This document discusses current trends, challenges, and issues in education based on a presentation about globalization and education. It identifies 5 topics: 1) allowing more time for creative and critical thinking over memorization, 2) concerns that standardized testing is reducing time spent on full novels in English classes, 3) productive ways to incorporate blogging, podcasting and social media into classrooms, 4) using electronic communication to improve literacy, and 5) challenges in providing a structured learning environment with consistent procedures. For each topic, it provides 1-2 paragraphs with examples and opinions on the issue from the perspective of a teacher.

1. Connections: Current Trends, Challenges,
and Issues in Education Presentation.
Globalization and Education
By: Corey Drent
MED 560
Week 1

2. Connections: Current Trends, Challenges,
and Issues in Education
1. Trend: Providing students with the time and the opportunity to think
and be creative, rather than simply memorizing and repeating
information
2. Issue: Concern that an increased focus on assessments in English
classes is causing a reduction in the use of assigned reading of full-
length novels
3. Issue: Economically and educationally productive ways of bringing
blogging, podcasting, online video, and social networking into the
classroom
4. Trend: Improving literacy skills via reading and writing email, blogs,
and other telecommunications5.
5. Challenge: Provide a structured learning environment with well
understood and frequently rehearsed procedures.

3. Trend:
Providing students with the time and the opportunity to think
and be creative, rather than simply memorizing and repeating
information.
Standardized testing is increasing and inhibiting students from
learning about subjects they are interested in as well as learning
about all aspects of a subject, not just what is being tested.
I teach tv production at a high school and the program allows
students to advance into different levels of the course. Many
students are very interested in the subjects and are able to obtain
college credit or vocational certification which places them ahead
of other peers. Additionally, they enjoy the course and do not
feel it is an added stress, rather a relief from school stresses.

4. Issue:
Concern that an increased focus on assessments in English
classes is causing a reduction in the use of assigned reading of
full-length novels
Much more focus is being placed on reading comprehension
and passing State assessments so students are losing the
opportunity to read novels that help provide vocabulary to
students.
A student that is given the opportunity to read full length
novels may learn to enjoy reading for leisure and read other
novels in their free time in stead of playing video games or
watching tv.

5. Issue:
Economically and educationally productive ways of bringing
blogging, podcasting, online video, and social networking into
the classroom.
The Internet is the future of our world and more and more web
based jobs are being created. By educating our future leaders in
high school it teaches students practical skills for future careers.
More schools should be equipped with technology equipment
and courses for students to learn about social media.
I have a student that has his own small business producing
videos. He acquired his skills in my class, had this class not been
an option he would not be generating money from skills he
learned at school.

6. Trend:
Improving literacy skills via reading and writing email, blogs, and
other telecommunications.
Students today relate better to the Internet than they do to a
textbook. By allowing students to learn reading and writing skills by
reading quality meaningful content online may help students retain
information and be more interested in learning.
Many students are use to using ‘texting language’ and not proper
English. A student that uses cell phone language could benefit greatly
by learning how to format and write a proper email. A student can
learn a great deal by reading and writing thank you emails, college
application essays etc.

7. Challenge:
Provide a structured learning environment with well understood
and frequently rehearsed procedures.
Providing structured learning that is rehearsed is often difficult as
you learn what teaching methods work best by applying them in a
classroom and an educators teaching method is always changing so
it is difficult for it to be well rehearsed.
Many students at my school have Aspersers Syndrome and are very
use to a routine and structure. Seasoned teachers often work better
with these students as they have structured and rehearsed lesson
plans.

8. References
Kellough, R.D., & Kellough, N.G. (2011).
Secondary School Teaching: A Guide to Methods
and Resources (4th ed.).