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,” Berliner argues that normal education systems often suppress student’s natural urge to explore and ask questions. He says that rigid curriculums and normalized testing focus more on memorization than critical thinking or creativity. This procedure can make learning feel like a chore and just like a robot instead of a passion the students can have towards the said class teaching, ultimately leading kids to lose their innate curiosity. Berliner suggests that we must reevaluate how we educate to encourage a desire for learning rather than pulverizing it.
Part 3:
Rhetorical Analysis:
The genre of this text is a Feature Article. The Author of this Text is Wendy Berliner. Berliner uses the rhetorical skill of logos to convey evidence using statistical and proven research. The use of sources such as the University of Michigan highlights this. Berliner’s intended Audience is Parents of Children who are in the educational system. The Reason for writing this text is to inform the parents of the Decline of Children’s Curiosity due the education system putting down children’s best effort to inquire. The Significant Event that is the Cause of the Article being written is the constant charted decline of children inquiring about class topics in class. The Source: “The Guardian” is considered credible due to its long-standing reputation for rigorous journalism and adherence to high editorial standards. It is known for its investigative reporting and commitment to transparency, providing diverse perspectives on important issues. Confirming her Credibility Wendy Berliner is known for several books, including: “Catching the Light” – A children’s book that addresses themes of friendship and understanding. She has also contributed to various anthologies and written extensively on education and childhood issues.
Part 4 Notable Quotes:
“The study’s lead researcher, Dr Prachi Shah, a developmental and behavioural peadiatrician at Mott and an assistant research scientist at the University of Michigan, says: “Promoting curiosity in children, especially those from environments of economic disadvantage, may be an important, under-recognised way to address the achievement gap”
