Subject: Root cause of the 'teaching systems' problem

Posted by Wade Schuette on 12/23/2010
In Reply To:Root cause of the 'teaching systems' problem Posted by Richard Turnock on 12/23/2010

Message:

I'd think some of the "boredom" and "disruptive behavior" in school is a response to the message that adults don't think you (a student) are competent to contribute anything of value at this point, but if you shut up and listen for another ten or so years, maybe someone will consider your ideas then.

The combination of the "shut up because adults know best" message and a simple look out the window at the world your friends and unemployed family members live in might, you know, give the impression that those demanding obedience are not worthy of it.

In which case, it is the last vestiges of humanity, compassion, and good critical judgment which the students are expressing, or attempting to express, which we then do our best to quench so that they can memorize more algebra and "pass the test".

It's not obvious that the students are in need of any "treatments" at all. Redesigning the order in which things are "taught" doesn't change the core message that "oh, by the way, YOU don't count, and, also, none of this stuff will actually get you a job anymore."

Wade

Follow Ups:

Root cause of the 'teaching systems' problem - Della Robinson 12/24/2010