From: Linda Conrad <lindac@quest.arc.nasa.gov>
Subject: Re: cooperation
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 08:01:03 -0800 (PST)
Hi John, Your perspective is a good one from which to evaluate the norm in education (of course allowing for the smattering of well oriented, capable, and very energetic teachers who are able to deliver necessary content in an engaging way--teaching some students in spite of themselves). I would be very interested in possible remedies that you would suggest (or could you share with us "what the ideal teaching situation would be"), in particular: On Mon, 29 Dec 1997, John Bernard wrote in part: > There are many criticisms about public school systems and possibly some > with merit. I think I have a good idea of what the ideal teaching > situation would be but it seems that there are two basic points that the > teaching fraternity and society tend to forget.. They are; how do we make > the best with what we've got Are you speaking here of material goods with which to enhance teaching or ....? > and society isn't preparing their children > for school and supprting the school system. I'm not sure I understand this point. Should we (society) be preparing children for school or for the work place? If you're speaking simply of preparing pre-school children to handle the school situation, maintaining a partnership with formal education in the "total education" of students, and supporting the school system with $$'s and respect, I quite agree There is unrealistic expectation made of an under-appreciated and -remunerated profession. If I've misunderstood, could you clarify what you meant by this point. > > As far as I'm concerned, too much time has to be spent trying to conduct a > class (plus discipine) and make it entertaining for the students. A lot > of effort goes into making things entertaining because students don't > appreciate the effort put into their education. >From your perspective, I would love to hear some possible suggestions you might make to help the teachers on this list respond to the challenges you find in the post-secondary student. Thanks, Linda