Cognitive Dissonance

According to Wikipedia, the definition of cognitive dissonance is the feeling of discomfort when simultaneously holding two or more conflicting cognitions: ideas, beliefs, values or emotional reactions. The world of education seems to be straddling the fence right now. The traditional institution of a comprehensive high school is being put to the test. How do I know this? I am a High School Principal, at Waukesha North HS, in a district that is the seventh largest in the state of Wisconsin.

To live out our mission of achieving excellence and equity in education, we are faced with classrooms of our past, and the vision of our future...which some cannot conceptualize. The legacy of our classrooms, textbooks, desks, papers, and bells served all us successfully. At least that is what they tell us. Not that I remember anything about my high school except practices and games in volleyball, basketball, and softball that happened after the three o'clock bell.

iPads, MacBook Airs, Google Apps for education...personalizing education for each of our unique learners. Is it possible? Is it possible to design learning spaces differently? Is it possible to empower students to be metacognitive thinkers instead of compliant doers?

The feeling of cognitive dissonance can sometimes be overwhelming. My challenge for you is to take a look at our students, and listen to what they are telling us. Listen, learn, and lead your students to a learning environment that will help them become successful in life beyond our institutional walls.