In my English 413 class we just finished reading Augustine’s “Confessions”. The first three chapters are dedicated to Augustine’s early childhood. Throughout the book, the author makes a point to discuss language and learning. He pointed out a flaw that he has noticed in early education, which is learning through fear. He remembers times when he was chastised when he did not do well. I agree with Augustine in that if a child is having a hard time learning to read, they should not be disciplined for it, they should have more encouragement to study from their teachers.
My boyfriend is a substitute teacher right now, and has noticed the same thing. Although he has just told me that the same way of teaching children is still present today. While there is another side to this story, in that if a child is doing well they should be rewarded. Teaching is a hard, but extremely valuable profession, and a kind encouraging teacher is the best!
No comments:
Post a Comment