Reflect on the course readings thus far. Think about guest speaker presentations, class lectures, and conversations. Make sure you post a quote or two from the readings that you found interesting or that sparked your imagination. Your posts will viewed by all students in the course. Also, do not forget to read your classmates' posts and comment on them.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
1st Reflection
Reflect on the course readings thus far. Think about guest speaker presentations, class lectures, and conversations. Make sure you post a quote or two from the readings that you found interesting or that sparked your imagination. Your posts will viewed by all students in the course. Also, do not forget to read your classmates' posts and comment on them.
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To begin, after reading Charles Murray’s book and watching this video, there were many things that sparked my interest and made me reconsider ideas that I held before. First off, one quote that really stuck out to me in the beginning chapters of Murray’s book which linked to the video in many ways was: “Whatever technical limitations might lead you to say, “Yes, but it’s still not the same as being there in the classroom,” are probably within a few years of being outdated” (91 Murray). At this time in the book, Murray was discussing virtual classrooms and how one may say that online classes do not accomplish as much as a brick-and-mortar classroom. A few years ago, I would have thought the same thing, but as technology keeps advancing, arguments opposing online courses will be outdated. If you think about it, even The University of Alabama offers online classes for students to take while here on campus, receiving the same amount of credits as if they had actually walked to class everyday.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching this video it was apparent that our technology is ever changing and will continue to advance. We are adapting to these shifts and it is becoming more common to receive a degree online today, interview people through a computer screen, and even find your spouse online. In my opinion, technology advancements are going to impact education greatly in the future. More online education means easier access, allowing more people to further their education and receive degrees with easier accessibility. This connects to another quote that really stuck out to me; Murray stated, “In summary: Saying “too many people are going to college” is not the same as saying that the average student does not need to know about history, science, and great works of art, music, and literature. They do need to know - and to know more than they are currently learning. So let’s teach it to them, but let’s not wait for college to do it” (Murray 81). Before taking this class and reading this book, I never actually considered that too many people are going to college. I am not saying that receiving an education is a bad thing, but maybe some people would be more successful if they pursued a job after high school based on their abilities. Like we discussed in class, the example Murray brought to our attention about the electrician vs. the manager had shown all of us a new light. We agreed that it made a lot of sense for a man to pass on becoming a mediocre manager, and focus his talents on becoming the best electrician instead.
I like how Murray recognized that individuals shouldn’t skip out on acquiring more of a liberal education, but college should not be the only place one can gain that knowledge. He made a strong point, because if we focus on history, science, art, music, and literature early on in school, children can determine what they are good at, what they enjoy, and don’t necessarily have to attend college in order to achieve a well-rounded education if it is not for them. I think it is important for everyone to have an education, but I don’t think college is a fit for everyone. We are constantly preparing for the future, like the video said, “currently preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist and using technologies that haven’t been invented yet”. This is important for us to consider; education is shifting, but so are the demands for degrees and positions. Success doesn’t have to be determined by a bachelor’s degree or the college one gets into, rather a liberal education should be taught early on so more people can grasp these subjects without a college degree.
Brianna,
DeleteI totally agree that after watching the video made me think about how technology continues to advance each and every minute! It's crazy to think about what is coming next in our world and even in our country! How do you feel about the use of screen interviews over in-person interviews? I personally dislike them just because being on a screen all day makes me exhausted and I enjoy speaking with people, person-to-person. I agree education is becoming easier and easier to access for people allover the world, which is great, but it also limits the amount of power a degree now holds compared to the generations before us! I totally agree that it is frowned upon nowadays to not go to college or some form of educational system after high school! We need to let our generation know, it's okay not to go to college, but you have to work hard in order to make a valuable living that you want in any job you wish!
I really enjoyed reading Charles Murray's book because you begin to realize that some of his "radical" ideas aren't so radical by the end. My personal favorite quote was when he discussed the leaders of America and compared it to an NFL offensive tackle. “Factors other than weight are decisive. But to have even a chance of getting the job, you had better weigh at least 300 pounds.” It is something I hadn't thought of. I tend to be an idealist, so I like to think anyone can be anything, but it is true that you have to have certain basic abilities (whether you are considered "gifted" or not) to be able to even have a chance at success in any field. If we use the presidency as an example, it is true that honesty and integrity are wonderful qualities to have, that I personally look for in a presidential candidate. However, if they are not a good business person with a strong understanding of politics, they will not accomplish much of anything as the president.
ReplyDeleteI also appreciated that he mentioned that “the abilities that define able vary according to the task.” Often in public school systems, the idea of academic giftedness puts science and math on a pedestal. Not only are the fine arts ignored, but even english teachers are not paid as much. At times throughout the book, Murray seemed to agree with that statement, but here he puts it in perspective that depending on what you want to do, your definition of ability is very different than someone else. If you want to be an actor, your science skills are pointless, and if you are trying to be a doctor, it doesn't matter how physically strong you are.
Hi Abigail,
DeleteI really liked the quote that you shared discussing essential qualities/abilities needed to succeed in a certain field or at a certain task. I am an idealist as well in regards to thinking we can do what we set our minds to, yet Murray made me realize that we have a calling for certain things because of our greater abilities. For instance, Derrick Henry is gifted athletically. He was successful because he had the abilities to succeed athletically/in football. But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have been capable of pursuing a degree in English; however, he may have been more average in that subject area compared to football because it was more of a challenge for him. That is to say, I do think we are capable of achieving goals we strive towards, even if we are not “gifted” in that certain area. We can be average and dedicated at one thing, but amazing at something else if we use our “gifted” abilities as well as hard work. I feel this relates to when Murray discusses the average manager vs. the top electrician. I feel it is up to one to decide for his or herself how to live their life, but I think one would be more successful if they use their “gifted” abilities and applied those to a certain field. In addition, this relates to your comment about ability varying for each person. Everyone does not have to be good at the same thing or have every skill, rather take the skills you do have and apply those to your future.
After reading Charles Murray's book there were many things that were going through my mind. The first was the fact that we have a long way to go when it comes to education in the Untied States. Murray pointed out the many areas that we are laking in compared to other countries, even when we have tried to implement programs such as No Child Left Behind. Instead of rising above other industrialized countries, we have actually fallen behind most and tend to be on the losing end of ratings. While I didn't agree with Murray on a lot of his points, he did make me stop and think at many times throughout the book. The first time I really stopped and thought about my views was when he put a realistic spin on the United States' view of college. In my hometown it was very common for students to stop going to school after graduating from high school. However, the neighborhood and friend group that I grew up in, that wasn't quite the case. I had always questioned why people wouldn't continue their education, but after Murray put that alternate idea in my head I completely understood.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated being able to challenge my thinking and really take a look at what other schools look like. Growing up in the area that I did, my high school was the #1 high school in the state so we didn't quite have all of the faults that other schools had. I always knew that problems existed but to be able to see the facts and cases where it actually was true definitely changed my mindset.
Alex Grady
I completely agree with your points. Murray's book was a lot to swallow sometimes, particularly with the college situation. But you are absolutely right, his points are extremely eye opening and thought-provoking. I grew up in a fairly affluent area and went to a high school with a good amount of money and not too many issues that other schools faced. We had good resources and fairly competent teachers. And almost everyone in my class went to college after graduation. That was what was expected of us as students. Murray put an interesting spin on the situation though, and it really got me thinking. I know multiple people from my high school who are really struggling in college, academically or otherwise, because they either were not ready for life at a university yet or they would have been better suited for a different path. I believe they will make it through college and earn whatever degree they choose, but Murray was right. Some of them would be much better suited to be the electricians than the managers.
Delete“one of the most damaging messages of educational romanticism has been that everyone should go to college.” pg.67
DeleteIn the first chapter of Murray's book, "ability varies" I was frustrated by the claim that the skills of students are not flexible; essentially he says there are smart students and dumb students. Murray states on page 29, "... Educators who proceed on the assumption that they can find some ability in which every child is above average are kidding themselves." Though I would agree that perhaps not all students are above average in some field of academia, I would argue that all students should be challenged and brought to their highest ability, in an attempt to bring all students to at least a minimum standard. Murray continues to disagree with me in chapter two, specifically on page 47 when he says that, "No pedagogical strategy, no improvement in teacher training, no increase in homework, no reduction in class size can break [the connection between academic achievements and academic ability]". I am in no way arguing that all students can be great at everything. However, it seems to me that Murray is putting too much weight on natural ability rather than being able to learn by having good teachers, good curriculum, and a good support system.
ReplyDeleteI think that the video ties into this because it’s only data. Obviously data can explain a lot, however, I have issues with the sole goal of education being to produce the “best” numbers rather than using the most ethical and logical processes to educate. I feel that at times our society becomes too consumed by numbers. In regards to Abigail’s post, I think it’s interesting that she said Murray’s ideas were not so radical by the end of the book. I would still describe Murray’s views as radical (and incredibly pessimistic) even though there were some points I agreed with. I relate to Brianna in thinking that we can all do what we set our mind to (to a degree). Murray brought up a lot of thought provoking issues and overall I found it to make good points but draw much too drastic of conclusions.
I totally agree with you that the video and Murray's book focus too much on data. As a society, we focus so much now on who's getting the best scores and what numbers are better that we don't focus on the other benefits of education. Children should be learning social skills and exercising their creativity, and those cannot be measured by numbers. I also completely agree that Murray's ideas in his book seemed radical- although there were some points I thought made sense, the majority of his book seemed a little out there.
DeleteThe most frustrating theme in Murray’s book for me was the constant use of statistics to define students. Throughout the book, he uses factors such as IQ scores, test grades, and percentages who are at grade level to separate students who are smart from students who are not, students who should go to college and students who shouldn’t. This is especially seen through Murray’s quote on pg. 47, while when speaking about the connection between academic achievement and academic ability, "No pedagogical strategy, no improvement in teacher training, no increase in homework, no reduction in class size can break that connection."
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has worked with kids often, both in a school setting and an outside of school setting, I know there is no way that children can be defined simply by numbers. It reminds me of a letter I read from a teacher to her students after they had taken a standardized test, which reads, “The scores you will get from these tests will tell you something, but they will not tell you everything. These tests do not define you. There are many ways of being smart. YOU are smart! You are enough! […] So, in the midst of all of these tests, remember that there is no way to “test” all of the amazing and awesome things that make you, YOU.” Although Murray made some interesting points in his text, which I believe Brianna and others have highlighted in their posts, I think these interesting points are overshadowed by the fact that Murray constantly uses statistics and numbers to “prove” that some students are simply better than others, and there is no way for students to improve their academic ability.
I agree with Justin about the relationship between the book and the video—both of them focus much too much on data. Both the video and the book, to me, seem exceedingly pessimistic. One statistic from the video that stood out to me was “The 25% in China with the highest IQ’s is larger than the entire population of North America”. So to that, I say so what? That statistic says nothing to me other than that China has many more people than North America, many of whom with high IQs. However, that does not mean that we are not as smart or important as China. There has yet to be a test or specific measure that can define creativity, passion, or drive. An IQ is just a number, and does not define how successful a person or country can be.
Charles Murray is a very opinionated writer who encourages readers to spark their own ideas about the system of education in the United States. As the book goes on he continues to make intense chapter titles that seem to be offensive, but he further explains his reasoning within each chapter. At first when I began reading his book, “Real Education”, I was appalled at some of the things he stated. As the chapters continued, I began to better understand a agree with some of his points of view. I think that he frequently talked about grouping people, especially children together into labels. I am completely against using labels because I think everyone is individually different and unique in their own ways. These are the things that make us special. I think measuring people's intelligence's is wrong because there are all different types of intelligence and we need to showcase and understand that all are needed in the world. So I do agree with Caroline that the theme of constant uses of statistics was frustrating because kids are so much more than just numbers, they are people.
ReplyDeleteThe video focuses on the crazy rapid growth of our population and technology today. It focuses on popular trends and how we move from one workplace to the next so frequently nowadays compared to 20 years ago and beyond! Also I agree with Caroline about the statistic of "25% in China" a statistic is just a statistic, nothing else. China's population is growing rapidly compared to ours in the US so it only makes sense that with more people you have more selection of a highly "intelligent" individuals, but it's much harder to be creative in a society and appreciate it like in China. I don't think people understand reasons why the U.S. is so popular! This is because we are creative and unique to doing things differently! I also agree that the video ties into the Charles Murray book by number and again almost labeling people by numbers instead of individual values to society! I think having a having a high IQ is nowhere near as important as having an imagination, manners, empathy, determination to learn and increase your knowledge and positivity! These things make the world a better place and help us advance in the world!
This is Margaret also!!!
ReplyDeleteCharles Murray is a very opinionated writer who encourages readers to spark their own ideas about the system of education in the United States. As the book goes on he continues to make intense chapter titles that seem to be offensive, but he further explains his reasoning within each chapter. At first when I began reading his book, “Real Education”, I was appalled at some of the things he stated. As the chapters continued, I began to better understand a agree with some of his points of view. I think that he frequently talked about grouping people, especially children together into labels. I am completely against using labels because I think everyone is individually different and unique in their own ways. These are the things that make us special. I think measuring people's intelligence's is wrong because there are all different types of intelligence and we need to showcase and understand that all are needed in the world. So I do agree with Caroline that the theme of constant uses of statistics was frustrating because kids are so much more than just numbers, they are people.
ReplyDeleteThe video focuses on the crazy rapid growth of our population and technology today. It focuses on popular trends and how we move from one workplace to the next so frequently nowadays compared to 20 years ago and beyond! Also I agree with Caroline about the statistic of "25% in China" a statistic is just a statistic, nothing else. China's population is growing rapidly compared to ours in the US so it only makes sense that with more people you have more selection of a highly "intelligent" individuals, but it's much harder to be creative in a society and appreciate it like in China. I don't think people understand reasons why the U.S. is so popular! This is because we are creative and unique to doing things differently! I also agree that the video ties into the Charles Murray book by number and again almost labeling people by numbers instead of individual values to society! I think having a having a high IQ is nowhere near as important as having an imagination, manners, empathy, determination to learn and increase your knowledge and positivity! These things make the world a better place and help us advance in the world!