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 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.
Part 3: Rhetorical Analysis
This article is a feature piece aimed at parents and educators who are concerned about children’s intellectual development. Wendy Berliner adopts a clear, informative tone and uses logos by presenting evidence from various research studies to substantiate her claims. Her ethos is established through her role as a joint CEO of the Education Media Centre and her background as a best-selling author. Additionally, Berliner appeals to pathos by illustrating how children’s curiosity can thrive when they are encouraged to explore the world around them, such as through simple, everyday activities. The article’s primary aim is to highlight the shortcomings of the current education system in fostering children’s curiosity. Published in The Guardian, a widely trusted news source with a reputation for transparency and an 84% trust rating, the article is credible and supported by current data. With the article’s timely publication, it remains relevant to ongoing debates about how schools can better cater to the developmental needs of children.
Part 4: Notable Quotables
- “Curiosity is innate and a powerful driver of intellectual exploration, but schools are more concerned with the correct answers than encouraging inquisitive minds.” (Berliner)
- “Research shows that encouraging curiosity in children has a direct impact on their academic achievement and overall success in life.” (Berliner)
- “The current education system often stifles curiosity, with students being conditioned to follow a narrow path of learning focused on standardized tests.” (Berliner)
