Cologne (Germany)

Technology and the Future of Work: “Crisis of U.S. Education”

jruss — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:49:41 -0500

This short document summarizes Al Shanker's speech to the Stanford University conference. He focused on the need to restructure traditional school and look for different models of education. He compared schools to an assembly line factory, but argues that students should be conceived of as workers rather than as products. Shanker cites schools in Germany that have implemented different educational models and urges American school systems to do the same.

Marjorie Kovler Lecture Series, University of Chicago

jruss — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:49:41 -0500

Al Shanker begins with his personal history and the changes in schools and the educational system he has witnessed. He also discusses the history of teachers' unions. He acknowledges the problems present in schools, and he says that teachers need three things: higher salaries, smaller classes, and more time during the day to grade work and to interact with colleagues. Shanker states, however, that teachers probably will not receive these because of the high cost and not enough personnel. Shanker then addresses what students need. read more »

School/College Collaboration: Teaching At-Risk Youth

jruss — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:53:14 -0500

Al Shanker describes the need for experimentation with the structure and organization of education. He cites a school in Germany that has drastically restructured the way it educates, grouping children with one team of teachers from fifth grade through age nineteen. Collaborative learning is the focus of classwork, and no substitute teachers are ever hired. Shanker further cites research that says that of all the ways to learn material, listening is the least effective, yet we ask students to sit and listen to the teacher all day long. read more »

Shavano Institute Conference: “Defining the Risks: Diagnoses and Cures”

jruss — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:49:41 -0500

Al Shanker begins by commenting on government funding to education. He notes that there has been an increase in funding, but he questions whether this has really changed educational results. He says that incentives besides money need to be developed in order to retain good teachers. Next, he turns to the main topic of his talk: whether the nation is still at risk, referring to a 1983 government report “A Nation at Risk.” Shanker answers affirmatively that the nation is indeed still at risk, citing a recent report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). read more »

The Colorado Forum

jruss — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:39:57 -0500

This document summarizes Al Shanker's presentation to The Forum and the subsequent question and answer session. Shanker calls for a restructuring of the educational system. He questions the effectiveness of the current model whereby students are required to sit in a chair and listen for hours. He cites an experimental school in Germany that changes this model. In this German school, students are grouped and then eight teachers stay with the group from fifth grade through the age of nineteen. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively to come up with creative answers. read more »