[etni] Fwd: the HOTS debate
- From: ETNI list <etni.list@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: Etni <etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 18 Jul 2010 09:04:00 +0300
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ruthi <rsheffer@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: the HOTS debate
Dear Adele
Felt I had to respond to a couple of your statements.
I would like to say that I waited for the HOTS debate because as we
all know it is one of the key issues now being discussed on Etni and
in the world of English teaching in Israel generally.
You say "The thing is, this whole issue has blown so out of
proportion, and it pains
me to see this happening. The bottom line is that we are ALL teachers, we
all want what is the best for our students, "
The reason why this issue is so hot is precisely because we care
about our students and want what is best for them.And that is NOT
HOTs.We do not want a program which is pedagogically unsound, which
will cause our weak pupils to fail,inspire in them an aversion to
Literature and cause experienced teachers to hate what they currently
adore teaching.
You then say "However, it
is just as natural for people to be wary, apprehensive and cautious of
innovation and new challenges "
I think that Eleanor, Tessa and Eleanor S all clearly stated that none
of the opponents of HOTs is against a challenge.
In fact at my school the English teachers are all in the forefront
when it comes to innovative approaches. The HOTS program is not new as
Tessa stated, and even if it were, being new in itself would not be a
recommendation .I think she outlined quite clearly and coherently why
we object to the program, the pedagogical objections to it and none of
these was just because it is NEW or a Challenge!
Maybe you weren't paying enough attention to all the points she so
clearly stated.
You say "No one really LIKES to leave their personal comfort zone"
Who is this addressed to ? this is a slur and I don't know what it means....
'Those who objected to it (again... from the impression I got) are
doing so without having had the opportunity to actually learn and experience
it"
This point really annoys me.. Tessa made it quite clear that her
points were based on feedback received from a large number of teachers
who HAD participated in the course but were unable to attend ETAI and
certainly more than one speaker present had taken it. I think that
many of us who are Literature majors (and in the case of Eleanor and
myself Literature MA's) feel extremely annoyed that we are being
required to take a 56 hour course in something we have a masters in
and have been doing in class for the last 30 years,albeit without all
the fancy jargon.Eleanor indeed has been presenting at Etai on the
subject of Literature and poetry in particular for at least 20 years.
If people feel unable to teach literature let them take the course
voluntarily. As was pointed out, the Ministry needs to check on who is
doing the job and not just impose this across the board as a "One size
fits all "solution.
Finally I think many of us were shocked and amazed that no Ministry
rep was there to hear and address our grievances.
Ruth Sheffer
--
For people who like peace and quiet - a phoneless cord
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