Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: JohnM who wrote (2257)	6/17/2003 10:31:47 AM
From: Ann Corrigan	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 793955

>>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.<< ************************************************************************************** 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.

To: JohnM who wrote (2257)	6/18/2003 6:26:28 AM
From: unclewest	Respond to of 793955

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. First you learn to crawl, then to walk, then to run. The problem is not with those who are self-actualized. The problem is with those who can't spell it or write it. The problem the country is trying to address is with the students who have not learned the basics...yes the basics. And for goodness sakes let them memorize something. They cannot ever..."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"...if they don't learn the basics first.