The New School Experience - Does "New" Necessarily Mean Better?

In the video "The New School Experience," Roy Anderson discusses a "change of mindset" that aims to better explain how children learn and how to raise performance in the class as a whole by involving all students in dialogue-centered learning. Something I found very interesting in this teaching philosophy is that it aims to take the focus off of teaching students how to pass tests. Instead, more of a focus is placed on teaching students how to think and why they are learning what they are learning. I find that in the age of standardized testing and end of year Regents exams, this is a philosophy that is all too often forgotten. Unfortunately, somewhat of an emphasis has to be placed on teaching students how to pass these types of tests as long as they are in place, for it would be a disservice to the students to expose them to the sometimes tricky multiple-choice testing format for the first time on the actual day of the exam. It is important as a teacher to reach a balance between these two ways of thinking and teaching, as long as standardized testing is still in place.

I thought it was interesting how Mr. Anderson suggested that new subjects should be introduced that teach students how to accept cultural and social differences, which will lead to social harmony. Perhaps much of the social conflict seen in today's society could be lessened if children learn from a young age to not only recognize and accepted, but to embrace differences among each other.

I also liked how parents are encouraged to get involved in their child's education under this philosophy. Oftentimes parents do want to be a part of their child's educational experience, but may feel at times "left out of the loop" by the teacher. By getting parents involved, students will be more willing to learn due to the encouragement they will be receiving both in the classroom and at home.

Overall, the goal of the "New School Experience," which is to create a society of free-thinkers who are able to make a better world for all people, is extremely important, especially considering the increasing trend in social and environmental problems seen today. Children need to be prepared to eventually make some tough decisions, and teaching them to wonder and ask questions will better prepare them for this task.