Hitting the ground at terminal velocity is a very good reason to
wear a parachute. Consequences are the driving force behind all of
human behavior. If I don't work, I don't eat. If I speed, I
crash. If I steal, I go to jail. Remove consequences and the system
falls apart. So why does the Edmonton school system see it necessary to
remove consequence?
In a recent
interview, the CBC addressed an Edmonton teacher that was allegedly
suspended for going against the system and holding kids accountable for their
missed assignments.
Being married to
an educator, I hear firsthand what is going on in the classroom. Students are permitted to attend as much, or
as little of the classes as they feel suited.
If they miss a test day, they can rewrite at a later date of their choosing,
and in some schools will be assigned a mark from another assignment if they
choose not to write.
I almost seem a bit old fashioned.
I did have my birthday today, and perhaps it’s catching up with me. This infuriates me to see something as
critical as education reward behaviour that is even below mediocrity.
If only we could bottle Kung Fu values and sell them as energy
drinks. We would have less insubordination,
more accountability, punctuality, and discipline. As it sits right now, we are hucking the kids
out the Cessna door, with nothing more than a knapsack and telling them the
landing will be a breeze.
I couldnt agree more. Any ideas how to do that?
ReplyDeleteThats why as parents we need to be strong leaders, we need to build their foundation, we need to teach them all the essentials of life beyond mom and dads door step. We need to be kung fu and lead with kung fu! I don't mean kick the crap out of them, quite the opposite, I mean be compassionate, treat them as equal, listen to their thoughts, guide, punish when necessary but with love and understanding. Show them what honor and loyalty are about. Show them the results of "Hardwork"! I really appreciate your insight Sihing.
ReplyDelete