I used to play Oregon Trail in elementary and middle school and loved the game. It fostered great problem solving and decision making. It had historical relevance as well, so it taught content. I think the game itself can be a great analogy about education, as a whole though. Which one are you?
Main Character (Leader)
This/these individual(s) is in charge of leading the wagon and making big decisions. This does not have to be administration, just a person who is motivated and passionate about what they are doing. This individual may have to make some tough calls, but if it’s for the good of the cause then most will understand. They do care about everyone’s well-being, but feelings may get hurt along the way, but hey, that’s what leadership entails.
The Family (Support System)
This/these individual(s) assist with leadership decisions. They are there for the long haul and support the leader. They may also play a role in decision making. These individuals are important because they keep things moving. Without a support system, leaders fall to the wayside. Like a covered wagon cannot move without wheels, an institution cannot move without these people.
The Ox’s/Mules (the indifferent individuals)
These individuals just sit back and go with the flow of things. They don’t really care about the decisions, but will move along as long as it means they are getting food (paycheck). Though it would be nice for these people to move up in the ranks and give a little more, at least they aren’t dragging others down. They do assist in moving things forward, but every once in awhile they get worn out and need to slow down. It is up to the leaders and support system to keep them moving.
Disease (The Naysayers)
There are always going to be people trying to slow things down or put things to rest. In the game characters catch diseases, break bones, etc. In the school these people are there to disregard the information, argue the opposite, or just ignore. These people are typically negative and feel they are doing everything right. The leaders, support system need to stick together to prove what they are doing is effective. Disease gets in the way and is hard to cure, but it takes powerful and innovative minds to wash it all away. Sometimes a simple antibiotic can help subside the symptoms, but may not rid the diseases altogether. Unfortunately, there may be nothing one can do to get rid of this disease so it eventually keeps attacking. Just as the leader is trying to get people to hop aboard in a positive way, these individuals are trying to get people to hop aboard in a negative way.
If you have ever played the game there is a goal, a destination. I think that destination, for education changes year to year. We want students to achieve, to be successful, and we want to provide them with the necessary skill sets. That is the destination. The only problem with this is I think it is more of a process than a destination. The great part about this is, there are multiple ways to reach it, just as you may have to go around a landmark, or cross different rivers, or the path is adjusted in the game, the same can happen in education. We start the trip gathering supplies and resources, and use those to our advantage. The game itself reminds us that we can’t rely on these resources by wiping half of them away in a flood or having them taken by a gang of outlaws. Every once in awhile we gain new resources or supplies by stumbling across an old wagon, a new town, etc. In education, we can’t rely on the tools we have, but we have to use to better our experience. Every once in awhile we stumble across new tools to use and we try to put them to use.
No comments:
Post a Comment