Wes Fryer Chapter 1

          In Chapter 1 of Wes Fryer's book, I definitely agreed with the section about creativity.  Giving a chance for students to create things, make mistakes, and build from there provides a judgement-free space for students to learn through experience.  Some of my most memorable learning opportunities came about when I had made a mistake before having learned the proper ways in which to handle it.  By allowing students to be creative in their projects and classwork, as well as allowing myself to be creative in my lessons, I can create classrooms where my students find enjoyment and plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.
           One of the portions of the chapter that I do not agree with is the discussion on the use of cellphones in the classroom.  I am definitely for the use of iPads, tablets, and laptops in the classroom, but I feel as though cellphones are not up to the same level as those other technological forms.  Cellphones are primarily meant for communication; therefore, I feel that students will use them for just that.  They're small and easily hidden, which makes me cringe at the idea that they are gateways for cheating or in-class distraction.  With other larger forms of technology, you can (most of the time) see that a student is using or fiddling with them.  I do agree, however, that cellphones are developing rapidly and are a large portion of a lot of students' lives.  I feel that it is important to show them that their technology can do so much more than simply videos, chatting, and games.
          I also wholeheartedly agree with Fryer's dislike of standardized testing, or "high stakes testing."  They force teachers into teaching to the test, rather than exploring students' interests or teaching content for the sake of learning.  When students know they are only learning for the sake of passing a test, they simply cram and forget.  It is a vicious cycle that neither teaches nor accomplishes anything.  They are also inaccurate.  Some students may freeze up and panic during tests, negatively affecting their performance or their interest in learning.  Standardized tests discourage students from being human (i.e. being creative, making mistakes, or discussion and communication).
          Overall, I felt as though this chapter covered some things that were helpful and supported well with additional sources.  I am not very fond of Fryer's organizational style.  I feel as though a lot of what he puts is fluff, unrelated to the task at hand, or very loosely related to the topic.  His writing seemed jumpy and hard for me to follow.  If not for his headings at the beginning of each section, I would find it difficult to pick out what the main ideas were.  It took me a couple reads to determine what he was really saying.