How do I want to learn?

Poor grades were never an option. My dad would pay my older siblings for every A and B that they earned in school. Not me, however. Good grades were just expected because I accepted nothing less than my own best. And for that, my mom and dad never had to worry about me. Maybe I should have slacked a little bit...

Regardless, the clip we watched on Monday about the "Future of Learning," made me think. What do those grades even mean? What does my GPA really signify? That I can comply with the system? Perhaps that's not what I want. Well too bad because I am one year away from graduating from said system. However, I will have a say in how my children are educated. By golly, times are changing so I will undoubtedly be experiencing new advances in education right along with everybody else. 

Let me return to the question, "How do I want to learn?" I think the advances companies like Knewton are making in education are fascinating and definitely have their advantages. I don't like change though. I like routine, I like consistency. I want to learn from teachers who dialogue with students. I want to learn from teachers who let students speak up with the questions that pop into their inquistive minds. I want teachers that are willing and qualified to answer these questions with knowledge that wouldn't be able to be acquired anywhere besides the classroom. There is a camaraderie dimension in the classroom that I love. I love being handed back graded assignments and report cards. These have always been a tangible measurment of success. A sort of identity, if you will. I love that. I can't say I want it taken away or adapted.