Monday, January 3, 2011
Rhetor's Notebook Post #2: Response to "Stress and the High School Student"
After reading the New York Times Room for Debate materials on “Stress and the High School Student,” pick the response from one of the main commentators that you think is the most interesting or compelling. Summarize the writer’s main claim and explain why you think his or her argument is persuasive. What does he or she do as a writer to convince you that this response or solution is worth acting on? (For example, what kinds of reasons or evidence does he or she provide? Or, what kind of connection to the reader does he or she create?) Post your response here as a comment before class begins on Wednesday, January 5.
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Out of all of the arguments presented, Denise Pope offered the most compelling position and the most logical. She described the situation at hand; students are being forced to deal with increasing amounts of academic stress. She points out that this is very detrimental to the kids, and that even when schools are attempting to help their students to succeed, they are in fact only hindering their actual learning process. Pope convinces the reader by forming a logical set of solutions to this problem, and presenting them in a coherent way. She strongly suggests that schools should be encouraged to shorten the school day, or at least spread it out. Also, students should not be compelled to do so much homework. She says that after a certain point, the amount of homework is disadvantageous to the overall learning of the material. Students are just quickly memorizing the subject matter and then reciting it for a test or a quiz, and then that information is gone from memory. The strongest point she made was when her research showed her that “students who believe their teachers listen to them, want to get to know them and are willing to help with homework, are more engaged with learning…” This is a very true statement, as I experienced just that during my own high school years. This is an example of how Pope is skilled at making connections with the reader, rather than throwing a barrage of obscure facts. A simple, but strong, summarizing point that was made at the very end leaves the reader convinced that Pope was right: “A healthier pace, a climate of care, and an engaging curriculum can go a long way toward solving some of the problems of stressed-out students.”
ReplyDeleteIn Alfie Kohn’s response to the documentary Race to Nowhere, he recognizes that there are more factors influencing students’ stress levels than just emotional reactions to traditional schooling: parents’ push to succeed as well as the manner in which schools are designed for teaching. Many of the ideas Kohn presents in order to prevent the destruction of a student’s mental health are not only possible, but probable solutions to the problem. In addressing high school stress levels, Kohn is able to connect with a huge majority of his readers by taking on a student’s perspective giving examples of an educational structure and the effect it has on a student’s thought process. In doing so, he assembles concise statements regarding the reasons for which the structure he is addressing causes problems. For example, “Gratuitous competition teaches students that everyone else is an obstacle to their own success. (Awards and class rank could be eliminated tomorrow without jeopardizing admission to college.)” By taking on this role, readers have no choice but to reflect back to their high school experience and recall the feelings they had about certain school policies (homework, class ranking, A.P courses, and standardized testing) and how it affected their true ability to attend college. This leaves them to connect in some way with a current high school student and consider the effect these structures have on modern day kids. This is a difficult task, as some parents may not recognize how much the traditional school system has changed since their high school days. As difficult as this task may be, Kohn managed to achieve it at the same time as giving concrete examples as to how school systems may improve in terms of a child’s mental health.
ReplyDeleteIn Denise Pope’s response, she brings up the idea of changing the pace of a typical school day to help students get through the day. This is something that I always wanted to happen when I was in high school. In my long eight hour day of school, we only got thirty minutes for our lunch, which does not gives any time for breathing between bites. Pope’s suggestion of an advisory period is something I wished for almost every day. My friends who attended private school would always rave about their “home rooms” and how well they got along with that specific teacher. At my large public school, which was attended mostly by kids who needed to be pushed to even go to class, having an advisory period would have completely changed the dynamic of our education. I would envy my friends who had free-periods and study halls. As a student who was involved with extra-curricular activities, I would have loved having time during the day to get some of my work done. In addition, having a teacher who is there to be your mentor and help guide you through high school would have made a huge impact on my education. Pope brings up other issues of students not being engaged in their education, but having a time to relax during the day would slow the pace of the day and give students time to understand what they have learned throughout the day.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading through all the commentators opinions on “Stress and the High School Student”, Alfie Kohn`s comments were the most compelling to me. Kohn provided an interesting point about students suffering both intellectually and psychologically from the pressure to succeed in school. Two main approaches Kohn provided to minimize the stress of students were to “reconsider our attitudes about success” and “change the school policies that create or exacerbate the problem.” Alfie Kohn`s response is persuasive because he provides solutions to minimizing the stress of students which are practical and some which are even happening now. Some solutions Kohn suggests are eliminating class rank and awards for students who go above and beyond expectations because these only create negative competition, eliminating the amount of homework students are given because often times students are already drained from the school day, and eliminating the amount of A.P courses because “harder isn't always better”. The way Kohn presents his ideas with bullet points and separating each of his different solutions makes his arguments more strong and easier to understand. I agree with everything Alfie Kohn talks about in his response and think that his ideas really would minimize the stress that students, not only in high school, but always college are dealing with day in and day out.
ReplyDeleteI found Nancy Kalish’s argument to be the most compelling and shocking. She addresses the issues of stress starting prior to high school, as early as first grade. Elementary school students should not be put under stress especially enough to make them throw up, as stated in the article. Kalish states, “You’d think that seeing anxious elementary school children throw up on their test booklets would make an impression on the schools.” I found this comment to be disturbing. To put a seven year old under enough stress to make them throw up in class is incredibly wrong and unacceptable. Our society is pushing academic success ever more and starting the pressure earlier and earlier. Young children are still developing. That early in primary school, they need “play time, story time, family time [and sleep].” No child should be spending hours on homework a night like they are a high school student. She also includes that teachers are too powerless to change the stress levels because of the rigorous academic standards of school systems. If teachers are the people taking the time to teach these children during their crucial developmental years, they should be able to teach how they please and the amount that is appropriate for their class. Education is becoming to generalized and losing the uniqueness it once held which is devastating. The creativity that once was booming class rooms is being replaced with standardized tests.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the assigned article, I found that Denise Pope gave the best and most persuasive argument. Also, given she is a professor at one of the leading universities in the world; it is safe to say that she knows what she is talking about. What I like most about her argument is that she makes valid suggestions and uses simple, clear, and reasonable assumptions to improving any student’s life. Having taken courses in both a block and standard schedule, I know what both days feel like. If a student feels they can relate to the teacher, and that the teacher is going to help them then they will retain information better. Also, when a student feels comfortable they are more likely to ask for help in a course. Yet, no matter how friendly or likeable the teacher may be, a child needs to be engaged in the class. The material covered needs to spark their interest, not just be thrown at them. This is a problem that the video brought up; if you’re interested in journalism or writing, take an A.P. class that encompasses those areas of learning. Don’t take advanced chemistry if you hate chemistry just because it’s an honors class. Lastly, schools days can be long regardless of the format; block or traditional schedules can both make for long days. By allowing students to take breaks to do homework or engage in other types of stimulating activity it breaks up the day allowing students to feel fresh. After a long day of 5 or 6 classes, most of which are Advanced Placement or honors, students have reached their peak. This is why off periods are so important. If a child no longer wants to be at school then they clearly will not want to learn. Denise Pope presents the best argument on how high school students can deal with stress.
ReplyDeleteI believe that “Homework’s Diminishing Returns” is the most persuasive article of the six that are available about the topic of stress on students. The biggest reason for this is that Harris Cooper, the author of the article, provided a summary of an analysis he and his colleagues conducted on the subject. The man studied the subject. In congruence with his analysis, Cooper provided empirical data that showed that homework was helpful, in moderation: “a little amount of homework may help elementary school students build study habits and learn skills developed through practice. Homework for junior high students appears to reach the point of diminishing returns after about 90 minutes a night. For high school students, the positive line continues to climb until between 90 minutes and two and half hours of homework a night, after which returns diminish” (Cooper, NY Times article). I believe an argument with empirical evidence is much stronger than just one of opinions and things that “have been seen to happen”. Numbers make it more fact than fiction, in my opinion. Also, Cooper’s solution to the issue is attainable, not out-of-the-question ridiculous: just put a cap on the amount on homework. One of the other writers proposed the idea of home-schooling students. How realistic that everyone will be able to home-school their kids? After all, who wouldn’t mind a little less homework?
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the articles on “Stress and the High School Student,” I found Denise Pope’s argument to be the most compelling. Pope believes that schools put too much pressure on students, and I could not agree more. The goal to receive high grades and ace the ACT and SAT to get into college, adds so much stress to students of all ages. She believes having more student teacher interaction allows for students to be more comfortable and even learn more. By changing the daily schedule to accommodate more free periods and by slowing down the day, students are not rushed or stressed and actually will focus on their learning. I think Pope’s argument is persuasive in the fact that eliminating stress is the first step to dealing with students. The focus on maintaining a high GPA does not allow the student to learn. As her title states, “Change the Pace of the School Day.” She says that schools have rotated their schedule to block schedules to allow more time on one subject rather than cramming 8 into a student’s brain in one day. I personally believe this is effective. I have experienced both schedules. The block schedule allows students to focus more and have a longer time to finish homework. Pope proves that it only takes a few simple steps to eliminate the stress of students.
ReplyDeleteThe most interesting of the articles is the one written by Martha O'Connell that is entitled "What You Do vs. Where You Go". In this article, her main claim is that it does not matter where a student chooses to go to college. It matters what they do during their four years of college. Her argument is persuasive because she uses real statistics like the one from the National Bureau of Economic Research. Also her discussion about students motivation supports her argument that what you do at college affects how your life will turn out after college. Another thing that O'Connell uses in her argument is the fact that many successful people like Steven Spielberg and Bill Gates both dropped out of college and Oprah Winfrey did not attend the most prestigious university. Using these facts shows students who are so worried about where they attend college that they need to stop worrying. In using the arguments that she does, O'Connell really convinces the high student that he or she should not be completely transfixed on the name at the top of their acceptance letter. They should embrace where they can get in or what they can afford and then do as much as they possibly can in their four or so years of college to help them be the most successful that they can be.
ReplyDeleteThe argument “Change the Pace of the School Day” I read from the New York Times Room is the most persuasive one for me. The author Denise Pope believes “A healthier pace, a climate of care, and an engaging curriculum can go a long way toward solving some of the problems of stressed-out students”. I agree with her opinion because when the pace is more healthier, students could learned the material more detailed and has less stress for catch up the courses. Therefore, student could have more time to digest the material that the teacher taught in class. After that, the student could have the successful feeling of knowing all the materials the teacher taught, and would be more happy to learn in school. If learning turns to a happy thing, then it could be less stressful for students. Also, the author did mention about students want their teachers spend time to know them, not only spend time to teach them. As a student, I am willing my teacher to know me, because it gives me more energy to study hard and focus on the class. Also, I am a student who likes to talk to the professor about my homework, because I think it is the better way to correct my errors and learn better. When I was in high school, my Math teacher always talk to me during break and some other times. Later, I felt she was more like a friend to me. Then I started to get interested in Math, and not afraid to ask her questions. Therefore, I learned my math very well, and also I had never felt that my Math homework and exams stressed me out.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading each of the articles, Martha O'Connell presented the greatest argument in her work, "What You Do vs. Where You GO". Parents in today's society focus more on the status of a college and their children, then whether they are benefiting from their experiences. O'Connell main argument focuses on the reasoning that it does not matter where you attend college, it is what a student takes from their college experience. Her arguments consisted of examples of extremely successful people, such as Oprah that did not attend an elite college. Even Steven Spielberg and Bill Gates dropped out of college. Her arguments are first hand to the readers; when she says to focus on who do you know that is happy and accomplished. If they are happy and successful, what college did they attend? These questions are persuasive to high school students that you are able to do well anywhere. O'Connell most persuasive argument is that a students motivation to succeed is more powerful than any academic ability. One of her main points states, the students that have higher SAT scores and attend an elite college earn lower incomes. This argument shows statistics that proves that it is a students motivation that results in success, not academic ability. These compelling arguments help students realize it is not that name of the university, it is the work and drive which comes within each student. That drive brings a rewarding outcome from any college.
ReplyDeleteThe article I chose to discuss was Reconsider Attitudes About. Success in The New York Times. The authors main claim is that parents and colleges are putting to much pressure on their children to succeed academically. Parents are worrying more about what school the kid gets into or his grades rather then if the child is happy or not. The authors argument in this article is persuasive. They are stating facts a points about the pressure that are placed on children to succeed. The author convinces the readers that this response is worth acting on because they are stating logical and valid points that student have too much pressure on them. An example of this is when the author says “Many parents push their kids with the best of intentions, but some are so busy basking in the reflected glory of their children’s accomplishments that they overlook the damage being done by the pressure to live up to their expectations.” This is a persuasive but proven point that parents push their children so hard but don’t realize the damages they are doing.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Denise Pope brings up an excellent point with her idea that the pace of the average school day must be changed. With a regular 7-8 hour school day along with another couple hours of homework every night, it's extremely easy for students to become over-stressed out. Pope believes that instead of an intense school day, classes should be broken up into block schedules. She also recommends that schools start later or that there be more free periods in a day to alleviate stress and promote student-teacher interaction. Pope also argues that schools should instate "advisory periods" a couple times a week. These periods would let students meet with their teachers and discuss problems, work on organizational skills, as well as promoting other skills to cope with stress. Along with these arguments, Pope also states that teachers should look to alternative methods of teaching to engage students and make them excited to learn. She offers ideas of increasing the amount of projects and demonstrations in place of many tests and quizzes. Overall, Pope creates a compelling argument through her innovative ideas of decreasing the regular school day and promoting student-teacher interaction, as well as creative ways to excite students about learning. I believe that this argument will serve as a very beneficial way to decrease the amount of stress that the average high school students are dealing with these days.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Alfie Kohn, there are too many stress come to students. This problem need to be solved not only from its appearance but also from it origin. He points out two troubles that students are suffering now. One is they have too much pressure in their high school, and another one is that students' hard time continue after they go to collage.In his opinion, to better this condition, there are two areas need to change. First is school and parents's definition of success, and change school's police which produces this problems. He also mention a specific example that some parents also be glory when their children get high grades. I can understand this condition because my parents always said to me which brother got the highest grades in the city, or which sister got the offer from the elite university. These came with me for the whole high school period, and made me felt stress all the time. Also, because of the stress, I felt dislike my subjects in school because I cannot do as perfect as all these brothers and sisters. The author mentions that school's police need to be changed. In my school, after every exam, we can know everyone's grades from the rank of position in a name list. So students get lots of pressure from the name list. As a result, change school's police would be better for students, and also parents' mind of success.
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I thought the most persuasive response was Reconsider Attitudes About Success. He talked a lot about parents and their good intentions. While they may have good intentions, at the same time they are living vicariously through their kids, wanting them to do things that they once did, or that they want them to do. Dont get me wrong, parents want good things for their kids but they need to keep their feelings and needs in mind. There is so much pressure these days for kids to do well and get into the top colleges in the country, that they loose sight what whats really important. Families spend so much money on education that for them to waste would be such a shame. Kids need to take advantage of all the advantages put in from of them so that they can succeed on their own and make decisions by themselves.
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