Source Entry for Schools Kill Curiosity — Said Babaev

Part 1: MLA Citation

Weale, Sally. “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 Schools Are Killing Curiosity, Sally Weale alludes to how overemphasizing standardized testing and a compulsory education system unintentionally drains children’s inquisitive tendencies. Citing a report by the Sutton Trust, the article argues that curious children tend to perform better academically, though most schools stifle curiosity and creativity instead of encouraging these traits. Weale stresses that early childhood curiosity is essential for fostering long-term learning, but as children progress through school (significantly beyond elementary levels), this curiosity begins to fade. The article suggests that schools should implement inquiry-based practices to foster lifelong learners rather than solely on standardized testing.

Part 3: Rhetorical Analysis

In this feature article, Sally Weale combines analysis with research. Her writing style is informative and accessible to parents and educators concerned about the effects of traditional education on children’s natural curiosity. She uses a critical but optimistic tone, underlining the need for reform. Weale establishes credibility through ethos by citing research from the Sutton Trust, which lends authority to her argument. She appeals to pathos by highlighting how children’s curiosity diminishes as they advance in school, likely evoking concern from parents and educators. Her logos appeal is evident in her logical connection between the study’s data and the broader implications for education. The primary audience includes educators, policymakers, and parents, and Weale’s goal is to advocate for a school shift toward nurturing curiosity. As a respected education correspondent for The Guardian, Weale is a credible source, and the article gains further reliability from its publication in a well-known and reputable newspaper. The timing is particularly significant, as it was released during a growing scrutiny regarding education systems’ heavy reliance on standardized testing.

Part 4: Notable Quotables

1. “The findings come from a study by the Sutton Trust, which found that children who are curious and ask questions tend to achieve better results, yet many schools do not prioritize this.” (Weale)
2. “Young children are naturally inquisitive, but by the time they start school, that inquisitiveness often begins to fade as they are taught to focus on tests and targets.” (Weale)
3. “It is clear that we need to do more to ensure that school environments are places where curiosity and inquiry are encouraged rather than stifled.” (Weale)