Part 1: MLA Citation
Berliner, Wendy. “Schools Are Killing Curiosity: Why We Need to Stop Telling Children to Shut Up and Learn.” The Guardian, 28 Jan. 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jan/28/schools-killing-curiosity-learn.
Part 2: Summary
According to Wendy Berliner’s article, children’s natural curiosity is being suppressed by established educational practices. She emphasizes how children’s natural curiosity and need to ask questions are undermined by strict classroom rules and a focus on obedience. In her support of teaching strategies that value student participation and cultivate a love of learning, Berliner highlights the necessity for educational systems to support critical thinking rather than restrict it.
Part 3: Rhetorical Analysis
The genre of this piece is a featured piece aimed at a broad audience interested in educational issues. Berliner’s writing style is accessible yet impactful, employing a passionate tone that reflects her concern for students’ experiences in schools. She uses ethos by referencing educational experts and studies to support her claims, while pathos is evident in her appeal to readers’ feelings about children’s educational well being. The primary audience includes educators, parents, and policymakers, with the intention of sparking dialogue about the necessity of nurturing curiosity in the classroom. The occasion for this article is a growing awareness of educational reform discussions, making it timely and relevant. Berliner is an established writer on educational topics, enhancing her credibility, and The Guardian is a reputable source known for its quality journalism. The article’s insights remain pertinent to ongoing debates in education.
Part 4: Notable Quotables
“Schools are designed to suppress curiosity, not cultivatett it” (Berliner).
“We must stop telling children to shut up and learn” (Berliner).
“Curiosity should be the driving force of education” (Berliner).
