problems. Education is about changing behavior. It is a constant road of breaking habits and forming better ones. Learning really is not about answers, but about asking questions and talking. Consensus allows it.

Filed Under: Educational Reference Tagged With: Education, Leadership

Combat to College

December 30, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

Transition into the college life is rarely easy for anyone. Students have to get used to a new home, a new schedule, a new set of people, and a generally new lifestyle. In order to combat this, it has become commonplace for colleges and universities to offer orientation programs and welcoming events to help students more easily acclimate to their new situation. These programs introduce students to the school as well as easing them into their new surroundings. However, these types of programs are general in nature and target the “average” student ” a civilian ” but what about those new students returning from military service? They are not exactly the “average” student. Their circumstances are unique and it takes a unique college experience to fit them.

One such program is Supportive Education for the Returning Veteran (SERV). SERV aims to help veterans deal with the challenges that they face in their first year back to school and help them take full advantage of the educational benefits offered to them by the United States military. Now functioning at four universities across the country, SERV has taken root and several more universities are considering implementing the program. Started by Dr. John Schupp at Cleveland State University, SERV was created as a way to effectively integrate veterans into the life of the student population. Constructed in a way to encourage assimilation while continuing to utilize the military training and mentality of the veterans, SERV offers help with several aspects of starting out in college. They help students with the loads of paperwork that accompany a college education as well as offering a core set of courses specifically designed for veterans, and only open to veterans. By grouping these people together, SERV not only helps them deal with the challenges of the classroom, but the challenges of reentering into civilian life as well. It provides a way for them to work through their experiences, old and new, together.

Filed Under: Educational Reference, News Tagged With: Cleveland State University, Education, Higher education, Student

Utilizing Media in the Classroom

December 14, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

There’s no doubt about it, we are in a high-tech society where electronic devices rule. Teachers are forced to compete with the attention spans of students that are highly engaged with electronic resources on the home-front, so the question is: Do we utilize media in the classroom?

In answering this question, it is important to assess what the objective of education is. Obama has reported in many recent speeches on education that he wants students to be able to graduate college with a job that will provide globalization opportunities. If this is the case, then technology should be introduced to students. The International Society of Technology in Education has pretty advanced standards that are listed to be introduced to students as early as kindergarten age, with second grade students completing projects using PowerPoint and other software and sharing them in front of their class.

While utilizing media in the classroom definitely will have benefits and allow students and edge when it comes to the mechanics of presenting, the debate rises of how much media should be used in the classroom and what teaching objectives should be reached.

The bottom line for some schools might be availability of resources to provide computers and other media. For many teachers, they will need to come out of their comfort zone and learn to implement computers into existing subjects and encourage students’ participation.

Many educators today are implementing webquests into their curriculum, where students search via predetermined websites for information on a particular topic, which allows for students to have a bridge in learning from computers to any subject area. Many schools also utilize computers for test taking, playing games, and basic introductory skills to computers and technology. Engaging students utilizing media shouldn’t be difficult, it’™s keeping their attention when technology isn’t being used that can be a challenge.

Filed Under: Educational Reference Tagged With: Classroom, Education, Student, Technology

Manipulative Based Learning

December 8, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

Studies have proven that students of any age learn best when they can participate in the process of learning with manipulatives. The order of learning is that you remember about 10% of what you read, 20% of what you hear, 50% of what you see and hear, 70% of what you say and write, and 90% of what you do. Multi-sensory integration is definitely a benefit to learning in schools, since the percentage is much higher for students to retain information.

In a society where test scores are the prime assessment for learning, it would seem the perfect scenario to team multi-sensory learning, where students are utilizing as many senses as possible to succeed on the measure of tests.

Hands-on learning opportunities, specifically for early elementary aged students is essential, as it helps build their understanding of the world around them, allows them to explore materials and gain a perspective of learning without pressure. These same benefits can definitely be supplied to older elementary students, as well as middle and high school students, since the 90% listed for retaining information isn’t just for children, but adults as well.

Providing multi-sensory activities in the classroom isn’t as difficult as it might seem. Learning centers can be developed for students based on the learning objectives that are focused on for standardized tests, providing students a fair chance at succeeding when it comes to the paper and pencil test, or even computerized testing, since many schools are moving towards this platform.

Educators want what is best for the students that they see on a daily basis, yet are forced to teach to a test. Finding a balance is important so that students are learning with engaged methods that allow them to experience with their hands as well as their eyes, and ears. Just imagine how much more successful students will be in school with more variety.

Filed Under: Educational Reference Tagged With: Education, Learning, Standardized test, Student

Importance of Group Instruction

December 3, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

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In school, students have a variety of subjects that they are attempting to master inside of their little brains. To make matters a little more complicated, teachers are to teach students based on their differing abilities. Some students are able to master material much quicker than others, while some have a difficult time understanding the new, fresh material.

This problem is remedied within schools with differentiated instruction. Students are taught in whole group, with all students, and then the teacher separates the students in their class into three to four smaller groups that are around the same level of learning to go over information with them more specifically. This gives all students an opportunity to really learn the skills being taught, no matter what subject, and students are able to excel within their group.

Group instruction as well as small group instruction are both important to the students as a whole. The time that is spent in a whole group can focus on introduction of new information, reading stories on a particular topic, or introducing new spelling words through song. Then, once students are separated into their smaller groups, teachers can gauge what the focus that particular group of students need to ensure success.

The groups are generally separated based on skill assessments. Teachers might utilize standardized tests to form their groups, however there is some speculation about this method, specifically for younger children who try to rush or who don’t read well, but might completely understand the material. Observations are an excellent tool to assess students understanding and their ability to grasp information that would likely be useful in smaller group lessons. Some teachers create groups that are homogeneous, while others like variety and separate students in groups that are heterogeneous to allow for higher leveled thinkers to positively influence struggling learners.

Filed Under: Educational Reference Tagged With: Education, Student, Teacher

Interested in Media? Distance Learning Degrees Can Help

December 1, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

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It’s no secret that the media is everywhere. A lot of people like being informed of all the things that are happening in the world, and they like to know about those things all the time and right when they happen. Working in the media, especially in times of war, economic stress, or other serious issues, can be a very interesting career. Often you get to travel, and you’ll be asked to cover things that people might not have had any interest in before they became such ‘hot button’ issues. That kind of job can be one that always has something going on, so it never gets boring.

So, how do you get a job like that? You usually need an education in media, communications or journalism. Some people manage to get in with fewer credentials, but the more you have going for you the better chance you’ll have of getting the opportunity to be involved in the media. Distance learning degrees can be among the best ways to get an education and move into a new career. No matter what you want to study – including anything that’s involved with the media – there are options for you.

Check into various schools and see which ones will be offering the kinds of classes and degrees that you want. Make sure that the schools you’re considering are accredited. If they aren’t, it’s best to pass them up and find schools that are. In addition, you can check into grants and loans so that you’re better able to pay for your new educational endeavor. Don’t assume you’re too old, too young or too anything else. If you want to be part of the media and get a degree to get you started, it’s time to go out and make your dreams come true.

Filed Under: Educational Reference Tagged With: Distance Learning, Education, Mass media

When a Teaching Tactic Should Be Implemented

November 25, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

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As a teacher you are constantly bombarded with different ways to make your teaching more effective. Some things, like the lessons you must teach the kids are handed to you from the top down, others are things that you read about in magazines or see at conferences and seminars. There are a million different ways to try and teach your students. Some of these are fresh approaches to famously successful methods and many of them will really catch your eye, but the question is: are my students ready to learn that way and can i effectively teach it that way?

These questions are the kind that you have to know if you want to make a successful transition into the teaching style. The first thing that needs to be assessed is the kind of children you have. Everything from their backgrounds to the kind of environment the school itself is a factor in if your kids are ready for that progressive type of teaching. In most cases your kids have to be ready to embrace change.

The other thing that needs to be done is a teacher needs to be able to fully grasp the concept of the method before they can begin to bring it into the classroom. Too many time teachers implement a style or method without being sure that they understand the method. The issue is that if a teacher watches a student having trouble grasping the concept of the lesson they might not understand it well enough to know how to get it to connect with the student.

If you are thinking about implementing a new lesson plan they you should be thinking about these things. The number one job of a teacher is to connect lessons to the student. Make sure the method is the best thing for you and your students.

Filed Under: Educational Reference Tagged With: Classroom, Education, Educators, K through 12, Lesson plan, Student, Teacher, Teaching Resources

Instilling Discipline In The Classroom

November 20, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

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As a teacher there are a lot of important jobs you must handle. The first is teaching the lessons to the children and making sure they understand and relate to what you are trying to teach them. The other thing you have to do and it might be the first thing you have to do is instill discipline in the classroom. If you cannot get your students to listen to you and behave themselves, you can’t hope to have them connect with your lesson plans. If you are interested in instilling discipline here are a few things to keep in mind.

The first thing you need to do is set a tone early. Children, like animals, can tell when a teacher is unsure of themselves. They can smell fear. Don’t let them see fear on you or things could be a bit hectic and difficult. You need to let them know from the moment they step into your classroom that you mean business.

Make sure your discipline is fair. If you begin sending people to the principles office for every little thing you will blur the line between what they can and can’t do. This will only lead them to believe there is no right behavior. This will cause them to act out. The rules that you set forth must be clear and the punishment must be fair.

There must be levels to the punishment. A severe punishment for hitting another student cannot be the same punishment for talking in class. While they both might be disruptive they cannot be dealt with in exactly the same way. There must be a different level.

Consistency and the ability to be stern are two things that matter the most in good classroom management. If you can do these two things any classroom you take over will be well behaved one.

Filed Under: Educational Reference Tagged With: Classroom, Discipline, Education, Educators, K through 12, Lesson plan, Student, Teacher

Bringing Home Economics Back

November 19, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

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The education system prides itself on teaching the children exactly what they need to know but in high school there seems to be a shift away from what they need. There used to be a time in high school when children took a class called home economics. In this class they learned how to budget and how to save money at the grocery store. They learned how to manage a home. This class over the years, due to shifts in financial backing and the managing of a schools funding, has taken that sort of class out of most of the public schools. Some private schools still teach this sort of thing but even these schools are gearing more toward business, math, and science.

So why aren’t these classes more important to schools. The truth is most of these students could benefit from these classes. In a world where being an adult is harder and more complicated than ever before it’s important that children get a course in the things that they matter.

A teenager, especially in their last year of high school, is approaching an age where they will be inundated with credit card offers and be applying for student loans and thinking about getting loans for a car. Having a basic understanding of how credit works will go a long way in being able to manage the constant barrage of credit offers as well as learn how to stay on top of their credit score.

The interest should be to educate children on practical knowledge at a time when they are generally disinterested in their studies. It’s one of the things that could benefit a teenager. However, unless the funding in these schools increase or the priorities in the school change there will be lots of teenagers without proper knowledge or real world happenings.

Filed Under: Educational Reference Tagged With: Credit card, Education, Educators, High school, Home economics, K through 12, State school, United States

Tuition Assistance for Military Service Members

November 14, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

Joining the military may be a feasible way to pay for secondary education. Military service members may be granted as much as $4,500 annually in tuition assistance. Tuition assistance will be paid to the school of choice, class by class. Also, the new GI Bill, or, rather, the Post 9-11 GI Bill, is an expansion of the Montgomery GI Bill. The Montgomery GI Bill offered $1,000 per month for post-secondary education for any veterans who paid the $1,200 deposit when they enlisted. The new GI Bill requires no deposit.
Confused yet? Let’s take this discussion in a new direction. How far do you want to go with your education after or during your military service? What, if any, benefit will taking a test like the Graduate Management Admissions Test do for you while you are serving your country. Well for one, taking such an exam would get you into graduate business school where you could get your MBA. But the exam – or actually preparing for the exam – could help you develop skills that you could use both while in or out of military service.
Here is what I mean. Got online and check out GMAT prep courses. Look at what they offer and what is expected of you to prepare for the exam. Obviously, with all the studying and preparing you will do, you will continue to develop the discipline you have gained since being in the military. You will also develop excellent verbal and math skills to use during and after service. You will develop critical thinking skills. You will boost your reasoning skills. You will practice problem solving skills. You will increase your overall analytical skills. All of this skill improvement will aid you and possibly help you get promoted. So use your tuition assistance to help expand and grow your career.

Filed Under: Educational Reference, Media Workers Tagged With: Education, GI Bill, Veteran