Monday, May 7, 2012

Doonesbury

This cartoon plays off of the attitude of teachers who believe in placing their students on high pedestals even when it is not deserved.  The teacher in the cartoon has a realistic mind set and is putting reality into focus for her students.  She is giving it to them cold and true.  The teacher explains that you have to work for success.  Success is not something that is just going to land in your lap if you give something half your effort.  However, there are teachers out there who will continue to praise their students for not doing 100% or just simply “showing up”.  This attitude is shadowed in other activities such as little league sports.  So the team did not place 1st, does that mean they shouldn’t receive a trophy too?  If children start out thinking they are going to be rewarded even if they didn’t achieve “first place standards”, why would they try?  If something is just going to be handed to them for showing up, why give extra effort?  That is why this cartoon is so crucial.  Teachers need to start understanding their students need to work for their grade.  Teachers need to see firsthand they can’t just give their students false hope that they are doing exactly what they are supposed to.  Teach them right.  Show them the correct way to achieve good grades.  Then the students will understand the reality of life.  You have to work for what you earn.  It is not just “a-given” that greatness can be achieved. 

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