Fear of Heights_Teachers, Parents, and Students Are Wary of Achievement

Summary:

In the beginning of the article, “a majority of teachers say they’re more worried about the star pupil than the “C” student.” And they hold identical views between the teachers and parents. Public Agenda, which is a research group, the survey was verified the fact. Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) also provided some important proofs. According to the research, it is easy to see the excellent grade is not the most important.

In the survey observed that 70 percent of parents unsettle which their child received the excellent grade but lack of extracurricular activities. Amounts of people, agreed to the high educational person are good at study, whose deficient in common sense in the real life. Extracurricular activities play a more important role than the academics in many communities. The performance of after-school collects more attentions on the newspaper. Moreover, TIMSS claims that the education values in U.S. need an overhaul. “As long as teachers, parents, and students remain suspicious of intellectual excellence, we will function as a tripod for mediocrity – supporting a system that celebrates “averageness” over achievement.” American students spend much time in extracurricular activities, and they should be set new priorities on the basis of academics.

In conclusion, many teenagers are without passionate in learning at time. Besides the students, adults need the remedial lessons also. “The problem is that we as educators have not learned what motivates this generation.” Kay Armstrong a public school librarian said. Education is like lighting a fire, we need to encourage to blaze as high and bright as they can.

Reflection:

Recalled the memory of my study process since kindergarten, primary school, junior high school till high school; the truth in my mind, which is I have to work hard to get the higher grade. The impression is engraved upon my heart. Teachers, parents always claim that the excellent grade is the basis for me to obtain more. Such as, scholarships, apply college, and a good job, etc. In recent years, the viewpoints are changed. The society emphasizes that “Learning: It’s more than scoring.” We have to think about that is it easy to change the deeply ingrained thought in our society? Is that possible that everyone (included you teachers, parents, and boss, etc.) who is not care about you grade? I don’t think so. Grade may not be the only element to gain more, but excellent grade is a standard, just like a stairs to go the higher stage.

Nowadays, most of the students lacked for time schedule organization. This situation appeared on the high school students, even college students the most. For example, we used to finish our homework before the deadline last minutes. Curiously, we would rather spend our time in the entertainments than to do the homework. That’s exactly what the article says, “It’s ironic that many teenagers are unenthusiastic about learning at a time in their lives when they’re generally passionate about everything else.” We clearly know how to do the work in our perception. The worst is we torment ourselves of the inactive.

It seems complicated and difficult to cure teenager’s bad habit, the same with changes the general standard opinion in our mind. I don’t know is it possible to improve our society to be better. The only thing what I know is time alone will tell.