Topic > Time to Learn by George Wood - 1251

The second book of George Wood's manuscript, "Time to Learn", addresses the idea of ​​change within the school system. “Transforming High School” is divided into chapters that address how to positively change the normal, structured school environment. Wood provides examples and illustrates the need and process for change; how to truly interact and connect with students, how to teach important things successfully, and reinforce the need for a democratic system within the school. Like the first book, Wood uses many students as examples of situations within the school, but also to create a connection in his story. In the introduction, we are introduced to a new student at Hocking High School. The student came from a very tough school and was not familiar with a positive school environment like FHHS. The title, “Reaching Every Student,” does just that with the new student, Leroy. The school reaches out to Leroy, finds that he is having trouble adjusting, and resolves the problem by talking to his grandparents. The story sets a perfect theme in the next chapter discussing how to get to know students. In chapter 3, Wood begins immediately by addressing the issue of school size. The schools are just too big. With the example of student Charity, Wood demonstrates that when a student becomes anonymous, they feel less connected to school; therefore, students ignore the importance of high school. I know that if I felt I didn't belong in a certain place or situation, my interest and involvement would, without a doubt, diminish. Wood also gives the example of a guy who was very intelligent, but simply uninterested in work. When his lack of achievement was discovered, and after investigating his study habits and interests, he was very active in education, but not committed. It wasn't school work; it was his lack of connection with teachers and classroom material. Wood then outlines five strategies on how to establish a connection between the student and the teacher/school. 1- Reduce the overall size of the school. With this method, Wood believes no student will remain anonymous. They will all develop a broader sense of involvement. Students will also have more face-to-face contact with teachers. He also develops a system of small focus groups in which students are divided into fields in which they are most interested.