Advances in technology have enabled personalization in almost every facet of our lives. Why do we cling so steadfastly to a standardized approach to education?

This blog was inspired by the amazing students who participated in the Academic Tournament.

A special thank you to all of the teachers who served as guest bloggers and shared insight into the relevance of their courses in students’ lives. My blog will conclude this series by focusing on not just a course or content area but on education in general.

This week’s guest bloggers are world languages teachers Lynne Griffin from Catoctin High, Nayibe Neuland from Tuscarora High, and Marcie Stutzman from Middletown High. They share their thoughts about responding to students asking, “Why do I have to learn this?”

This week’s guest bloggers are social studies teachers Shundra Banks from Gov. TJ High, Janvier Beaver from Linganore High, Jerry Donald from Middletown High, and Beth Strakonsky from Frederick High. They share their thoughts about responding to students asking, “Why do I have to learn this?” and in some cases to those asking why they teach.

This week’s guest bloggers are Urbana HS science teacher Melissa Chang and Linganore HS math teacher Sharon Dravvorn Drake. Please enjoy their insights on responding to the question from students: “Why do I have to learn this?”

As I continue to feature our outstanding guest bloggers, this week teachers Aaron Burch from Linganore High School and Tyler Hanson from Tuscarora High School share their insights on "Why do I have to learn this?" Watch for more guest bloggers in "Off the Cuff" over the next few months.

I shared an example of how I responded to students who asked me, "Why do I have to learn this?" And now, teachers from a variety of schools who teach many different content areas have shared their own examples with me! In the coming months, "Off the Cuff" will feature the work of these outstanding guest bloggers and teachers. This week, Ms. Stacey Bentley from Brunswick HS and Ms. Becky Delmeter from Frederick HS share their insights.

It is a question that students have posed for decades, so I think it is safe to assume that teachers and parents will continue to hear this question in the 2020s.

As students and staff get ready for winter break, it is yet another reminder that 2020 is almost here! The new year is the perfect time for reflection.