New Standards Set Marker: Teacher Shows Joy of Interactive Learning

Katie Davis assists one of her students as he puts the finishing touches on a three-dimensional map. (The Herald/ Joe King)

An unfortunate effect of classroom technology is that many students end up feeling more like spectators than participants. By embracing the new standards set this year and encouraging interactive learning, a teacher at Seymour Intermediate School is emphasizing an atmosphere of joy in the classroom.

“The new standards show a difference between just identifying and comparison,” Katie Davis said. “It is about a different way of presenting things. I believe it is more effective than the repetitious memorization from when I was a child.”

While Davis said the use of technology can be important in the classroom, she works hard to provide many hands-on activities to help gauge the interest of her students.

“I’m not opposed to using technology in the classroom, but sometimes all I need is paper and a pencil,” she said. “Teaching is so much more than just flipping through pages and pressing buttons.”