[etni] "good pedagogical reasons"

From: "David R. Herz" <drh16@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 04:20:09 +0300
I just have to comment on the following comment from Avi Tzur defending
HOTS:
 

As I am part of the English Inspectorate I can assure you that the purpose
of introducing HOTS (in the English Curriculum, and WORLD WIDE) was for good
pedagogical reasons. HOTS should be taught (and hopefully will be taught
when Teachers have mastered it) from a younger (pre-bagrut) level. (Check
with the pubishers and you will see that many of the books of today covering
EFL Literature are dealing openly and directly with HOTS. We have not
invented the wheel.)

 

I have four comments actually.  The first is that if the inspectorate is
really so into doing things for "good pedagogical reasons," I don't
understand why it is so silent on things that persist that have no proven
pedagogical foundation, or that have even proven to interfere with learning,
such as Grades, Matriculation Examinations, Homework, Red Pens, etc.

 

Second, I have not yet seen any proof that HOTS in English is the wisest use
of money, as opposed to, for instance, putting money into new teacher
support so that there is a smaller attrition rate, or encouraging the use of
journals, or teaching students to do what is required of them in English in
their native languages first.

 

Third, teachers do best when they are working in ways in which they believe.
HOTS was forced down teacher's throats.  Maybe some are wise enough to see
it is the right medicine and swallow, but many will gag on it.  I am
thinking here of Mary Poppins's "Just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine
go down."  It is not even about the money.  Most English teachers I meet are
willing to work and try new things.  So teach your new method, but don't
impose it.  If teachers are enrolled, they will adopt it.

 

Fourth, I am reminded the suggestien that if something appears wrong with
class, maybe the teacher should look at how he is relating to it.  I suggest
the inspectorate do the same.  If so many teachers are still grumbling about
HOTS, maybe the inspectorate should consider that there is something wrong
with its approach, either fundamentally, or in its marketing of it.

 

Yours truly,

 

David R. Herz

drherz@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

www.educatingisrael.com

Bet Rimon

052-579-1859

 

 

    

 

 



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[etni] "good pedagogical reasons"

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