Sirotnik and Soder, Essay Example

Introduction

Kenneth A. Sirotnik and Roger Soder entitled their collection The Beat of a Different Drummer because this title encompasses the idea that educators need to think for their own in order to shift the status quo. These individuals noted that all students have unique needs and it is therefore necessary for teachers to be able to think critically to determine best how these needs could be met. More specifically, the title discusses the belief that John I. Goodlad was the first educator to truly break free from expectations. As such, it is important for modern teachers to understand his work in education and learn to apply his beliefs to their daily implementations of the curriculum, and to promote changes in the curriculum if needed.

Response to Question

Ultimately, the phrase “marching to the beat of a different drum” indicates an individual who is either incompetent and is unable to follow the “beat” or an individual who does not care to follow the “beat” that is regularly used. In this situation, the authors describe John I. Goodlad as an individual who believes that we should strive for individuality. Thus, through presenting this text, the authors intend to demonstrate that just like Goodlad, teachers should learn to think above the information that has been presented to them so that they may determine their own ways to solve problems in the classroom. If each teacher is able to develop this ability to do so, then it is likely that the education system as a whole will have a greater opportunity to achieve reform. Thus, the message of the authors is that we should all think for ourselves because we all have the ability to determine what is best for our students.

Personal Reaction

While it is likely that the title of this textbook may come as a shock to some individuals, it is an important message to send to young educators. During our formal education from kindergarten to high school, we are all expected to conform to a certain set of expectations. Individuals that participate in education training programs as adults at either the bachelors or masters level fall into this same mold. Since we are constantly trained to “march to the beat of the same drum”, it is important for educators to recognize that it is possible, even beneficial, to reject this message that has been ingrained into us for such a long time.

To truly ensure that educators are able to remain individualistic in their actions, it would be helpful to redesign education degree programs and professional development sessions in a manner that would promote free thinking. Education trainers must be forced to admit that all of the techniques and understandings that they claim to be tried and true may not really be the most accurate instructional methods available. Statistics show that today’s generation is unable to learn as much material at a pace that was achieved by older generations. To ensure that the future of our country remains strong, it is therefore necessary to consider why this is the case. To march to the beat of a different drummer is to recognize and resolve these issues and not be afraid to face opponents who promote the continuance of current policies, simply because they are easier to enforce.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sirotnik and Soder entitled their book The Beat of a Different Drummer because it reminds teachers to think for their own by providing the works of Goodlad as an example. It tells us to think critically about our actions and grades so that we may progress the field of education as a whole. To do so, it is important for degree programs and professional development programs to be redesigned in a manner that will allow this goal to be achieved. Furthermore, teachers must begin to adopt a mindset that will help facilitate this change.

References

Sirotnik KA, Soder R. (1999). The Beat of a Different Drummer: Essays on Educational Renewal in Honor of John I. Goodlad. Peter Lang International Academic Publishers.