Most school staff members and teachers will claim that students watch too much television. However, one middle school claims that television is the way to test preparation and learning.
After the 2007 test scores showed William Wirt Middles School falling short both in English and math, the school decided a new review and test prep study was needed.
Each Thursday, the school shows a one hour prerecorded lesson to its students. The teachers at the school alternate teaching the lesson. The lesson is televised to all classes and students in the school. This way the teachers can be assured that all of the students are receiving the same lesson technique over the same concept.
The topics for the lessons were taken from the areas that were found to be troublesome for large numbers of students.
The lesson is more than just a television show. During the one-hour, the students are introduced to music also. The catchy songs may teach a concept or be a math rap. Either way, the students are finding themselves singing them throughout the day.
The lesson is broken into three phases. In the first phase, the teacher (on the screen) explains and demonstrates. During the second phase the teacher and the students work through the concept together. During the final phase a timer is seen on the screen and the students have ten minutes to complete an activity on their own. The classroom teacher monitors during this phase.
The students and teachers both seem to like the new review technique. Many teachers spend much time reviewing and preparing for state tests. This idea gives the teachers and the students a break from the traditional study.
I think that schools such as this one are doing a great job thinking outside of the box and not being too afraid to try new techniques to better meet the needs of today’s children.
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