Testing vs. Writing and Literature Discussions

American society constantly relies on tests based on readings and lectures to measure the intellect of our youth. However, I believe that when it comes to English and Literature a simple lecture and test does not result in a understanding of the assignments.

Rather then having boring and drawn out lectures, I suggest that teachers get the students involved. Lessons that involve open ended discussions let the students debate over how they felt about the reading assignments and allow the students to analyze and interpret the literature for themselves. Once the student becomes involved and interested in the subject the understanding and easy comprehension of these pieces of literature should come naturally.

Also writing papers and creative analysis forces to read the book and interpret it for themselves. Also there is gives the student more time to think about the book and relieves the pressure of tests and one answer questions that restrict an understanding of the subject.

Homework – How Much Is Too Much?

Throughout high school I can recall dragging home a heavy workload of books to the point where my shoulders were red when I got home. A reoccurring problem among many teachers is that they don’t realize the stress that they put upon their students. Most students receive about four to five hours of homework every night, but only complete about half of it. The workload is just too much for these students to handle.

I believe that homework is very important and it does help to review topics that were recently covered in the classroom, but many teachers seem to forget that their students have seven other classes that they receive homework for almost every day. This leaves no time for extracurricular activities and causes anxiety among students.

Also more and more students seem to be having back problems at a young age. This is mostly caused by the plethora of textbooks that they have to bring home every night. As I mentioned in a previous entry, block scheduling would be one solution to this. Unfortunately, not all schools have block scheduling. Other teachers must assign homework with a reasonable perception of how much the student receives as a whole.

The Single Sex Classroom

My first three years of high school I attended an all girls catholic high school. My senior year I transferred to a co-ed public high school. Although I believe diversity is extremly important and it is only healthy for young adult to interact with each other, There were many positives to an all girls high school.

Students who attend single sex schools are more likely to focus on academics and volunteer inside the classroom. They are not afraid of being judged by the opposite sex. Also students in an all girls or an all boys school share a bond unlike any other. When I attended my first high school we were forced to befriend those of those of the same sex. We literally formed a sisterhood, which I’m sure those of you in a sorority can relate to. There were no separation of groups because nobody was there to impress anyone. I believe single sex classrooms have many positives that parents should consider when choosing a school for their child.

On the other hand, a co-ed school allows interaction with the opposite sex and prepares young adults for the real world. Is it better to have this interaction, or does it conflict too much with school work? I cannot say for sure, but I can say both have positives that the other cannot compete with.