tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19931766.post9083905256859142109..comments2023-10-18T04:07:14.699-05:00Comments on Avaciously Yours: MorassAbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04252591191993842032noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19931766.post-37758084628431259912010-07-12T13:59:46.464-05:002010-07-12T13:59:46.464-05:00What this is really was more of a rant. A gentle ...What this is really was more of a rant. A gentle rant, perhaps, but just stuff that builds up inside my head. <br />I am not at all against experimental education, or those schools where kids can explore. But right now schools seem to be intimating that that's good for everyone, and it's not. Kids that are already good at memorizing and interpreting do awesome in those environments, but that's not a majority of kids. <br />You brought up discipline, which I think is very important. You also commented on balance--I feel strongly that the current system lacks balance. We're putting too many eggs in one basket, and leaving other baskets with only one or two eggs in, rattling around and consequently getting smashed. <br />Do you remember Wesley's Starfleet Academy entrance exam? Lots of computer exercises, but also subtle tests in character and a final test of reaction to an emergency, life-and-death situation. We seem to be breeding students right now who have all kinds of gadget knowledge and very little character or staying power. I worry.Abshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04252591191993842032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19931766.post-92072646809408082802010-07-07T08:32:34.518-05:002010-07-07T08:32:34.518-05:00I can't even begin to respond to all the point...I can't even begin to respond to all the points here -- it's a deep topic, and you've written a great and thorough opening. Just some little comments from me.<br /><br />I'm nostalgic for the "old days" of school -- a firm, perhaps disliked, but respected teacher in front of a classroom, and books and a chalkboard and homework on the dining room table and difficult exams. Students who had the discipline to memorize *and* interpret did well, and other students flunked.<br /><br />However, I'm not sure that this system was the best for learning skills at useful trades. Is the person who finally comes up with a brilliant idea for capping the oil gusher a kid who was educated in the old-style classroom, or a kid who was allowed to explore his own budding interests in physics and eingineering in a glowing, happy, follow-your-path classroom with lots of educational computer games and toys and gadgets?<br /><br />I wonder what Starfleet Academy classes are like. I'm sure it is disciplined, yet also respectful of different learning styles, and computer-oriented and full of gadgets, videos, and roleplaying. Perhaps we should pursue that mix for our own higher education model.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13036079336754189268noreply@blogger.com