EDUC 450: Reading #4 - The Kind of Schools We Need

While I can appreciate the ideas, suggestions, and values Eisner presents in his article, I also feel that the presentation of the type of school he describes is quite idealistic. I agree that teacher inquiry, encouraging diverse students and their strengths, conversations, student inquiry, and community interactions are all essential aspects that schools need to address within curriculum delivery and student teacher relationships. However, the extent to which each idea Eisner believes should be accommodated would not serve the best interest for students as society is structured presently.

For example, if students are given the option to specialize themselves and pursue mastery of specific subjects, thus ignoring others, then it is assuming that the student knows how to best prepare themselves for a future that they have decided upon. In reality most students, even adults, require exposure to many interests and experiences before even considering areas that they wish to further study or develop skills. Encouraging students to foster their talents and passions is essential, yet as teachers, it is also our responsibility to ensure they are equipped with a diverse set of skills for any situation they may encounter.

Later on, Eisner states, “The point of learning something in school is to enrich life outside school and to acquire the kills and ideas that will enable one o produce the questions and perform the activities that one’s life will require.” (p. 581) In my opinion, this cannot be supported if we solely encourage an education system that excludes content from all subjects. It is important to note that confidence, self-esteem and a higher level of mastery is acquired through specialization. Having students work through subjects that are more difficult to grasp, challenge their intuition, and require effort is in itself a valuable learning opportunity. If students are continuously allowed to only pursue areas that they have talent or are driven by passion and interests, they will not ever learn how to deal with difficult situations and learn to overcome adversity of all types.

Currently, our society continues to move towards a more complex grouping of specialized fields. Before we are able to become experts in one field, it is crucial to be aware and appreciate the challenges of all fields.