OK, I've been talking to Elaine off list. Here are some of the things she has
to say about AR:
Ohohohohoh- AR is the anti Mosaic of Thought. It not just supports but
perpetrates low level thinking. Such low level thinking actually becomes a
habit of mind after a while. It also trains kids to think that reading is such
a horrific burden that it needs to be rewarded. I have a masters student who
did a research project on AR and the attitudes of the kids was pretty
heartbreaking.
Anyway-- I'm convinced no one will be convinced by any arguments if they love
AR. Nor will they be convinced if they hate AR. BUT-- what I can say with
certainty is that there is no independent research to support AR. Given the
research imperative under which teachers are required to operate today, there
is no evidence that AR actually does anything but bribe kids to read. If that's
the goal rather than higher level thinking and life long love of reading, then
AR works.
After she heard about the research about higher level thinking skills, she
wrote:
. . . there is a little testing analogy that you've probably heard. There
was a man looking for his car keys under a street lamp. His wife said, "But you
lost them in the alley so why are you looking for them here?" He answered,
"Because the light's better."
That makes just as much sense as that quote from the "research"--- Look, one
thing they need to get straight is the difference between independent, unbiased
research and research done by those who have a vested interest in the outcome
as with Renaissance.
Einstein said and he was a really smart guy--- Not everything that can be
tested counts and not everything that counts can be tested.
. . . there is no independent research to support it!!!!!!! PERIOD
She wishes she could post herself, but it's so crazy at this time of year for
her. If you are looking for the research to refute AR then look in her book,
Smart Answers to Tough Questions.
Joy/NC/4
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go
hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org
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