Source Entry for schools kill Curiosity – Luka

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. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jan/28/schools-killing-curiosity-learn.

Part 2: Summary

In “Schools Kill Curiosity,” Wendy Berliner makes the case that by putting standardized testing ahead of inquiry, educational systems stifle children’s innate curiosity. According to him, prescribed tests and strict programs place more value on memorization than on creativity or critical thinking. Berliner cites research from the University of Michigan that indicates teachers give little time to student-led study, which further restricts seekers’ curiosity. She comes to the conclusion that schools should push students to pursue their interests outside of standardized testing and ask more questions because doing so is crucial for learning.

Part 3: Rhetorical analysis

The genre is feature article. Her tone in the article is informative. Berliner used logos when giving research facts from different universities. The target audience is parents as well as the general public. The purpose of this article is to bring awareness to parents about education discouraging curiosity. The source is The Guardian. Its credibility stems from the fact that, according to 84% of readers, it received the highest score for digital content news in 2018. “How to succeed at school” is the book written by Wendy Berliner. Verifying her legitimacy. The data here is up to date. On January 28, 2020, it was created.

Part 4: Notable Quotables

• “The children took to the new objects immediately, making slides for building blocks with guttering, dens, and spaceships with cardboard boxes and having conversations with imaginary people on old phones. Old keys were used to lock things away or unlock imaginary kingdoms. Most haven’t asked for the toys back.” (Wendy Berliner)

• “The current education system often stifles curiosity, with students being conditioned to follow a narrow path of learning focused on standardized tests.” ( Wendy Berliner)