Disrupting the Classroom is about changing the way we teach to students, and taking all students learning styles into account. Gardner’s theory about the eight different intelligences has had a huge impact on the educational community, but have we really implemented his suggestions? Based on my school observation experience, not really. I think this can be attributed to one quote in particular, “Teachers are similarly trapped by their own strengths.” Teachers, especially those who have been teaching for a long time, are often afraid to try something new. They know what has worked in the past, with the majority of students, and want to stick to pattern and routine. That’s part of the beauty of new teachers fresh to the profession: we don’t know what works, so we’re willing to give anything a shot!
This is of course all related to what works best for students. It’s daunting to think of a class with 40 students, all of whom learn differently. Teach to the majority seems like a safe enough approach, but then you are completely missing some students. This is where the “disruption” comes into play. The article encourages using technology and innovative strategies to help the “Robs” who struggle to understand material. This doesn’t mean that a teacher has to try something new and cutting-edge every day, but a good mix is likely to help more students grasp material.
The best ways to find new teaching ideas and strategies is to stay current via professional development, talking to other teachers, and trial-and-error. A strategy that works well in one class may bomb in another, put continuing to try more ideas is bound to reach a broader range of students.
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