I found the David Warlick video quite interesting and at times slightly frustrating. I am a firm believer in sidetrips but feel that there is too much expected of teachers to make them too lengthy and to make them common occurances.
Before my school year begins I know that I have to complete 8-12 units in each subject area. Most of them last 3-4 weeks each. That's a lot to accomplish in a school year. Most years I accomplish it all. But, as a free thinking teacher and curious human being I understand the value of side trips. Each year I feel that I can fit in only one medium length side trip that spreads thoughout each school year and a few small ones sprinkled in.
I found what David said to be slightly frustrating at times because I felt that he was preaching to the choir. I would love to let my kids go on side trips all year long. I would love if they could guide the curriculum and decide what they want to learn about. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. I have administrators that tell me what to do and they have administrators above them that tell them what to do.
Overall I love the concept of sidetrips and will continue to include them in my school year whenever I can find the time. I find them exciting and empowering for the students and it's a nice change from the usual for all of us.
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I realize that I am often preaching to the choir, though you might be surprised at how many teachers are just going through the motions.
Still, my goal is to get the choir to sing. If education is changed in five or ten years, if we are doing more of what we as educators of heart, know what we should be doing, it will be because we were talking out loud about it today.
Kim..see david Warlick's Blog
http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/2007/03/28/warlick-on-derailing-education/
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