Re: Re[2]: FW: News Media and How to Deceive

[Brian_Gaulke@hc-sc.gc.ca]

Brian Gaulke
08/24/98 04:19 PM

Ruth Weiner wrote:

    "One reason for the emphasis on criticism of science in the K-12 grades
     is that science and math, as well as foreign languages, are generally
     not subjects that even a bright student can pick up on his or her own
     by reading, and differ in this way from, say, English and history. So
     science, math, and language TEACHING are relatively more critical to
     the student's knowledge base."

I strongly disagree with this statement.  With the possible exception of
learning to speak a foreign language, which requires interaction with an
experienced speaker, any of the listed subjects can be picked up by any
bright, *interested* young person by reading and researching on their own.
In fact, being interested in the subject is the number one factor
determining success in learning anything.  Lack of interest will certainly
defeat the efforts of even the most experienced, dedicated teachers; and a
high level of interest and perceived relevance will make the conventional
"educator" unnecessary.

This opinion is based on my personal experience with my son as a home-based
learner, as well as extensive reading on this subject in books by John
Holt, John Taylor Gatto, Ivan Illich, George Dennison, Paul Goodman, etc.


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