Prosser Theorm 15

I know that I often times feel like meeting certain criteria as a teacher can feel rigid and standardized, but one of the luxuries of my job is that I get a sense of freedom in my classroom when it comes to teaching my course. I agree that vocational, or career and technical education, should not be set to a standardized way of thinking. Careers as a whole are always changing and always evolving, so I think it is our obligation as educators to make sure our curriculum meets those changes. In my two years teaching, I have noticed that comments are often made along the lines of “but you teach a fun class”, or “the kids want to take your class”. I know that teachers don’t mean this as an insult, but it can feel like they are saying I am not good at what I teach, that instead, the curriculum is drawing the kids in. Even if that is the case, how lucky am I to be able to teach a “fun” class that is always changing and always evolving!

Theorem 5

Let's continue to comment on the work of Prosser. Do you agree or disagree with theorem 5, "Vocational education is not for everyone, but for those individuals who need it, want it, and are able to profit from it." Justify your response. I agree with theorem 5 because the idea behind this theorem can be applied to any type of education, college prep or vocational. As it pertains to vocational education, I feel we all need a vocational educational skill. Some look down upon vocational education and the skills that come with the vocational educational system. In my personal opinion, because bachelor degrees are becoming the norm, vocational educational skills are very important in today's workforce. This is an example of how theorem 5 proves to be true; vocational education is not for everyone, it is for those who need it, want it, and are able to profit from it. Some individuals need vocational education to be productive citizens and make a living. Certifications such as CDL, CNA, and EMT are vital to our workforce. This is another example of how theorem 5 proves to be true.

Prosser got it wrong this time

“Vocational education is not for everyone, but for those individuals who need it, want it, and are able to profit from it.” – Prosser I completely disagree with Prosser’s Theorem 5 because I believe vocational education can benefit every student, in at least one way. I can attest that the majority of my students in Broadcast Video Production do not want necessarily want to go into the broadcast field upon graduation, but I guarantee they learn a skill in my class that will help them. No matter what path they decide on for their future, they will utilize the skills learned in Broadcast Video Production. By taking my classes, students will become a better writer, build confidence with public speaking, enhance their conversation skills, and they will get hands-on experience with basic technology that could help them in a wide array of career paths. I also disagree with the statement because I don’t think vocational education should be geared towards just the topic at hand. I think it is our responsibility as educators to add to the curriculum standards with real-life content and information that will benefit the student as they get older.

Teaching Real World Lessons

Overall I can say I agree with Prosser’s Theorem 3 because it touches on the main points we try to stress to our students in the classroom. He first mentions providing students with thinking habits. As a teacher, I not only discuss the curriculum, making sure to meet the standards, but I also attempt to tech my students what I call “real life lessons”. It is simple for me to demonstrate how to properly save a document or a video file, but I take it a step further in making that simple task more relevant to bigger tasks they may face in the future. I explain that if you trust the computer to save your items wherever it wants, then you will be disappointed when the document it missing the next time you go and look for it. I try and teach them those critical thinking skills, stressing the importance of being smarter than the computer and you (the student) telling it (the computer) what to do. Prosser expounds on thinking habits by pointing out technical knowledge and scientific problem solving skills. As CTE teachers, it is our obligation to teach these kids how to properly use the equipment, and we take that a step further by ensuring they know how to do so safely. When it comes to problem solving skills, the best example I have seen in my classroom is letting the kids make a mistake so they will then learn how to correct it in the future. I don’t let the students fail, but sometimes I will know they are completing a task slightly incorrectly, and I will allow the mistake to be made. After it is said and done, I go back with the student and ask them to describe what they did wrong and how they can fix it. Sometimes the most effective learning takes place when they teach themselves. Finally, the theorem points out the students need to learn the manipulative skills required in the workplace. I feel this is the most important thing we teach them. From filling out a resume, and having a firm handshake, to setting up three-point lighting, and speaking clearly while reading a teleprompter, I make sure that the students coming through the BVP program know what will be expected of them if they choose to pursue a career in this field.