Learning To Write Is Learning To Think

So much emphasis on test scores. So lots of policy and education programs are developed and implemented in order to help children do well/better on their tests.

Excellent - we're educating a generation of test-takers. But what if we ask them questions that aren't in the test style they're used to? What if we ask them to make a leap between un(test)related subjects? What if we want them to be creative or to use new critical thinking skills?

I won't go into my personal opinions about a lot of these issues but will direct you to two articles from the New York Times that address the in different ways. One article titled U.S. Students Achieve Mixed Results on Writing Test reports that "About a third of the nation’s eighth-grade students, and roughly a quarter of its high school seniors, are proficient writers, according to nationwide test results released Thursday."

A third and a quarter are proficient in writing? That doesn't sound like mixed results to me. That sounds like poor results.

Another article In a New Generation of College Students, Many Opt for the Life Examined talks about the fact that many students are studying philosophy. It quotes David E. Schrader, executive director of the American Philosophical Association, a professional organization with 11,000 members, as saying "that in an era in which people change careers frequently, philosophy makes sense. 'It’s a major that helps them become quick learners and gives them strong skills in writing, analysis and critical thinking,'".

I had a terrific teacher in Grad school (for an MFA in writing) Tucker Farley, who changed the way we thought about things. She challenged us to think about old topics in new ways. On the door to her office was a quote that I always have in mind when working with children, parents, students of all ages (and of course with writers) because it has proved to be so true. "Learning To Write Is Learning To Think".

Teach a child to take tests and they'll perform better on standardized tests.
Teach a child to think creatively, to strategize and solve problems and they'll have the tools to help them in every subject and in their lives.

Taking Play Seriously - NY Times

The cover story in this week's New York Times Magazine Taking Play Seriously by Robin Marantz Henig has been the focus of so many sessions, emails and questions.

My short answer. PLAY. PLAY. PLAY. PLAY. Play on. Play again. Play some more. Hey - wanna play? Let's play and of course the classic "let's go out and play". I think that just about covers it.

I won't go into the myriad educational, psychological, neurological, sociological or psychosocial reasons here. Any of you who want to discuss that in more depth we can do that during your sessions, workshops etc. But for now, for today, for here and now. Play. Play. Play. Let your children play and as I discussed in my blog post for Daily Life Consulting - Kick Start Self Coaching, you go play too!

Life can be full of serious moments and experiences. At the same time, life can and should be full of play and happiness.

Marlena said this morning during a workshop that she "needs permission" to play. Well, Marlena and all the rest of you who need permission. Poof! I wave my magic wand and give you permission. Whew! Don't you feel better now? And I "give you" permission because the best way your children can learn to play and have fun and enjoy life is if they see you doing it.

Children learn and grow by doing and playing. Same goes for big children and adults.

Enjoy the day your way and don't forget to play along the way,
RK

Program to Deter High School Dropouts by Offering College Courses Is Approved - New York Times

Hi Mariette J,

In answer to your question about Program to Deter High School Dropouts by Offering College Courses Is Approved - New York Times . I think it's a great concept and I believe it helps. Students I've worked with who participated in such programs were much more motivated and did better in their senior year in high school then they otherwise would have.

There are a couple of reasons for this. First of all, the student doesn't have that sense that H.S. is all over and they don't have to do anything until the following year (remember the story a couple of months back about the boy who got his college acceptance rescinded because he totally flunked out in senior year?). The students are motivated, they aren't just floundering and lost as to what comes next. They have a chance to explore different courses and subject areas that might interest them and they have a focus.

The transition from high school to college is often terrifying for many, many students as much as they try and hide it. The August issue of Scientific American Mind's article called "Why We Quit" by Yvonne Raley is about how many students drop out of college and some of the reasons why.

Programs such as the one described in the NY Times article can do a lot to help students feel motivated, directed and focused and to stay in school. A number of years ago I did program and staff development and implementation for Drop Out Prevention programs for a joint NYC Dept. of Education and CUNY program. In addition to the teacher training component I worked with students in some of the toughest areas of NYC. These children had tough lives and home lives but if they were able somehow to feel connected to some positive future their outlook on school, education and their classes improved. Give a child a sense of a hopeful and positive future and hopefully they'll want to find a way to get there.

Good luck with your son and both your futures! Let me know how it goes and feel free to call or email for further input or coaching.

Enjoy the day,
RK