Apr 7, 2012 -- 7:00PM, Cesmom wrote:

Students learn by questioning.  If the teacher is not allowed to facilitate a discussion or debate questioning evolution or any other scientific theory, then they are not doing their job. 

No, teachers do their jobs when they teach the state grade-level content standards and ensure that their students attain proficient and advanced levels of achievement. 

Apr 8, 2012 -- 1:38AM, Qwesam wrote:

Apr 7, 2012 -- 9:44PM, mainecaptain wrote:

Apr 7, 2012 -- 7:00PM, Cesmom wrote:

Students learn by questioning.  If the teacher is not allowed to facilitate a discussion or debate questioning evolution or any other scientific theory, then they are not doing their job.

you must have gone to a special school. I went to several different schools in different towns, and states. never did we ask questions. Nor were we encouraged to ask questions. You learned what you were told. Period.

EXACTLY!!!!

You don't go to Math class question Why 1+1=2

That is correct. You may ask a question about how to figure the thing you are being taught, but not whether it is valid or not.

With the exception of English literature, (which I did not have until upper grades and college), There was no discussion.

"  Maybe it's a generational thing?"

Not exactly. I think it's a case of substantial specific requirements being laid down by state and federal authorities such that the teachers simply do not have time to teach thinking. They must pour information from that firehose, and the kids must swallow all they can.

Further, few teachers today even have a sense of the socratic approach, even if they had time. And, as has been noted, perhaps a majority of science teachers are pre-commited to a non-scientific approach to the nature of life.

'Tis a problem.

Apr 8, 2012 -- 8:09PM, farragut wrote:

"  Maybe it's a generational thing?"

 

Not exactly. I think it's a case of substantial specific requirements being laid down by state and federal authorities such that the teachers simply do not have time to teach thinking. They must pour information from that firehose, and the kids must swallow all they can.

Further, few teachers today even have a sense of the socratic approach, even if they had time. And, as has been noted, perhaps a majority of science teachers are pre-commited to a non-scientific approach to the nature of life.

'Tis a problem.

Neat answer, farragut............

I taught junior high school English for awhile and expression did count. I loved teaching and evoking responses. My fave's were always the fast-tracked students. Not all teachers like them because they are reactive--appropriate in English classes.

One year in a fast-tracked class the kids put plastic throw-up on my desk. I left it until just before the bell, watching all the nudging. I picked it up and asked in correct form : to whom does this belong? Told the claimer to get one that smelled next time. Total collapse........I loved those students.

Apr 8, 2012 -- 10:17PM, mountain_man wrote:

Apr 8, 2012 -- 7:40PM, Cesmom wrote:

Wow!  That's amazing.  We were taught in science class that no progress is ever made without questioning theories and results.  Maybe it's a generational thing?

No, it's a purposeful misunderstanding thing. Questioning theories and results is a great thing. That's how science advances. Students asking questions about certain ideas is how they learn. Imposing religiously based questions on science is not how students learn or how science progresses.

Way to go, mm .........................