Innovation in Valencian Schools

Here we are going to briefly analyze the way we could introduce some innovative techniques of learning in schools of the Region of Valencia. Specifically, we are going to focus on the incorporation of new technologies in schools: computers, digital blackboards…

The first aspect we immediately thought of is money: “Money makes the world go around”, says Liza Minnelli’s song.

                                     

However, there are other aspects deserving greater attention and investment:

a)      Formation of qualified teachers.

b)     Suitable materials which both teachers and students can make use of (above mentioned: computers, digital blackboards, creation of blogs, electronic portfolios…)

c)      Teachers willing to cooperate and headmasters to improve the quality of education. As we already debated in class, not everyone would agree with innovative principles, such as the ones we propose regarding English Language:

1. English lessons should be fully given in English since first of ESO. It is the only way they would get to understand the language; getting completely immersed in it and exposed to it, receiving input and producing output.

2. Motivation from students should be promoted by organizing abroad trips.

3. Teachers should introduce new ways of teaching, for example: performing a lesson in the computers room (at least once a month).  Consequently, students are taught in different and innovative ways:  prezi, cuadernia, blogs, forums, electronic portfolios, online exercises from BBC…

In order to conclude this entry, we would like to post an open question for all of us to think about it seriously:

Is it that there is a lack of money, investment in education, or is it that we do not know how to make a profit of economical resources?

Feel free to add your opinions about it! Thank you!