Part 3 Rhetorical Analysis
The article “Schools are Killing Curiosity: Why We Need to Stop Telling Children to Shut Up and Learn” authored by Wendy Berliner discusses the detrimental impact of discouraging curiosity in schools and advocates for children’s curiosity within classrooms. The author of the article is a journalist and joint CEO of the Education Media Centre her position as a leader of this organization dedicated to disseminating evidence-based information about education highlights her credibility in discussing educational issues, such as the importance of curiosity in learning. The article exhibits both persuasive and informational writing styles, evident phrases throughout the article such as “we should,” reveal a subtle bias towards the informative aspect. Berliner effectively employs pathos guiding the article in its great part with research evidence including her own, to evoke empathy of the reader. The overall tone of the article is encouraging with an attitude of urgency that makes the reader have a sense of urgent understanding of the correlation between curiosity and education. The primary audience for this piece is identified as parents and educators of young children, as it advocates for the preservation of curiosity within the parameters of the school system. Despite the article’s old fashioned publication date, the topic of curiosity in education remains relevant and timely, especially during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Part 4 Notable Quotes
“Unscripted queries go mainly unanswered and learning opportunities are lost” (Berliner page 2).
“We should be encouraging questions, because curious children do better.” (Berliner page 2).
“Children are born curious” (Berliner page 3).
