I didn't mean to imply that competition didn't exist within the public school
classroom. What I meant was that teachers are discouraged from promoting
competition between students. Parents feel that it is psychologically bad
for their child to be in competition and not be a winner. It almost seens
that anyone who isn't a winner is going to be psychologically damaged and we
certainly don't want them to have the egos bruised in any way.
Even grouping students by ability level is seldom the way in which things are
done. hetrogeneous grouping is the thing. Teach for the middle, the better
students will do okay and the weaker students...well, we can blame it on
learning disabilities.
How many of you have had a student go to the assistant principal, dean,
department head, and claimed that you were picking on them because they
didn't know an answer or that you favored someone else in class more than you
favored them?
Life is competition. Action in the public school classroom may not mirror
real life.
Dr. Robert C. Knodt
4949 Samish Way, #31
Bellingham, WA 98226
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"I hear, I forget. I see, I remember. I do, I understand" Chinese proverb
(teaching/learning)
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