For this assignment I was assigned the section of the article on Schools. School is a crucial time that offers the most opportunities for youth to develop. The history of school came from legislation and was a place children could go and would be protected. Back in the day school attendance was mandatory and was viewed as if you were in school; you were off the streets and not causing mischief. Schools had an overall goal of preparing children to become efficient, disciplined, obedient, and productive. As time changed so did the school system. Schools started to become more accountable for other things and less accountable of their students.
The article talks about the size of the
school and how that has an impact on youth. It mentioned how larger schools tend to have a
lack of engagement and students can become lost. Even in smaller schools
students also appear to be separated from peers or teachers. Another part I found
interesting was that students participate in extracurricular activities for
college applications, instead of joining because of an interest. I found this to be
interesting because when I went to school I joined the clubs or sports I wanted
to because I had interest in them. If that meant it also looked good for
college then that was an extra, but I didn’t join with just the intension of
college applications in mind.
After reading the whole article students are at their best
when they are motivated, given opportunities to succeed, lead, and are challenged.
Teachers are big role in this. When teachers connect with students it shows
they are caring, and makes a huge difference. Having that specialized attention
may be hard in bigger schools, but helps build relationships with your
students. Allowing students to take responsibility for their actions, engage
with other students, and gain new knowledge is key to what youth take away from school.
I couldn't agree more with your blog and this section of the reading. I've been commenting in other blogs about how schools today are engulfed in politics and therefore have lost the purpose of their position, youth and students. When you said: "students are at their best when they are motivated, given opportunities to succeed, lead, and are challenged" this is so true and when teachers don't allow all students this opportunity they will drop out. It goes back to treat others how you wish to be treated; if teachers don't support their students to put their best out their and then students aren't going to give their best.
ReplyDeleteSchools need to be more focused on their students and less focused on their overhead.
I also find it interesting that students are joining certain activities just because it looks good to colleges. Like you said, I did activities because they did intrigue me and if it made me more marketable for colleges it was just a bonus. Going along with what Katelyn commented, pulling out this sentence "students are at their best when they are motivated, given opportunities to succeed, lead, and are challenged". I agree with this and can relate. If I am motivated in a class to do my best it makes it so much easier for me to do that.
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