Practice Reflection and Rhetorical Analysis and Quotes – Nason

Part 3 Reflection

I agree with the author’s claim that schools drain the curiosity out of students. This is because schools are run by strict rules that limit “time for questions” or “time for creativity and following up on curiosity.”(pg) Kids at a young age want to know about many things. Schools don’t allow the process of curiosity to continue and in many cases, kids lose it. The writer has some good points and refers to others that back up their claim well. It is known that young children are naturally curious and want to learn more about their surroundings. But schools apply specific lessons and grading criteria that stop deep interest and to ponder on things. This is the reason kids who score well in school view being curious as risky. High-scoring students do not ask questions with actual interest in the topic. The questions they ask only relate to how to better their grades. The problem with school is that they want kids to mainly know how to follow instructions and remember things. This is so students would grow up mindlessly following instructions and not have a creative mind. The teachers are products of schools as they were told to teach a topic and to not go off course. Teachers should instead make topics interesting to add a field of depth and curiosity.

Part 4: Rhetorical Analysis

The feature article by Wendy Berliner called “‘Schools Are Killing Curiosity’: Why We Need to Quit Asking Children to Shut up and Study” was published by the Guardian. Her attitude seems to be thoughtful with an informative tone.  The general reading public is the target audience. This article’s objective is to be educational.  She bases her assertion on scientific data. By using logos, Berliner persuades them effectively. Because Berliner is the author of the book “How to Succeed at School: What Every Parent Should Know,” and a prize-winning journalist, she is a reliable source. The goal of Berliner’s publication of this article is to increase awareness of strict school teaching and the importance of curiosity.

Part 5 – Notable Quotable

“kindergarten (the first year of school), where they found that the most curious children performed best.”(pg1)

“Zoe, no questions now, please; it’s time for learning.”(pg1)

“high-performing students studied by American researchers in 2013 were found to be less curious, because they saw curiosity as a risk to their results whereas the questions asked by more curious students were aimed at understanding a topic more deeply.”(pg3)