Jordan Kushner wrote: > Why not just go ahead and complete the process that has been > taking placefor the past 20 years. Make the schools nothing but a > training ground to mold students into corporate commodities. Forget > about independent and critical thinking. Forget about training > students to become politically aware and even active citizens who > can come to their own conclusions about social and political issues, > and even, god-forbid, exercise their prerogative to dissent. In fact, > don't just forget about teaching students about freedom and democracy. > Fire any teachers and administrators who dare to encourage such development.
The problem with teaching "critical thinking" in the schools is that it is not about helping students to think independently, but more about helping them understand the importance of "correct thinking." And, although Mr. Kushner seems to think that the schools are molding students into corporate robots, the reality is much different. As Ms. Nompelis points out, schools and the teachers in them, are far more likely to have a liberal bias than a conservative one. Eric Oines wrote: > Because of the excellent peace and justice curriculum at my daughter's > pre-school, the Mpls. YWCA, she understands more about non-violent > conflict resolution and the importance of respect for herself and others > than most of our national leadership (IMHO). This type of peace and justice curriculum is not limited to Christian instructions, but can also be found in non-sectarian ones such as the University's preschool. If you want students to think critically, then allow them to consider the role of the United States as a country that is willing to sacrifice the lives of our soldiers to protect democracy, human rights, and the lives of innocent civilians. Or even more radically, to protect American economic interests, our standard of living, and our position as the most powerful country in the world. There are valid arguments on both sides of the war debate, students should be able to articulate both. Only then will they be able to make a "choice." Michael Atherton Prospect Park TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
