Carrie’s TEBlog

I agree with Jennifer that today much of the educational system focuses simply on passing tests. It is all about learning skills but not truly being able to relate them to anything. I think that is a huge part of critical literacy. She puts it well when she says students need to learn how to take away something from reading. The way they do this is by relating it to things they know. I think though the issue here is not just about teaching them to comprehend but also grow from it. Students need to learn how to take what they are taught and relate it to their life. If they simply learn skills to get a job, they are not learning how to be free thinkers. I think they need to learn how to think critically and relate classroom subjects to their own needs. Students struggle enough as it is to fit into society and be productive. As teachers I think we should show them ways to apply what they learn to solve issues in their own lives. People only can grow if they learn how to be free thinkers. Learning skills like Jennifer says is good but does not help students change their situations. If students learn to problem solve and think critically, they can find ways to better themselves.