Abby Celt
Mr.Schulz pd.5
C.W. Post English
30 November 2014
Curse Conformity
Education is defined as, “the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university” according to Miriam Webster’s Dictionary. In fact, the educational system is so systematic that students develop as diligent rule followers, but poor critical thinkers. Students are rewarded for doing well on tests, or for excelling in their classes, but rarely for thinking outside the box, or for questioning the goals that educators have deemed important. This raises competition between students, and eliminates all ways to succeed but one, causing students to both think and act alike. Schools encourage conformity among teenagers through rigid …show more content…
With such stringent course requirements, there is little tolerance for misbehaving in class. Behavioral objectives for students are clearly established, so there is no misunderstanding of proper conduct in the school setting. According to Educational Technology Magazine, these objectives help reduce student defiance towards school, and help keep students in line. However, many critics claim that the rigidness of school is negative for the future of students. John Holt, educational philosopher stated that, “Teachers and schools tend to mistake good behavior for good character. What they prize is docility, suggestibility; the child who will do what he is told; or even better, the child who will do what is wanted without even having to be told.” It is not out of the ordinary for teachers to have to persuade their students to answer questions aloud, and when they do, all give the same memorized and textbook worthy answer, because they have been taught that is all that is accepted. Creativity does not always guarantee the correct answers, so students are taught not to value …show more content…
These tests are created to judge every student equally, regardless of their course load or average, interests or abilities. Students begin taking standardized tests shortly after they enter the public school system, so from a young age they are tested on whatever the state or country feels is important. The issue, however, is that standardized tests place a large emphasis on the ability to memorize facts, develop good test- taking strategies, and complete tasks in an extremely quick manner. These skills have not only become outdated and less important because of the development of new technologies, but it is unclear how these skills are actually assessed. Standardized testing encourages conformity as well by forcing students to “stay on track” or not be distracted by related topics. Their ability to do so is tested by the limited amount of time allotted per section, and specifically in the writing section, when countless students are all supposed to create a written piece that miraculously has the same meaning. Alfie Kohn, famous author and lecturer, believes that it would be more valuable to examine the extent to which a child can use his imagination and creativity to formulate something that may actually be beneficial to
Mr.Schulz pd.5
C.W. Post English
30 November 2014
Curse Conformity
Education is defined as, “the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university” according to Miriam Webster’s Dictionary. In fact, the educational system is so systematic that students develop as diligent rule followers, but poor critical thinkers. Students are rewarded for doing well on tests, or for excelling in their classes, but rarely for thinking outside the box, or for questioning the goals that educators have deemed important. This raises competition between students, and eliminates all ways to succeed but one, causing students to both think and act alike. Schools encourage conformity among teenagers through rigid …show more content…
With such stringent course requirements, there is little tolerance for misbehaving in class. Behavioral objectives for students are clearly established, so there is no misunderstanding of proper conduct in the school setting. According to Educational Technology Magazine, these objectives help reduce student defiance towards school, and help keep students in line. However, many critics claim that the rigidness of school is negative for the future of students. John Holt, educational philosopher stated that, “Teachers and schools tend to mistake good behavior for good character. What they prize is docility, suggestibility; the child who will do what he is told; or even better, the child who will do what is wanted without even having to be told.” It is not out of the ordinary for teachers to have to persuade their students to answer questions aloud, and when they do, all give the same memorized and textbook worthy answer, because they have been taught that is all that is accepted. Creativity does not always guarantee the correct answers, so students are taught not to value …show more content…
These tests are created to judge every student equally, regardless of their course load or average, interests or abilities. Students begin taking standardized tests shortly after they enter the public school system, so from a young age they are tested on whatever the state or country feels is important. The issue, however, is that standardized tests place a large emphasis on the ability to memorize facts, develop good test- taking strategies, and complete tasks in an extremely quick manner. These skills have not only become outdated and less important because of the development of new technologies, but it is unclear how these skills are actually assessed. Standardized testing encourages conformity as well by forcing students to “stay on track” or not be distracted by related topics. Their ability to do so is tested by the limited amount of time allotted per section, and specifically in the writing section, when countless students are all supposed to create a written piece that miraculously has the same meaning. Alfie Kohn, famous author and lecturer, believes that it would be more valuable to examine the extent to which a child can use his imagination and creativity to formulate something that may actually be beneficial to