The Evolution Of Education

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Education is the starting point for most but like everything in life, it continues to grow and evolve over time.

The teachers I talked to today say things in the classroom have changed drastically over the last 30 or more years.

They remember the transitions and having to roll with the punches.

Being an educator today isn’t the same as it was 15, 10, or even 5 years ago.

Dr.Eddie Peasant says it might be because students are asked to do more now, than they were then.

“The 21st-century learning skills such as more problem-solving and higher order thinking skills are being required of students these days,” said Peasant.

June Barnett spent 30 years in the classroom. She retired in 2008.

She can see, even from outside the class that things are still moving quickly.

“Our school district has been consolidated so that all the best people have joined together to give the expertise and knowledge. What I see here is a collaboration they’ve began when I was here and there are plenty of retired administrators in this community who have even left our community who are responsible for getting that going,” said Barnett.

The internet hit the schools in the early to mid 90’s.

Most teachers agree, adjusting to that, and the things to follow, was a challenge.

“One of the biggest changes I’ve seen in my 27 years of teaching. Is technology with in the classroom. Boys and girls actually come in knowing a lot more sometime then the teacher is with technology so we really have to be up on our game with technology in the classroom,” said Retired Teacher Rosia Johnson.

“The surge of technology and that would be where I would feel the most inadequate. Fortunately and administration and a support staff that give teachers the skills that they need so that they can bring students along in a very relevant way,” said Barnett.

A Purdue University Study reports that in the coming years with the introduction to technology the role of students and teachers evolve.

Students will accept more responsibility for their own learning using technology to gather with the teachers as guides.