When Math and Science Rule the School Essay

As every individual is unique, getting to understand the students’ characteristics, knowledge and cultural background are essential requirements for encouraging their development and learning (Arthur, Beecher, Death, Dockett & Farmer, 2012). In order to achieve the above requirements, a strong and positive relationship with students is the effective way for teachers to build up a holistic picture of a student (Groundwater-Smith, Ewing & Le Cornu, 2015a; Nixon & Gould, 2005). The various recorded interactions and observations between teachers and students made during the professional experience, have helped me to understand how students learn and have strengthened my ability to plan and implement lessons (Arthur et al., 2012).

College offers a wide variety of educational aspects. In “Why America’s Obsession with STEM is Dangerous,” Fareed Zakaria explains the issues involving the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) educational system and explains the need for a liberal educational system. Zakaria says we need more creative, innovative, and critical thinkers, which can be achieved through a liberal education. He also says that we need the skills that come with a STEM education, but those can also be achieved through liberal education. A narrow study helps you receive a specific job, but a broad education allows you to explore the economical depths of work. Fareed Zakaria’s essay exemplifies rhetorical strategies and the three means of persuasion

In this article What Does It Mean to Be Educated?, journalist Earl Shorris explains that the middle class and those who live in poverty have been cheated of one of the most valuable lessons, the humanities. He elaborates on his thesis when he says “Rich people learn the humanities; you didn’t. The humanities are a foundation for getting along in the world, for thinking, for learning to reflect on the world instead of just reacting to whatever

We begin our education in kindergarten and spend 12 long years preparing ourselves for a life-changing 4 years, college. Those 12 years of preparation consisted of learning the alphabet, doing multiplication, reading Shakespeare, and many more subjects that most kids and teenagers hated and found unnecessary. We are learn different subjects, and we don’t also find much interest or liking to those subjects. In Gerald Graff’s essay, Hidden Intellectualism, he talks to us about what intellectualism is and how it isn’t only associated with subjects like mathematics or literature. He argues that students can channel their intellectual passion and will eventually be able to channel their work in school and do better. Graff himself writes “ If a

The population cannot propagate brilliance if a diversified field of study is not sustaining it. Graff, for this reason, assures his reader that his methods are not merely shortcuts, but segues into more advanced subject matters. “It’s a good bet that if students get hooked on reading and writing by doing term papers on Source, they will eventually get to On Liberty” (386). Citing an example of a mainstream magazine against an extended philosophical essay, Graff illustrates how an interest in a magazine can lead to a renewed interest in literacy in general. In a similar way, Johnson suggests that children will be able to carry over their academic traits from television into adulthood. “Parents should see this as an opportunity, not a crisis. Smart culture is no longer something you force your kids to ingest, like green vegetables. It's something you share.” (294). Johnson attempts to placate parents who might be skeptical of their children watching too much TV by persuading them that watching television will make their children more accepting of future academic lessons. Both authors explain how diversifying the inputs of intellectualism will result in a more dedicated group of intellectuals.

Humanities are a vital part of learning, although real life interactions and situations should also be tied into these courses of study. Humanities are defined by Miller as: “…courses in disciplines such as English, philosophy, and art history” (Miller 444). The humanities are used as basic knowledge but not as something to be learned in a trade. Humanities help provide an appreciation for finer things in life like art and literature. When students are being taught the humanities it should also be apparent in the classroom how these lessons can be applied after the class is over.

“The human mind is our fundamental resource,” John F Kennedy. When I was little, my parents always guided me towards expanding my intellectual horizons. I quickly learned what JFK had expressed long before my time, that my mind was my core asset. In elementary school I would spend every moment not spent doing homework or playing outside watching whatever documentary I could get my hands on. I would often ask my dad to teach me new math concepts, or my mom to take me to the library. All of this made school a breeze, I did not need to put forth the same effort other students did. I learned a lot, but the most important lesson did not come from my parents or books.

In this selection from Why School, Mike Rose expresses his belief that the economic and competitive aspects of the modern education system limits true intellectual growth and development. Rose acknowledges that economics have always been a driving force for the brevity and efficiency of the education system, essentially forcing in as much material as possible into the developing minds of children. To mass distribute the most valuable knowledge, a system has been created, like most economic systems, to gain the most return from the least amount of resources expended. He notes that some students cannot keep up with the fast and focused pace of learning, and fall through the cracks of the system, creating intellectual borders, only leaving those who are able to learn in the way the material is presented to be successful. Although the streamlined orientation of American education is undoubtedly efficient, Rose believes that this draws focus away from the more important aspects of a youth's education, primarily creativity. It removes individual perspectives from the pool of students and promotes similar thinking, which minimizes the variety of ideas.

To think that because the department is low-cost, requiring only textbooks, novels, and computers for research, that it is not as important as other subjects which require high tech gear and lab equipment is not fair. In fact, even students, together with their professors have found it important enough to stage protests to “save the humanities”. We have, over the years, witnessed a movement away from

This chapter explores the underperforming United States education system that does not prepare students to be creative, think critically, work collaboratively, or communicate effectively to be ready to participate in society (Ferguson, 2011, p. 7). In addition to overall underwhelming performance in academics, the failure to incorporate real world everyday experiences in mathematics prevents students from developing critical thinking and logic skills so that they will be responsible and active citizens of society and have access to jobs in the fields science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM).

As I started my research, I realized that the humanities is a very complex topic. But in simpler terms, the humanities is the study of us, humans. The humanities pose the “what if” question in every aspect of our lives from literature to scientific discoveries. The humanities are playing a role in today’s cultural and social changes around the world. They show us the meaning of different cultures and languages,

In Montgomery College there was an event for Humanities day and this event was a interesting experience to learn about the history of human rights and the culture that people create in our society. In our society people gathered together to support each other and to reveal the truth about America being the most independent place to give gain power from every country of the world. The two events that I went to see are the “Language, Universality, and Human Rights” and “Power and the Humanities”.

“Our culture is more shaped by the arts and humanities than it often is by politics.” - Jim Leach

My passion is to not only teach students in a creative and positive way that they are actually learning but also to inspire them to learn and make something great of themselves in their future. The reason being when I was younger I did not take my education that serious. If I would have known then how serious an education was, I feel that I could have accomplished more in middle and high school. After school I wouldn't care about actually learning about my homework. For this reason I want to inspire kids to want to learn at a young age and for them to see that their education and work ethic is very important even at their age. Most importantly I want my future students to want to learn.

Elementary teachers not only introduce their students to the basic concepts of core subjects, they also help pave the path to each student’s future success. Education to become a teacher is long and tedious, and while the income may not be the highest available, watching students develop a new skill or grow an appreciation for learning can be very rewarding. Because there will always be a need for education, even with the recent budget cuts, teaching jobs will always have to be available somewhere.