Limitations!

"The thing that is not evaluated, it will be devaluated"

Dear readers,

If you, as a teacher, could choose between evaluating your pupils or  not, what would you do? Have you ever thought about it? 

In each country, depending on the educational system, your are limited by the demands of the national/regional curriculum. They are the ones who decide what you have to teach, and in some way or the other, how you have to do it.

Sometimes I ask myself where is the barrier for the public institution to decide what we (as teachers)are obligated to teach our pupils. Is it fair to our pupils and parents to decide for them about what kind of ethic contents they are obligated to listen to?

Well, In my opinion: I don´t think so!

One of my subject is Anthropology. If I could choose with all my liberty to teach my subject on my way, I would show them all point of views.I would even dare to give them my point of view. I would encourage them to critical thinking. By this way they learn to make their own criteria. Many times I get disappointed listening to the lack of criteria pupils of +18 years old. Than I ask myself,¿How are they going to cope setbacks?

My students are happy to attend my anthropology classes because I give them the opportunity to think about their lives, about the importance of their acts and responsibilities. We talk about the lack of commitment in our society and the consequences of this lack. 

Knowing that we are obligated to assess our students, you can ask yourself: ¿How do you assess these kind of subjects?

I love to assess with portfolios. It´s important in these kind of subjects that the students feel respected in their opinions and so they don´t feel obligated to think one way or another. That´s why I think it´s so important for them to create their own criteria. 

Each pupil will present in their portfolio with different interactive tasks their opinions, defending them with a reasonable criteria.

I encourage you as a teacher, even if you give biology, socials or any other subject, to insist in critical thinking in your pupils. I'm convinced they will gain in maturity!