CAUTION: This article is NOT politically correct...
read at your own discomfort level.
Simply put, the laudatory goals of No Child Left Behind will never work as long as the human condition exists and statistics obey the laws of mathematics.
Actually, that might not be totally true.
If we lower academic standards enough so that everyone gets everything correct, then no one wins, no one loses...
and thus, no child will be left behind.
Furthermore, it is my opinion that our unwise (editorial word intended) focus on NCLB and its persistent multiple choice testing has significantly lessened the ability of students to do critical thinking.
But more about that in some future tirades! Here is something to ponder.
How come kids can remember the words to every one of the multiple thousands of songs on their iPods yet can't remember how to solve simple mathematical ratios? They try the excuse, "It's because I'm interested in my music.
" Try that sentence on the boss when he asks you to do a job that's not particularly interesting.
Chances are that you'll find a way to overcome that lack of interest because the internal motivation of keeping your job exceeds the desire to move on to something you find more "interesting.
" The real question then becomes, "what changes can be made to give students the same initiative for doing well in school?" The student's solution is obvious.
The answer is actually rather simple.
ooops...
editorial again) learn English? Think ahead a few years.
How do you want your own kids to be taught? How are you going to teach them? What are you going to try and train them to be like? Here's an awful question.
Do you want your kids to be like you? But then again, maybe that would be a good thing.
If so, congratulations.
read at your own discomfort level.
Simply put, the laudatory goals of No Child Left Behind will never work as long as the human condition exists and statistics obey the laws of mathematics.
Actually, that might not be totally true.
If we lower academic standards enough so that everyone gets everything correct, then no one wins, no one loses...
and thus, no child will be left behind.
Furthermore, it is my opinion that our unwise (editorial word intended) focus on NCLB and its persistent multiple choice testing has significantly lessened the ability of students to do critical thinking.
But more about that in some future tirades! Here is something to ponder.
How come kids can remember the words to every one of the multiple thousands of songs on their iPods yet can't remember how to solve simple mathematical ratios? They try the excuse, "It's because I'm interested in my music.
" Try that sentence on the boss when he asks you to do a job that's not particularly interesting.
Chances are that you'll find a way to overcome that lack of interest because the internal motivation of keeping your job exceeds the desire to move on to something you find more "interesting.
" The real question then becomes, "what changes can be made to give students the same initiative for doing well in school?" The student's solution is obvious.
- Give me extra credit
- Make easier tests
- Let me do a project
- I'm going to Alternative School
The answer is actually rather simple.
- Be sure you read any assignments given in the text
- Develop and use good study skills
- Learn how to pay attention in class
- Identify what items you need to memorize
- Then take action by doing the right things
ooops...
editorial again) learn English? Think ahead a few years.
How do you want your own kids to be taught? How are you going to teach them? What are you going to try and train them to be like? Here's an awful question.
Do you want your kids to be like you? But then again, maybe that would be a good thing.
If so, congratulations.