Nov. 1 - Analysis of one of three essays

In Sherry's essay, a teacher is one who makes all the difference to her when it came to her son's education.  Unlike the teachers who were just passing students along to help them graduate without really knowing the basic skills needed when employed, this teacher told her that she wasnt going to move him to the front of the room to get him to pay attention, she would just flunk him instead.  This made the student realize the issue and start focusing on the material and completing the required work. What this means to me is that even though "flunking" a course is considered a negative thing, it should be used as a positive tool to get students on the right track and be fair to employers who will be hiring those students.  The fact that some teachers are just pushing kids through to graduate will have a negative effect on society as a whole.

Oct 29Th - reflection of task three (Due- Nov. 1st)

Like Mary Sherry I have encountered the same circumstances and have an understanding of exactly where she is coming from.  When I was in high school education was percieved by many as just going through the motions.. when you become a senior, you graduate.  The idea that you "earn" your diploma/degree has quickly diminished.  As a high schooler, I was an A/B student however your education wasn't looked at like it is now in college.  Most high school teachers are more focused on letting you graduate as to where a college professor is focused on whether or not you really know the material and have worked and earned your degree.  As I high school student if I would've have been given the same tools as I am now in college it would've benefited my educational outcome in many ways.  At least know I can be comfortable into going into a profession to where I earned the degree and I actually know the material or I wouldn't have graduated.  Sherry writes, "We must review the threat of flunking and see it as it really is - a positive teaching tool.  It is an expression of confidence by both teachers and parents that the students have the ability to learn the material presented to them." (216).  Because Sherry learned this first hand, as her own sons academic success flashed before her eyes as she was told by a teacher that she isnt going to move students around to get them to pay attention, she flunks them.   While I have never had a teacher say that directly to me, I clearly understand now that I am in college that your degree isn't given to you, it is earned by you.