Wednesday, March 17, 2010

My response, hoping for more opinions.

See the previous post's last comment.

2 comments:

Circe said...

I like your response and I see what you mean. BUT...to have a "society," all the members of the society need a common, core collection of knowledge and understanding to function as a society. Students have to be exposed to the same materials up to a certain point, as everyone else. They need cultural literacy, they have to be able to write, read, know history, learn how to question, etc. For example, notice how many times a week you hear an allusion to Greek Mythology. You have to have learned all that to know what people are talking about. Beyond gaining the basics, there ARE choices. Kids are specializing at an earlier stage these days, with options besides college as well as beyond college. Plus, I think it is absolutely essential for kids to learn things they don't think they need to know or don't care about because it teaches them that the world doesn't revolve around them. Yes, there are things in life that aren't your favorite.

I hope you don't mind me linking your post. I just wanted to see what people had to say about this. Your perspective as a teacher is great for me to hear. I agree, I am scared about the apathy and entitlement I see in teens. Where does that come from? Society? I have to say, I don't think the education system should spoil them and coddle them by making them think everything is up to them. anyway...it's an endless subject that I've been dicussing with my friends, thanks to your post. So...thanks! :)

Circe said...

You are passionate about this topic! Your students are lucky to have such an involved teacher. thanks for all your ideas...it gives me a lot to think about! And that's the whole point, right? :) Have a good day!