Passage: Noddings discusses that, “Students today need help in working through the meaning of achievement. Schools, with their system of competitive ranking, encourage students to think of success in terms of beating others out. Achievement, then, is defined as attaining a higher grade point average (GPA) than those with whom one is competing” (p. 17).
Question: Why do teachers not typically outline to students in middle school/ high school the goal of the class? The goal should be to learn the material; not just to receive an A+++++.
Connection: Noddings stresses the importance of self understanding. My connection to the above quote is that I was a student in high school that was only concerned about grades. Having an older brother who was identified as gifted at a young age was very difficult to follow, especially since I had many developmental delays with communication, hearing properly, and with daily living skills. Throughout my schooling, I tried to make sure that I was a success to impress my parents. I thought that success meant good grades. Unfortunately, I carried this association with me to high school. Instead of being concerned about mastery of a concept, I was just concerned about the grade. To me it didn’t necessarily matter that I did not understand chemistry, but as long as I could bring home a grade of 101 my parents were very happy. Reading this article brings personal disappointment to myself, because I just wish that someone would have stressed to me that it is whether or not you learn the material; not the grade that you receive. I focused way too much on grades and I wish that I could go back in time and change this. For now, all I can do is ensure that I don’t do this anymore in my future.
Outside Connection: Unfortunately, this brings me to the point of the usage of extra credit in schools. Is it possible to get through a class without having an understanding of the material? Absolutely! I was a perfect example of this. So many teachers spend time giving extra credit opportunities to kids, when they could be using that time for more instruction. In the beginning of the article, Noddings discusses the importance of self-understanding and that we should help students to understand how their minds function. The time spent doing extra credit should be spent informing students on the best ways for them to learn the material and why it is important. I also think it is crucial that teachers educate students on different and effective ways to study and to learn. There are so many problems and referrals for kids that reach college and still have no study skills. Why are we teaching children if they do not know how their own minds function? Relating this to everyday life, a piece of machinery can be very effective, but if no one knows how to use it than its effectiveness is limited.
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2 comments:
Hi Patrice,
I believe students are conditioned to learn the purpose of class at the elementary level when they are exposed for the first time in a school learning environment. The rewards, special recognition ceremonies, and other incentives makes the school learning environment become competitive. Some students undergo extreme measures to achieve or maintain an (A) status (e.g. cheating, taking pills, cramming, etc). I have known students to tell me that they would rather steal an A than to earn a B.
You make a great point about extra credit because it can be used inappropriately. I believe that extra credit should be an extension of the content covered that will lead to a deeper understanding on the student's own time (e.g. meeting the teacher before or after school). This may condition the student to make an effort to learn the material during class instead of asking for extra credit at the end of the semester. I recall faciliating workshops for student at U.K. to become a Master Student. This involved students bcoming familiar with their daily habits and better aware of their time management/study skills. If we can give surveys and workshops for college students this can certainly be done in an exploratory/elective class at the middle and high school level. Just a thought! Natasha:-)
Let me know if you want to meet in our virtual classroom setting at 4PM for the discussion.
Thanks!
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