In response to Michael Broyde’s post:
Are our schools doing the job today? This is a very complicated question because in it are inherent other questions which may be even more important. Are we adapting to the new changes in the world in terms of the methods we are using in our classes? Students in many of our schools are computer savvy and many are on Smart phones, I touch’s, Androids, Facebook and Social Media; attention spans have dwindled; students are often sleep deprived, and are not the “klei kibul” of yester year. Schools must find a way of bringing education to our students at their level. One thing is certain; we are fighting a nuclear war in education today and we are still using ant guns to fight the battle. The lack of parental support at times, dysfunctional family, kids at risk, adults at risk bring challenges to the table that educators have never dealt with before. We are fighting a modern culture that is so far from Judaism and whose effects have seeped into the hearts and minds of our students leading them to be very confused. I would like to list a number of suggestions that schools and teachers should employ today in order to overcome some of these obstacles.
1. The focus of education today must be based on one of love and caring for their students. The concept of “Yemino Mekarev Usmolo Dochek” today needs to be 95 % Yemino Mekarev.
2. A teacher and morah today must realize that they are far more than purveyors of information. They must gain student trust and them be able to become a real part of the trials and tribulation that their students are facing.
3. Involve students in the learning process, setting up classroom rules and through empowerment reach them at their level.
4. Grading systems can’t be a one size fits all. A student should be able to achieve an A in a modified program based on their educational level. No two people get the same medicine and in a similar manner “fair is not equal” and every child must have a program that ensures their personal success.
5. Schools may want to consider having a Rebbe in Middle School or High School travel with his students from year to year so that they can form a bond and relationship that can be built upon from year to year.
6. We need to set high academic standards for our students. All too often we underestimate how much our students can really accomplish.
7. The use of technology in our teaching is a must if we are to reach our students where they are. This includes incorporating the use of Smart Boards, multi-media and other similar tools that can engage our students.
8. Frontal teaching is a thing of the past. Teachers should employ strategies like cooperative learning (chavrusa) and understand the concepts of differentiated instruction and prepare lessons that attempt to meet varied learning styles.
9. Schools must employ teachers or bring in specialists that are willing and able to answer difficult questions that students have on Emunah and faith in Hashem.
10. Judaism can’t be taught as a religion with a list of Do’s and Don’ts. We must teach students to form a relationship with Hashem.
11. Schools need to reach out and forma a closer school – shul relationship. Often a shul Rabbi brings a new dynamic or a better understanding of the family and can help the school to address issues that the school is facing.
This is a list that can be added to in terms of strategies for schools to employ. We must develop “Klei Milchama” that are appropriate for our generation. I am sure that many schools are already using these strategies and if so this is just a note of review and reminder.
Rabbi Peretz Scheinerman, Dean Providence Hebrew Day School / NEAT
