>>Testing works for some subjects, ones in
which the point of teaching is rote memory such as much of math or learning the content of
science (definitely not how to do it or how to be curious about it). But for subjects in which
the point is to get students sufficiently interested to care about the topic, to continue to
learn, to stretch their imagination, to learn how to have thoughts of their own on the topic, to
learn how to articulate those thoughts into verbal or written arguments, teaching to tests
does exactly the opposite. It kills learning.<<
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It's my observation that the argument re memorization and its value in learning identifies the flashpoint where our public schools began to drift into ineffective teaching methods. In the 50s, rote learning played a major part in elementary education. It seems to me this was the key to a basic education in History, Literature, Geography & Social Studies, etc. Once the student memorized major events & when they occurred, major writers & artists with identification of their timeframe in world history, where each major country is located and basics about each continents cultures, they possessed the firm foundation from which the student could begin to enjoy learning for its own sake. |
