In “Schools Kill Curiosity,” Wendy Berliner argues that education systems suppress children’s natural curiosity by prioritizing standardized testing over inquiry. Research highlighted in the article shows that while young children ask numerous questions, this curiosity diminishes as they progress through school, where compliance and correct answers are emphasized. Berliner references a University of Michigan study, which found that teachers dedicate little time to student-led exploration, further stifling curiosity. She concludes that fostering curiosity is essential for intellectual growth, and schools should encourage students to ask more questions and pursue their interests beyond standardized testing.
