A Bad Example....

      As I am pursuing a career in education, I am constantly comparing my professors in order to gain a better idea of my own teaching methods. Some educators inspire me to be better, while others give me good examples of what NOT to be. Every student learns differently and it takes all types of methods in order to make a well-rounded educational system, but some methods are better left out of the picture.
      Unfortunately, the bad example I found today came from Grand Valley's Honors College. A friend of mine is taking a European civilization class, which includes some areas of art. What upset me is that she said her class is required to memorize a list of pieces, the artist, and medium. How is that learning art?!?
      I have no idea who the professor is, but they are missing out on the bigger ideas behind art history. Students are asked to memorize important pieces, but do they even know why they are important, or how they reflect the culture?? Although it is good to be familiar with artists and their work, the professor is not teaching them how to apply the information at all.
      Hearing my friend complain today gave me a good educational goal: Don't be a passive teacher. I should never fall into the complacent and outdated pedagogy of teaching raw information and expecting it to be repeated back. This will not result in a broadened mind, or even an interest in the subject being learned.
      I should have this professor read my last blog post..... :)