No child left behind, maybe the children are leaving us behind?

We are under a mandate to make sure ALL our students achieve high academic standards. What this means in most places is doing more of the same. We increase class time, cut out electives, and have some kids double up on Math and English. If it wasn’t working the first time why should more of the same be any better? I am oversimplifying. I know individual teachers who are striving to offer a more differentiated learning experience, schools who are looking at creative scheduling, and more focused instruction. But they are primarily variations on a theme.

But recent research supports the notion that kids today think differently, that their brain structure is actually different Students interact with and process information differently then the adults who direct the learning experience. Could if be that we are failing our students because we have not recognized that their new thought process may require a very different educational experience?

The educational writer Marc Prensky has written quite a bit on this topic and poses some interesting questions. This is one topic I will need to mull over awhile. What are the real differences and needs of these students? How can we best meet these needs? How will this affect the technology needs of infrastructure and teacher training? So much to consider, some times it is all so overwhelming.

Note: A study not related to education supports the idea that what you do does affect brain structure see the article “You are what you think?” for more.