Lean Production: Inside the war on public education

[savebigbird]

25. I think you're viewing this inaccurately.

Trained teachers are experts in their field, just as doctors, for example, are experts in the medical field. Think of how people are expected to conduct themselves while at the doctor. You should ask questions and always do your research and not be afraid to seek a second, well-informed opinion. You wouldn't tell your doctor how he/she should do his/her job. You wouldn't seek advice for a second opinion from a doctor that never completed medical school. Just as a certain degree of respect and trust is garnered from patients to doctors, teachers also deserve a degree of respect from those they serve. Teachers feel a great deal of accountability toward their students and their families, but it is extremely unwise for those with no pedagogical training to direct teachers in their profession, their area of expertise.

As for the concept of teachers being unable to keep up with modern technology, bringing automated learning into the classroom, and as a result, increasing class sizes, it is important to realize just how much content, how many processing skills, and how many students this method would be ineffective for. Sure, Khan-style videos are inexpensive, can be used repeatedly, and are logistically practical, but they are relatively limited in terms of learning styles and content.