←back to thread

222 points dougb5 | 2 comments | | HN request time: 0s | source
1. gwbas1c ◴[] No.45132605[source]
> or that they remove a sense of urgency from academics

That was one of my frustrations with "prep" school: An artificial sense of urgency that does not, in any way, reflect how one leads a happy, healthy, and successful life; nor does one need a sense of urgency in academics to grow into an adult who makes a positive contribution to society.

> Some students may use these tools to develop their understanding or explore topics more deeply, ... can also be used as a study aid

I think the same can be said about internet searches. Altavista came around when I was in high school; and I lost all motivation to memorize arcane facts. The same can also be said about books and libraries.

Instead, it's important to realize that a lot of topics taught in schools have to do with someone's agenda and opinion about what's important to know, and even political agendas; and then accept that many lessons from school are forgotten.

> Student assessments should be focused on tasks that are not easily delegated to technology: oral exams ... or personalized writing assignments ... Portfolio-based or presentational grading

Those are all time consuming; but they miss a bigger point: What's the real point of grades anyway?

Perhaps its time to focus on quality instead of quantity in education?

replies(1): >>45132786 #
2. syphia ◴[] No.45132786[source]
I have to agree with you. It seems that most measures to make school harder or more rigorous turn it into an aptitude test or boot camp, because so little development can occur in that environment. It breaks down individuals or, at best, filters them.

If that's what schools are supposed to be, so be it, but I'd like to see that outcome explicitly acknowledged (especially by other posters here) instead of implied.