School is a controversial topic for many. Some believe that the education system is flawed and that ultimately leads to the downfall of the students. Others believe that the students are the problem. They believe that student do not want to put in the effort to properly learn and that is causing the education system to downgrade. The articles In Praise of The F Word by Mary Sherry and Making the Grade by Kurt Wiesenfeld depict how opposing the views can get. Sherry and Wiesenfeld both agree that there is a problem in the education system, however Sherry holds the teachers and school system accountable whereas Wiesenfeld believes the problem lies with the students’ ideology that they are entitled to grades.
Any student will testify that school …show more content…
Students see a teacher as a “commodities broker with something they want – a grade” (Wiesenfeld 17) and not as a fountain of wisdom where knowledge can be absorbed from. Student just want to get the grade they want, so that they do not “flunk out” or so they do not “lose their scholarship.” Students have “learned that they can get by without hard work and real talent” (Wiensenfeld 17). Since students know that they are not required to put in effort to pass they do not. Teachers need to “follow through on their threats” (Sherry 16) and fail students who do not put in the effort. Sherry used her personal story about her son who got motivated and put in effort after he realized he would fail his senior English course. Sherry believes that policy has worked in the past and will continue to do so. Teachers should no longer pass students who have not learned the material. This will only harm them in the long run.
Being successful in school is multidimensional. It requires personal effort and performance as well as a well-built educational system and ethical teachers. Sherry and Wiesenfeld provide strong arguments for their views, however fail to recognize that the problem is not one-sided. A Combination of both Sherry and Wiesenfeld solutions would solve the problem. Students’ mentality need to change; no longer should they beg for grades. They need to put in hard work and effort. This change along with the teachers support of only passing those who deserve, will ensure the success of their
Any student will testify that school …show more content…
Students see a teacher as a “commodities broker with something they want – a grade” (Wiesenfeld 17) and not as a fountain of wisdom where knowledge can be absorbed from. Student just want to get the grade they want, so that they do not “flunk out” or so they do not “lose their scholarship.” Students have “learned that they can get by without hard work and real talent” (Wiensenfeld 17). Since students know that they are not required to put in effort to pass they do not. Teachers need to “follow through on their threats” (Sherry 16) and fail students who do not put in the effort. Sherry used her personal story about her son who got motivated and put in effort after he realized he would fail his senior English course. Sherry believes that policy has worked in the past and will continue to do so. Teachers should no longer pass students who have not learned the material. This will only harm them in the long run.
Being successful in school is multidimensional. It requires personal effort and performance as well as a well-built educational system and ethical teachers. Sherry and Wiesenfeld provide strong arguments for their views, however fail to recognize that the problem is not one-sided. A Combination of both Sherry and Wiesenfeld solutions would solve the problem. Students’ mentality need to change; no longer should they beg for grades. They need to put in hard work and effort. This change along with the teachers support of only passing those who deserve, will ensure the success of their