The larger problem is much, much harder. I almost like the idea of an open school. No bells, no arbitrary schedule. Just give students a list of standards they need to meet and have the teachers available to help and coach as needed. I need to give a lot of serious thought to this before I open my own school (that’s not happening anytime soon, but hopefully one day).
.-= Jason Bedell´s last blog ..It’s Never Too Late to Teach an Old Dog New Tricks! =-.

This is an example of one of those elements of public education that is so traditional, so deeply embedded in the culture of school… I’ve never once considered what it says about learning and motivation.

Getting rid of the bells seems like a good first step; the larger problem is a little more difficult to wrap my head around.
.-= Cory Roush´s last blog ..What Drives Us, Drives Students Too =-.

We don’t teach kids to learn on their own. With help from In conjunction with helicopter parents (see A Nation of Wimps by Marano), we provide such frequent and detailed feedback that students can’t think on their own. I’ve had to limit the number of questions students can ask during a test because the crush of questions made the classroom too noisy. This hit home on a recent trip to Washington DC with our 8th grade. It was a first class trip of exhibits, including a private meeting with our state representative on the House floor. I was stunned when the feedback was mixed. It dawned on me that no matter how much we prepare for the trip, the ultimate success is dependent upon each student’s inquisitiveness and ability to learn on their own (e.g., without a teacher in a classroom setting).