This post is in response to the following video about a second grade teacher who is fed up with his elementary school's 'One-Size-Fits-All' curriculum.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBSgchJe2Z0
Stephen Round, the dissatisfied teacher who has decided to stop teaching at his elementary school, is reading his resignation letter to the Human Resources Department, but also to anyone else who is watching in order to get his point across. Round believes that an education that is "rewarding and enjoyable" is the most important thing for growing students. However, Round had found that students are being repressed socially and that things have gotten so out of hand that other teachers are actually bargaining with their restless students in order to get them to behave. It is clear that Round is passionate about what he is saying, through the way he enunciates each word and uses repetition in his speech. The fact that he also uses the real names of people instead of keeping things anonymous shows that he is truly looking for change and will try to achieve it through whatever means necessary.
I definitely agree with Stephen Round when he says that schools are teaching students how to become good "test-takers" instead of trying to enrich their minds. It seems that the main priority of many schools is to prepare their students for their future workplaces, which does not leave very much room for students to be able to express themselves in their studies, such as through creative English classes and other forms of art. Whenever Round would use the word 'learning' in his speech, he would use air quotations. I agree with Round's unwillingness to use the word 'learning' because schools are focusing less on learning and more on preparation for the outside world when it comes to their students. If more people like Stephen Round are able to share their messages and views on the school system, more awareness will be raised, which hopefully will lead to schools reconsidering their "one-size-fits-all" curriculums.
You were correct in saying that Stephen Round is very passionate about this subject. I too agree that schools are teaching kids to become good test takers. I liked the way you wrote about Round emphasizing his major concerns and backing them up with what you agree about them.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
Thanks Chris! I'm glad that you also agree with Round's views and objectives. Hopefully schools and teachers will try to broaden their students' imaginations and minds instead of only worrying about their performances on tests.
DeleteGreat observation Chris! Stephen Round has a lot of passion, this is very apparent in his decision to quit work because he does not support what the educational board is doing. Showing that he doesn't care about money is very interesting, many people disagree with the educational board but don't do what he is doing because there is money attached. Props to Stephen round and to you shayda for an excellent response to his video.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kevin! That's a good point you brought up; money seems to control many people's lives and thoughts these days. It was impressive to see that Round is a person who's main concern is not money, but the minds and imaginations of young students. Hopefully there are many more teachers in the world like Stephen Round.
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