Source Entry for Schools Kill Curiosity — Said Babaev

Berliner, Wendy. “Schools Are Killing Curiosity, Study Suggests.” The Guardian, 28 Jan. 2020, www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jan/28/schools-killing-curiosity-learn.

Part 2: Summary

In the article “Schools Are Killing Curiosity,” Wendy Berliner discusses how traditional schooling practices may suppress children’s natural curiosity, a critical factor in their learning and development. Drawing on a study by the Centre for Real-World Learning, the article highlights that students who exhibit curiosity perform better academically, yet schools often prioritize conformity and testing over encouraging inquisitiveness. Berliner argues that the rigid focus on test scores and standardized curricula stifles curiosity, potentially limiting students’ academic potential and lifelong learning capabilities. She calls for a reform in the education system that fosters curiosity through inquiry-based learning.

Part 3: Rhetorical Analysis

Wendy Berliner’s article is a feature piece that discusses the negative impact of modern educational practices on both students and educators. Her writing is research-based and straightforward, using ethos by citing studies like the Centre for Real-World Learning report. Berliner highlights the natural curiosity shared by children and criticizes how it’s being overlooked in traditional classrooms, appealing to the emotions of educators and parents. She logically connects the research findings to suggest that curiosity-driven learning produces better academic outcomes. Her primary audience includes educators, parents, and policymakers, advocating for a shift toward fostering curiosity rather than focusing on standardized testing. The article’s reliability is bolstered by its publication in The Guardian, a reputable news source, and Berliner’s expertise in the field. The topic remains timely as debates about educational reform continue.

Part 4: Notable Quotables

1. “Research shows that children are born curious, but that curiosity is being quashed by the schooling system’s obsession with tests.” (Berliner)
2. “The Centre for Real-World Learning report suggests that students who are curious are more likely to succeed in their education, yet this trait is often overlooked in today’s classrooms.” (Berliner)
3. “Young children, when they start school, are typically bursting with questions, but that inquisitiveness fades as they progress through the school system.” (Berliner)