Many students lag behind others when they begin school and it is almost impossible for them to catch up with language and math understandings.  Today, many more mothers have to work and do not have significant time with a child. As a result, these children have trouble learning concepts as quickly as other students.  If I were in charge, I would require Day Care facility personnel to play word games so that children learn new words, read books to children and teach them how to count and how to use money.  In addition, Day Care personnel could conduct simple science experiments and projects. Starting as early as possible would prepare children for preschool and school.

In grade school, including more field trips insures that students learn concepts first-hand. If students write what they think is important about a trip or use another one of their multiple intelligences to demonstrate what they learned, it increases retention.

Students need to get more oxygen to their brains.  This is why exercise and play times throughout the day work to their benefit.  These can be linked to learning. Young children need to move and have some fun rather than sitting quietly in their seats all day.

Teachers and parents would have more input with administrators so that the direction of the school works for the benefit of students.

If teachers used Mita's five phases to build lessons, it would impact change for both teachers, students and the school.  In each phase teachers would:

1. Ask two-footed questions linked to a topic and student interests to bring out student perceptions and prevent too much "teacher talk." When teachers rouse student curiosity it makes learning more fun.
2. Plan a target for each lesson to keep it on track. Write down what you want to see students doing and accomplishing by the end of the lesson.
3. Create at least five expectations for each student's outcome. These expectations can be negotiated ahead with students so they have a part in the grading process.
4. Move with multiple intelligences so students have opportunities to use their gifts and talents.
5. Reflect to adjust and change for the future.

Mita was first developed by Dr. Ellen Weber and is used successfully by many teachers worldwide.

What would you say most needs changing about education?