I haven't watched the video yet, but you can blame the No Child Left Behind for the lack of real education, let alone educating creativity. These standardized tests are coming down from the big man for schools to mandatorily pass or the school's funding gets denied. Imagine the pressure on the teachers for that, let alone teachers encouraging students to think outside the box!
i think schools do kill creativity b/c schools can't test that or get rewarded for that. I also think our media and society kill the creativity. There's no need to think anymore or pretend b/c we have virtual reality, we have computer games, we want everything spelled out for us...i heard someone commenting on the sopranos series finale and how much of a letdown it was b/c it just faded to black and there was no reconciliation that was apparent. It left the end up to the imagination. We live in such a passive intellectual culture, and creativity requires being active.
make sure the fortune that you seek...is the fortune that you need
I haven't watched the video yet, but you can blame the No Child Left Behind for the lack of real education, let alone educating creativity. These standardized tests are coming down from the big man for schools to mandatorily pass or the school's funding gets denied. Imagine the pressure on the teachers for that, let alone teachers encouraging students to think outside the box!
Yeah, NCLB definitely sucks. Ask any public school teacher in America, and most will tell you as much. Does that mean the public school system sucks and kills creativity? No. Does that mean alternative systems such as homeschooling promote creativity? No. Many in, in fact most, public school teachers i know, (being one, as well as being married to one, i can safely say i know more than a few) do in fact encourage creativity and free thinking. Its assuming alot to say that because when you are four you are asked to determine the difference between oranges and pears you are being denied the right and ability to make your own aesthetic decisions. Thats just silly. It no more discourages creativity and free thinking than does asking the sum of 2 and 3. i encourage some of you to actually spend some time in some public school classrooms. My guess is that many of you have no real idea of what your discussing.
i'm not trying to discredit alternative means of education. Homeschooling for some is great. Personally, i don't really trust it it many cases. The door swings both ways. Free thinking is great. Free thinking wothout a skills and knowledge base creates nothing but free thinking morons. That can be disastrous. In public schools, due to bullshit legislation, testing is, in fact, overdone sometimes. On the otherside, homeschoolers go virtually unchecked. Also dangerous. My experience with homeschooled children, (i have known plenty of those as well) is that some have been lucky enough to have parents who are dedicated (and capable) to actually provide a balanced education. Academically they do very well. They tend to suffer socially. There are homeschool groups which claim to provide needed socialization for homeschool children, but they generally offer little to no diversity. They tend to socialize only with children who look, dress, speak and think just like them. How much free thinking does THAT encourage. Homeschoolers tend to offer their children only those ideas THEY decide are correct. How much free thinking does THAT encourage?
i always find it funny the way some here go on about free thinking while citing youtube videos and hippie folk singers. "You're only a free thinker if you think just like I do and agree with everything I say..." That doesn't fly with me.
edit: if a child's ONLY education happens in the school classroom, that child is suffering.
"When all your friends and sedatives mean well but make it worse... better find yourself a place to level out."
I didn't say you had to watch it. You said most people were whining and parroting what was in the video. I was saying that i was giving you first hand experience that I know is relevant and true.
i think schools do kill creativity b/c schools can't test that or get rewarded for that. I also think our media and society kill the creativity. There's no need to think anymore or pretend b/c we have virtual reality, we have computer games, we want everything spelled out for us...i heard someone commenting on the sopranos series finale and how much of a letdown it was b/c it just faded to black and there was no reconciliation that was apparent. It left the end up to the imagination. We live in such a passive intellectual culture, and creativity requires being active.
Exactly. It seems schools these days teach children how to adapt to the already flawed ways of society instead of helping them build their own ideas and create new and better ways.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
I think you can get out of education exactly what you put into it. If you send your kids to public schools and that is the extent of their learning, that is your problem. If you send them to public schools, volunteer at the school, attend parent meetings, become active in the PTA, work with your kids after school on their homework, talk around the dinner table about what they've learned (and why you might disagree with it), then you'll have a completely different experience.
My kids are going through the public school system, but we're very actively participating in their educations. Consequently, they score well on state standardized tests, but they can also question what they're learning, discover other theories/opinions, do well on national tests, etc... I know "creative" homeschooled kids who are socially retarded and can't approach problems logically. I know public school kids who seem unable to think in ways other than what they've been taught in school and struggle to deal with discussions outside the bounds of their texts. In both those instances, it is quite easy to look to the parents for clues to the way their kids function.
If you use the school system (public or private) as a babysitter for your kid, they aren't going to do well. If you take an active role in what they're learning and how they're learning, you can create the experience you're looking for.
"I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
I think you can get out of education exactly what you put into it. If you send your kids to public schools and that is the extent of their learning, that is your problem. If you send them to public schools, volunteer at the school, attend parent meetings, become active in the PTA, work with your kids after school on their homework, talk around the dinner table about what they've learned (and why you might disagree with it), then you'll have a completely different experience.
My kids are going through the public school system, but we're very actively participating in their educations. Consequently, they score well on state standardized tests, but they can also question what they're learning, discover other theories/opinions, do well on national tests, etc... I know "creative" homeschooled kids who are socially retarded and can't approach problems logically. I know public school kids who seem unable to think in ways other than what they've been taught in school and struggle to deal with discussions outside the bounds of their texts. In both those instances, it is quite easy to look to the parents for clues to the way their kids function.
If you use the school system (public or private) as a babysitter for your kid, they aren't going to do well. If you take an active role in what they're learning and how they're learning, you can create the experience you're looking for.
No one on here has said anything about expecting the school to do it all or babysit children. The fact is children spend at least 6 hours of their day at school and then more time doing their homework assignments....I happen to think they could use those 6 hours more wisely than they currently are. The focus has been about what the school are stressing as important and the areas they neglect. Did you watch the video?
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Exactly. It seems schools these days teach children how to adapt to the already flawed ways of society instead of helping them build their own ideas and create new and better ways.
flawed how and according to whom? School is to provide children with tools needed to do just what you say. What you and i recognize as flaws aren't seen as such by everyone regardless of how we wish they would. The public schools, regardless of what you think of them are not in the business of moral indoctrination. It isn't their job to create rebels. As a parent, thats my duty . Free thinking is not discouraged. Trust me most public school teachers do their best, within the context they operate in to provide children with the ability to decide for themselves, and the tools necessary to put their thoughts and opinions into action.
"When all your friends and sedatives mean well but make it worse... better find yourself a place to level out."
If you use the school system (public or private) as a babysitter for your kid, they aren't going to do well. If you take an active role in what they're learning and how they're learning, you can create the experience you're looking for.
Who said anything about using the school system as a babysitter? Who even implied such a thing?
I don't think there's a parent here, who doesn't already know that. Speaking for myself, I know how much time and effort I put into teaching, nurturing, encouraging and guiding them.
I absolutely believe that a parent's involvement in their children's education is essential. And without a doubt a lot of parents in this country, have failed their children in that area.
But it's no secret the educational system and it's curriculum, in this country is a major disaster.
My kids are going through the public school system, but we're very actively participating in their educations. Consequently, they score well on state standardized tests, but they can also question what they're learning, discover other theories/opinions, do well on national tests, etc...
That's good. But there are some people, in some states in this country; who are trying to squash and eliminate anyone questioning their version of "history". Or giving alternate versions of any given historical event.
There are people out there trying to control what our kids learn, what other's say and trying to maintain a very narrow, one-sided version of everything they teach these kids.
There are definitely teachers out there who do a great job and encourage/nurture creative thinking. But the way this country has been going, it's more than apparent that there is a strong presence in the educational system that have their intentions on teaching and peddling a very narrow, restrictive and biased curriculum.
I assumed everyone would understand that I was speaking in terms of parents who are doing the right responsible things and are involved in educating their kids ...from day one. That's what I get for assumming.
flawed how and according to whom? School is to provide children with tools needed to do just what you say. What you and i recognize as flaws aren't seen as such by everyone regardless of how we wish they would. The public schools, regardless of what you think of them are not in the business of moral indoctrination. It isn't their job to create rebels. As a parent, thats my duty . Free thinking is not discouraged. Trust me most public school teachers do their best, within the context they operate in to provide children with the ability to decide for themselves, and the tools necessary to put their thoughts and opinions into action.
No one has mentioned teaching morals or creating rebels. I'm not sure where you got that? It did talk about focusing on individual student's strengths and realizing every child isn't cut from the same cookie cutter and can't be taught in the same ways. I'm sure some schools do a better job than others but I keep seeing this same complaint over and over again from parents and education providers so I think there is definitely some validity in what they are saying. These people seems to care enough about their children's education to write book and articles...I wouldn't be so quick to write them off as slack parents who want the school to babysit. I think they are truly concerned about the quality of their children's education and they bring up some very good points.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
It did talk about focusing on individual student's strengths and realizing every child isn't cut from the same cookie cutter and can't be taught in the same ways.
Who said anything about using the school system as a babysitter? Who even implied such a thing?
I don't get it either. It seems like they are coming from a defensive position where it isn't needed...almost like they want to assume what we've been talking about instead of watching the video and discussing what we are.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
I don't get it either. It seems like they are coming from a defensive position where it isn't needed...almost like they want to assume what we've been talking about instead of watching the video and discussing what we are.
Yep. One thing that I have noticed from personally knowing some public school teachers; they are very defensive about any kind of criticsm, whatsoever.
It doesn't matter what a person is trying to say and what their intentions are in saying it; a lot of these teachers immediately respond in a defensive and wounded manner.
Now, I know they have a tough job and that the bureaucratic bullshit on some issues ties their hands and makes their jobs even harder. But that's not the whole story.
In my opinion, I believe the parents and teachers should come together and push for a better and more flexible curriculum. Not a curriculum of lower standards, but a curriculum of high standards that is designed to address human beings, not machines.
I didn't say you had to watch it. You said most people were whining and parroting what was in the video. I was saying that i was giving you first hand experience that I know is relevant and true.
Well that makes a lot more sense than what I was thinking.
I respect everyone's opinion, especially if they have first hand experience. But the term "first hand experience" is tricky. If you are a teacher or a student, you have first hand experience. If you are the parent of a schoolkid, then that is secondhand experience because you aren't learning the curriculum, it's second hand experience in the literal sense of the word. I'm suspicious of any poster who says they have "first hand experience" by virtue of being a parent. Are you a student or a teacher in a school? Then you have first hand experience and I give you a lot more credibility.
Yep. One thing that I have noticed from personally knowing some public school teachers; they are very defensive about any kind of criticsm, whatsoever.
It doesn't matter what a person is trying to say and what their intentions are in saying it; a lot of these teachers immediately respond in a defensive and wounded manner.
Now, I know they have a tough job and that the bureaucratic bullshit on some issues ties their hands and makes their jobs even harder. But that's not the whole story.
In my opinion, I believe the parents and teachers should come together and push for a better and more flexible curriculum. Not a curriculum of lower standards, but a curriculum of high standards that is designed to address human beings, not machines.
If somebody criticized (sp?) the way I do my job, I'd be defensive too. Regardless of whether I was a good teacher or not, I'd be wounded as hell.
Yep. One thing that I have noticed from personally knowing some public school teachers; they are very defensive about any kind of criticsm, whatsoever.
It doesn't matter what a person is trying to say and what their intentions are in saying it; a lot of these teachers immediately respond in a defensive and wounded manner.
Now, I know they have a tough job and that the bureaucratic bullshit on some issues ties their hands and makes their jobs even harder. But that's not the whole story.
In my opinion, I believe the parents and teachers should come together and push for a better and more flexible curriculum. Not a curriculum of lower standards, but a curriculum of high standards that is designed to address human beings, not machines.
I agree 100%
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
If somebody criticized (sp?) the way I do my job, I'd be defensive too. Regardless of whether I was a good teacher or not, I'd be wounded as hell.
Well yeah, but that's not the point. The point is these complaints are valid and worth addressing. Your feelings being hurt shouldn't come before some much needed change and your ability to address problems instead of denying they exist.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
If somebody criticized (sp?) the way I do my job, I'd be defensive too. Regardless of whether I was a good teacher or not, I'd be wounded as hell.
Okay, now for the serious reply.
So let me ask you this, Alex Coe.
If everyone gets so wounded and defensive about criticism, where is there ever any room for improvement and integration of more progressive or different ideas?
If all these teachers are all doing such a great job and they get so defensive about everything; where's the open-mind? Where's their ability to listen, think and honestly consider that some criticism or comments can be legitimate and true?
I think one reason that teachers get so defensive is because people criticize them, and have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. I am a middle school teacher, and I love me job. Do I feel that the educational system in this country is perfect...no. With that said, I think a lot of people overlook the fantastic teachers out there who teach their children to be out of the box, to think for themselves, and to question others. It is a lot easier for people to just group the entire system as a failure and not look at the real issues. Someone said in an earlier post the parents can kill creativity, how come we don't talk about the kids who go home after school to an empty house and play video games all night, make their own dinner and baby sit their little siblings when they are 10 or 11 years old. If we really are going to have this discussion we need to look at all of the factors that make our educational system what it is. There are many things we as teachers need to improve on, but the government also needs to look at what their policies demand of our schools. We talk about test scores and how they shouldn't be as important, tell that to Uncle Sam. I am not being defensive, just trying to get some to look at other reasons are schools are the way they are. Did I mention... I love being a teacher
"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today."- Abraham Lincoln
If everyone gets so wounded and defensive about criticism, where is there ever any room for improvement and integration of more progressive or different ideas?
If all these teachers are all doing such a great job and they get so defensive about everything; where's the open-mind? Where's their ability to listen, think and honestly consider that some criticism or comments can be legitimate and true?
I certainly didn't say they should be wounded by criticism, I explained why they were wounded. Maybe it's not reasonable of them to act that way, but it's hard to face someone as they criticise how you do your job. What's your job, NMT?
I certainly didn't say they should be wounded by criticism, I explained why they were wounded. Maybe it's not reasonable of them to act that way, but it's hard to face someone as they criticise how you do your job. What's your job, NMT?
My work gets criticized almost every day. That's part of the process of my work moving on to the next level. Maybe I have thicker skin, as a result.
Maybe I've learned to accept the criticsm, honestly consider it and either disregard it or utilize it in a productive manner.
I don't take it personally. It's a profesional thing...you see.
. It is a lot easier for people to just group the entire system as a failure and not look at the real issues
But no one is really doing that.
I'm saying there are elements of the curriculum that are a disaster. There are some teachers that are narrow-minded and incapable of addressing, approaching and teaching kids as individuals. And that's where the curriculum sets the standard for that to happen, so it fails us.
I think one reason that teachers get so defensive is because people criticize them, and have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. I am a middle school teacher, and I love me job. Do I feel that the educational system in this country is perfect...no. With that said, I think a lot of people overlook the fantastic teachers out there who teach their children to be out of the box, to think for themselves, and to question others. It is a lot easier for people to just group the entire system as a failure and not look at the real issues. Someone said in an earlier post the parents can kill creativity, how come we don't talk about the kids who go home after school to an empty house and play video games all night, make their own dinner and baby sit their little siblings when they are 10 or 11 years old. If we really are going to have this discussion we need to look at all of the factors that make our educational system what it is. There are many things we as teachers need to improve on, but the government also needs to look at what their policies demand of our schools. We talk about test scores and how they shouldn't be as important, tell that to Uncle Sam. I am not being defensive, just trying to get some to look at other reasons are schools are the way they are. Did I mention... I love being a teacher
I think the reason we focus on working on our educational system is because we CAN effect change in this area whereas we really have no say how people act within the privacy of their own homes. I agree with you that the government hinders the schools much more so than the teachers themselves. And of course, some people make for shitty parents but those children often only have school to look to outside of their home lives. Teachers have the opportunity to make all the difference in these childrens lives.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
I'm saying there are elements of the curriculum that are a disaster. There are some teachers that are narrow-minded and incapable of addressing, approaching and teaching kids as individuals. And that's where the curriculum sets the standard for that to happen, so it fails us.
Yes, and we could change the way we approach education by admitting where the problems lie and work towards building and educational system that provides a good chance for all children to be able to thrive not just one certain kind of child.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Comments
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
TV and video games.
naděje umírá poslední
we have a winner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Till there aint nothing left worth taking away from me.....
Yeah, NCLB definitely sucks. Ask any public school teacher in America, and most will tell you as much. Does that mean the public school system sucks and kills creativity? No. Does that mean alternative systems such as homeschooling promote creativity? No. Many in, in fact most, public school teachers i know, (being one, as well as being married to one, i can safely say i know more than a few) do in fact encourage creativity and free thinking. Its assuming alot to say that because when you are four you are asked to determine the difference between oranges and pears you are being denied the right and ability to make your own aesthetic decisions. Thats just silly. It no more discourages creativity and free thinking than does asking the sum of 2 and 3. i encourage some of you to actually spend some time in some public school classrooms. My guess is that many of you have no real idea of what your discussing.
i'm not trying to discredit alternative means of education. Homeschooling for some is great. Personally, i don't really trust it it many cases. The door swings both ways. Free thinking is great. Free thinking wothout a skills and knowledge base creates nothing but free thinking morons. That can be disastrous. In public schools, due to bullshit legislation, testing is, in fact, overdone sometimes. On the otherside, homeschoolers go virtually unchecked. Also dangerous. My experience with homeschooled children, (i have known plenty of those as well) is that some have been lucky enough to have parents who are dedicated (and capable) to actually provide a balanced education. Academically they do very well. They tend to suffer socially. There are homeschool groups which claim to provide needed socialization for homeschool children, but they generally offer little to no diversity. They tend to socialize only with children who look, dress, speak and think just like them. How much free thinking does THAT encourage. Homeschoolers tend to offer their children only those ideas THEY decide are correct. How much free thinking does THAT encourage?
i always find it funny the way some here go on about free thinking while citing youtube videos and hippie folk singers. "You're only a free thinker if you think just like I do and agree with everything I say..." That doesn't fly with me.
edit: if a child's ONLY education happens in the school classroom, that child is suffering.
If you didn't watch it, then why must I watch it?
I didn't say you had to watch it. You said most people were whining and parroting what was in the video. I was saying that i was giving you first hand experience that I know is relevant and true.
Exactly. It seems schools these days teach children how to adapt to the already flawed ways of society instead of helping them build their own ideas and create new and better ways.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
I think you can get out of education exactly what you put into it. If you send your kids to public schools and that is the extent of their learning, that is your problem. If you send them to public schools, volunteer at the school, attend parent meetings, become active in the PTA, work with your kids after school on their homework, talk around the dinner table about what they've learned (and why you might disagree with it), then you'll have a completely different experience.
My kids are going through the public school system, but we're very actively participating in their educations. Consequently, they score well on state standardized tests, but they can also question what they're learning, discover other theories/opinions, do well on national tests, etc... I know "creative" homeschooled kids who are socially retarded and can't approach problems logically. I know public school kids who seem unable to think in ways other than what they've been taught in school and struggle to deal with discussions outside the bounds of their texts. In both those instances, it is quite easy to look to the parents for clues to the way their kids function.
If you use the school system (public or private) as a babysitter for your kid, they aren't going to do well. If you take an active role in what they're learning and how they're learning, you can create the experience you're looking for.
No one on here has said anything about expecting the school to do it all or babysit children. The fact is children spend at least 6 hours of their day at school and then more time doing their homework assignments....I happen to think they could use those 6 hours more wisely than they currently are. The focus has been about what the school are stressing as important and the areas they neglect. Did you watch the video?
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
flawed how and according to whom? School is to provide children with tools needed to do just what you say. What you and i recognize as flaws aren't seen as such by everyone regardless of how we wish they would. The public schools, regardless of what you think of them are not in the business of moral indoctrination. It isn't their job to create rebels. As a parent, thats my duty
Who said anything about using the school system as a babysitter? Who even implied such a thing?
I don't think there's a parent here, who doesn't already know that. Speaking for myself, I know how much time and effort I put into teaching, nurturing, encouraging and guiding them.
I absolutely believe that a parent's involvement in their children's education is essential. And without a doubt a lot of parents in this country, have failed their children in that area.
But it's no secret the educational system and it's curriculum, in this country is a major disaster.
That's good. But there are some people, in some states in this country; who are trying to squash and eliminate anyone questioning their version of "history". Or giving alternate versions of any given historical event.
There are people out there trying to control what our kids learn, what other's say and trying to maintain a very narrow, one-sided version of everything they teach these kids.
There are definitely teachers out there who do a great job and encourage/nurture creative thinking. But the way this country has been going, it's more than apparent that there is a strong presence in the educational system that have their intentions on teaching and peddling a very narrow, restrictive and biased curriculum.
I assumed everyone would understand that I was speaking in terms of parents who are doing the right responsible things and are involved in educating their kids ...from day one. That's what I get for assumming.
No one has mentioned teaching morals or creating rebels. I'm not sure where you got that? It did talk about focusing on individual student's strengths and realizing every child isn't cut from the same cookie cutter and can't be taught in the same ways. I'm sure some schools do a better job than others but I keep seeing this same complaint over and over again from parents and education providers so I think there is definitely some validity in what they are saying. These people seems to care enough about their children's education to write book and articles...I wouldn't be so quick to write them off as slack parents who want the school to babysit. I think they are truly concerned about the quality of their children's education and they bring up some very good points.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
BAM! There it is!
Well said!
I don't get it either. It seems like they are coming from a defensive position where it isn't needed...almost like they want to assume what we've been talking about instead of watching the video and discussing what we are.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Yep. One thing that I have noticed from personally knowing some public school teachers; they are very defensive about any kind of criticsm, whatsoever.
It doesn't matter what a person is trying to say and what their intentions are in saying it; a lot of these teachers immediately respond in a defensive and wounded manner.
Now, I know they have a tough job and that the bureaucratic bullshit on some issues ties their hands and makes their jobs even harder. But that's not the whole story.
In my opinion, I believe the parents and teachers should come together and push for a better and more flexible curriculum. Not a curriculum of lower standards, but a curriculum of high standards that is designed to address human beings, not machines.
Well that makes a lot more sense than what I was thinking.
I respect everyone's opinion, especially if they have first hand experience. But the term "first hand experience" is tricky. If you are a teacher or a student, you have first hand experience. If you are the parent of a schoolkid, then that is secondhand experience because you aren't learning the curriculum, it's second hand experience in the literal sense of the word. I'm suspicious of any poster who says they have "first hand experience" by virtue of being a parent. Are you a student or a teacher in a school? Then you have first hand experience and I give you a lot more credibility.
If somebody criticized (sp?) the way I do my job, I'd be defensive too. Regardless of whether I was a good teacher or not, I'd be wounded as hell.
I agree 100%
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Oh please, you get wounded when the wind blows:D;)
Well yeah, but that's not the point. The point is these complaints are valid and worth addressing. Your feelings being hurt shouldn't come before some much needed change and your ability to address problems instead of denying they exist.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words make me really pissed off."
Okay, now for the serious reply.
So let me ask you this, Alex Coe.
If everyone gets so wounded and defensive about criticism, where is there ever any room for improvement and integration of more progressive or different ideas?
If all these teachers are all doing such a great job and they get so defensive about everything; where's the open-mind? Where's their ability to listen, think and honestly consider that some criticism or comments can be legitimate and true?
I certainly didn't say they should be wounded by criticism, I explained why they were wounded. Maybe it's not reasonable of them to act that way, but it's hard to face someone as they criticise how you do your job. What's your job, NMT?
My work gets criticized almost every day. That's part of the process of my work moving on to the next level. Maybe I have thicker skin, as a result.
Maybe I've learned to accept the criticsm, honestly consider it and either disregard it or utilize it in a productive manner.
I don't take it personally. It's a profesional thing...you see.
But no one is really doing that.
I'm saying there are elements of the curriculum that are a disaster. There are some teachers that are narrow-minded and incapable of addressing, approaching and teaching kids as individuals. And that's where the curriculum sets the standard for that to happen, so it fails us.
I think the reason we focus on working on our educational system is because we CAN effect change in this area whereas we really have no say how people act within the privacy of their own homes. I agree with you that the government hinders the schools much more so than the teachers themselves. And of course, some people make for shitty parents but those children often only have school to look to outside of their home lives. Teachers have the opportunity to make all the difference in these childrens lives.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Yes, and we could change the way we approach education by admitting where the problems lie and work towards building and educational system that provides a good chance for all children to be able to thrive not just one certain kind of child.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde