Today's public education must demand more of the student.The student must contribute fully in order to learn.

Question

Is not all education a 'two-way street?'

Answer 1

It is supposed to be a two-way street. However, the teachers have begun to place more on the students so that the students and their parents are more responsible for their education. Too often the students are just sitting in classes, not even paying attention to the teacher, and then cramming the night before a test and passing by the skin of their teeth. Placing more responsibility on the student makes it more difficult for students to do this, thus EARNING their grade.

Answer 2

When I was in high school all we, the students, had to do in order to pass was show up and take the tests. We didn't necessarily have to study, we just had to be there.

For me, I didn't find school challenging enough, so I just did what I had to to get through it and usually, without trying, would get an "A" or a "B." This wasn't because I'm brilliant, it's because, 50% of the kids there did nothing and were getting the same grades. Now the other 50% also were doing nothing, but their grades reflected it. The teachers were almost trying to make it so everyone could graduate. However, this left those of us who wanted to be challenged out in the cold.

To answer the question: Yes, education is a two way street, but someone needs to set the speed limit.

Answer 3

I agree with the statement made in the quote, but it's not that simple. I have seen the "dumbing-down" of certain curricula where I work, and it is disheartening. I have also seen kids with so much personal baggage that it is a wonder that they are at school, let alone performing well. Each child is unique, as is each educator.

I have found that the best way to reach my students is to let them know exactly what I expect. I have sat with many of them and discussed their individual abilities and needs. Unfortunately, by the time I get them, they are often already into established patterns of behavior. This is where parents need to step in, but that is not always easy.

I think another major issue is that educators in each school do not always share common expectations for the students. Thus, the students learn to "work the system" in each class in order to pass. My students do well in my class, not because I am easy, but because I show interest in them and in the subject I teach. They see my passion for the subject and my caring for them, and I believe it helps to motivate them. I EXPECT my students to do well, and am disappointed when they don't. I am not afraid to tell them that either. Some of the other teachers in my school share this philosophy with me, some do not. I find, however, that there are lots of great, young, and talented educators coming out of college now.

The bottom line is that we need to work as an educational community. That community includes parent and student involvement as well. Everyone needs to raise the bar, including the students themselves. However, they cannot raise that bar without help from the adults around them. We adults must take the first step.

Answer 4

I think people who go into education as a career should 'look before they leap'. The student is not responsible for pulling information from the teacher. The teacher is responsible for presenting information in a way that engages the students.
It is a high-energy job for an extroverted person. I intended this as a career myself, but after visiting my high school at the end of my first year of college, I quickly changed my major.
I had excellent teachers as a child, and they utilized many tricks to bring along the best and the worst students to at least a competent level.
I taught one of my sons the multiplication tables and the other to read, because it was too much for the teacher to be expected to do in the limited time of the school day. Nonsense.

Answer 5

I agree completely...

BUT

The public school needs to make clear to the student what exactly they are demanding, up front, and must be willing to listen and adapt to student concerns. If it really is a two way street, then the administration needs to listen to student problems and actually solve them, or else this is just a slightly nicer one way street. They also need to make sure that students understand expectations, understand what it means to contribute fully, and understand how they can do so in their own way (students with disabilities, shyness, being bullied, feel stupid, troubles at home, minoritiy races/religions/ethnicities, etc).

You can't just demand a uniform level to which students must work harder to attain. That isn't fair either.

Answer 6

This statement is true, but the fundamental question remains motivation. Simply making a demand will not necessarily induce contribution and may induce apathy in students whom feel that these demands are unreasonable. Another fundamental question is enforcement, one these demands are made what happens to those whom do not contribute. A system in which the only result is failure will inevitably lead to students with excellent academic potential being left behind due to the two fundamental questions I have already posed motivation and enforcement (carrot and stick).

Answer 7

I think a good teacher will engage the students to take part in the learning process. A student who learns the subject better will not only be able to work on the subject, but explain the subject, as well.

Answer 8

Of course, but unfortunately the individuals making the major decisions regarding the US educational system are not thinking in the same manner that you are.

Why is it that the individuals who undoubtedly end up making the decisions, are always the most unqualified?

Answer 9

exactly. I wish you could see the students in my town. It is totally horriffic. kids seem to complain more than listen. & in return, they can't even read or do simple math....& GOD forbid.....carry on a real intelligent conversation...... Then....they end up on welfare with no job skill.....& I HAVE TO PAY FOR THEIR FOOD STAMPS.......it is a cycle.....

Answer 10

It should be........however,much of the education today in HS is "I tell you, you repeat" rather than I suggest, you respond.