Everything Old Is New Again
- By Deborah P. Moore
- 04/01/17
As I look back through our archives at
some of the most significant trends in education,
it is interesting to note that what seems like a new
problem or a new idea most likely is not. Chances are
that if you look back in history, you will see an older
version of that “new” idea. Sometimes the idea sticks.
Occasionally we find ourselves doing a complete 180.
Sustainability — On April 22, 1970, we
celebrated the first Earth Day, putting air and water pollution and other
environmental concerns on the front page. The sustainability movement
took hold in the building and construction industry some 20 years later
(1993) when the USGBC was established; the LEED rating system was
unveiled in 2000. The Center for Green Schools was launched in 2010.
Today, building sustainable schools is routine practice.
Energy and Design — With the OPEC oil embargo of 1973, oil
prices jumped 350 percent. Through the early 1980s numerous articles
were written on making schools more energy efficient. New mechanical
systems were installed. Large windows, prevalent in older buildings,
were closed off to save on heating and cooling costs. What wasn’t
taken into account was the negative impact this would have on natural
ventilation, light and the indoor-outdoor connection. Current research
shows the positive effect of natural light on students. Windows are
being added and historic windows are being restored.
Science and Technology — In 1957 the talk was about the Soviet
Union, Sputnik, the space race and how American students were falling
behind in math and science. Our strategy was to emphasize math and
science and to expand vocational programs. The focus quickly faded.
Fast-forward to the 2000s when global rankings, the economy and workforce
development took center stage, and there was a renewed emphasis
on what we now called S.T.E.M. Outside factors — jobs, and the idea that
the U.S. has “fallen behind” — have been the drivers of this movement.
The real driver should be our belief that students need the ability to
think critically, problem-solve and collaborate to succeed.
Open Classrooms and Makerspace — In the ’60s and ’70s it was
all about the open classroom. In the ’80s it was back to basics and the
open classroom idea died. Today it is once again about active learning
and collaboration, makerspaces where students can create and a focus
on student-centered learning. My question is not so much about the
space, but how we are training teachers to use it. We will need to say
tuned to see if it sticks this time around!
This article originally appeared in the issue of .