Education never changes . . .
I’ve heard people say that schools are the only places that a person from 100 years ago could be dropped into and still be able to recognize. I have even caught myself nodding to this statement. I had some time to reflect on this today and yes, I do believe that a person from 100 years ago would be able to figure out where they were if they were to suddenly appear in our schools, just as they would if they were to pop into a bank, police station or restaurant. I know that the people, usually presenters at conferences, who make such statements, are well meaning and the intent of their message is that we need to continue to improve the way we help kids learn. As educational professionals I believe we have an ethical responsibility to do so! It is easy to make sweeping statements like education hasn’t changed in 100 years. It takes more energy to observe how education has changed in 100 years. What are the ways in which you believe education has changed and improved since the turn of the 20th centruy?
