Final Exam
- Explain the roles that concerns for national security played in James B Conant’s educational proposals. (Chapter 8)
In the 20th century, many students attended schools in America, both private and public. Not many were able to proceed with the school after their 8th Grade, few were able to reach high school, and even fewer of the students graduated. The education system wasn’t helping many students in the country, and it raised concerns when the government intervened. The social problems associated with an increased rate of fewer students graduating. The policymakers tried to relate education quality with national security. They thought that the schools would assist the country in winning the cold war.
James Conant’s took the opportunity to influence the education policies in the country. The concerns helped him to push his meritocratic vision; he emphasized the function of schooling and furthered the growth of a talented young person. Conant used his skilful appealing and calm nature to get public opinions of his ideology. Due to his appealing nature, he was able to be featured in many press conferences in which he always set his agendas concerning education right.
He was interested in attracting Harvard’s able students. Conant used his experience in public school reforms to emphasize the need for the reconstruction of the educational system in a bid to have a better society. Conant’s idea of an ideal education system was that which ran from kindergarten up to college. The new system was supposed to sort out student’s ability, challenge them to see their capabilities and then prepare them for different useful places in the country. He said that only if the education system was restructured, would they have the brightest and best secure society. His ideology of reconstructed education policy was aimed at ensuring the country was ready to combat the threats of social order, fascism, and communism.
- As you reflect on your new understanding of social foundations of education, revisit the link between education and democracy. What role do you think democracy plays in schooling? Explain how your thoughts have evolved during your study briefly evaluate the current state of American Schools in this context (Chapter 14)
According to Conant, the threat from Russia communisms would affect the public education system in America. This was because it changed the believes the Americans had on their democracy. He said that before they discussed foreign affairs, they had to examine the education system of the country. Democracy would allow students who were well equipped to attain high positions in society.
The education system was the only way America would win the cold war. This was to be done through producing of enlightened and well-equipped citizens. Conant wants the education system to be transparent and procedural. He thinks that if the students get tested on their abilities would help the country get far as they would produce the best citizens to society. The society Conant wants to be established that which has no class discrimination.
The schools during Conant’s time produced very few students into the colleges as many dropped out on the way. Education system before the cold war was not strong, and many students were not able to go as far as the 8th Grade. The education system saw many students not attend school as their grades were very low. Conant saw that the education system had to reconstruct the structure of the education to ensure the students were able to deal with the challenges in society.
- Develop your initial theory of impact. What do you want to accomplish as a teacher? What outcomes will you strive for? How will you avoid those outcomes that you don’t desire? What impact do you seek to have on your students thinking, Valuing understanding, skills and life chances (Chap14)
If you assign a psychology assignment to high schools’ students. You, as the teacher, have to give the students a topic to discuss and analyze. The analysis should ensure the students know how this assignment will shape their minds in handling psychological issues affecting them. Doing this assignment equips the students with knowledge of various physiological problems. The study will improve the students critical thinking skills.
Teachers have a lot of goals that they have set as goals’ a teacher the first thing in my accomplishment list is finishing up the syllabus early. Engaging students in tests and group discussions to ensure all students understand the course content. I would strive to release well-disciplined and better citizens into society.
The key outcomes a teacher may expect from teaching is the issue of bringing social change in the society through enlightening the students. Teachers want all the children or students to be able to understand the concepts being taught in class. The teacher may also want the students to be able to relate the knowledge acquired with real-life situations.
The outcomes that aren’t required in my class will be addressed in different ways. First, the students who come fail to get understand the outcomes of my course will be needed to see me after class for a short discussion to expound. Another way of reducing negative outcomes is by instructing the students to redo the assignments until they get them correct.
In my class, i would like my students to be critical thinkers as well as problem solvers. They are required to be able to identify a problem in society, and their groups identify ways of solving this problem. They are also emphasized embracing challenges as they progress.