Why do you need a teacher for reading-only subjects?

Question

Couldn't you read on your own?

Answer 1

In my experience (decades in higher ed, both as a student and as a professor), "reading-only" courses are courses that involve no class meeting. In other words, they are independent studies.

They still involve a syllabus (which means a professor with sufficient expertise in the field has to write that syllabus).

They still involve meetings with the professor to discuss the material.

They also involve substantial term papers. You'll need a professor to read that paper and record the grade you earn.

Answer 2

NO! I'm teaching my children how to read, and believe me, it's quite a challenge for the little ones -- English is a bizarre and twisted language. Reading is a BASIC, and if kids are unable to read, or can "read" but don't have the tools to understand what they are reading, then they will fail in every other subject.

The teachers of other subjects should not be teaching these basic deciphering things -- they should be making sure the students understand the contents of social studies, math, history, cooking, whatever. The reading in those subjects re-inforce reading prowess in general, but unless the student is exceptionally talented at reading, it's not enough.

BTW, Japanese is the same way -- students study language arts and are still working very hard at basic deciphering well into high school -- there are about 2000 Chinese characters which have multiple readings and meanings by themselves, and when combined, are just massive. I think it's *very* similar to what English-speakers go through when they have to figure out what's different between "read" and "read" (tense), or "read" and "red." Or even something as simple as "dog" vs. "boy" -- that's something a newbie will have problems with because the d and b are identical except flipped. And g and y are very similar looking.

Once we learn how to read, it seems so easy -- it's very easy to forget how it took us three or four years to get even semi-proficient.

Answer 3

FIrst, not everyones reading level is equal so a teacher is needed to help those who experience problems in understanding the reading material. Secondly a teacher is needed to assess the students retention of the knowledge and understanding of what they read. A teacher may also choose the scope and sequence of the reading to make sure it is appropriate for the students.

Answer 4

most students need some explanation to master the material

Answer 5

goverment want to waste the public money