Why Teach? In Defense of Real Education

By Kevin Kumashiro

In Why Teach? In Defense of Real Education, acclaimed author and educator Kevin Kumashiro argues that the purpose of education is not to prepare students for the workforce or to indoctrinate them into a particular ideology. Rather, education should be about helping students to develop their critical thinking skills, their creativity, and their compassion for others.

Kumashiro draws on his own experiences as a teacher and administrator to argue that the current education system is failing our students. He argues that the focus on standardized testing and high-stakes accountability has narrowed the curriculum and made it more difficult for teachers to teach in a way that is meaningful and engaging.

Why Teach?: In Defense of a Real Education

by Mark Edmundson

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	739 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	238 pages
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Kumashiro also argues that the current system is not preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. He argues that students need to be able to think critically, to solve problems, and to communicate effectively. They also need to be able to work collaboratively and to be able to adapt to change.

Kumashiro offers a vision of a different kind of education, one that is based on the principles of critical thinking, creativity, and compassion. He argues that this kind of education is essential for preparing students to be successful in the 21st century and to be active and engaged citizens in a democratic society.

Why Teach? In Defense of Real Education is a must-read for educators, parents, and policymakers. Kumashiro's insights are essential for understanding the challenges facing education today and for developing a vision for a better future.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally about what to do or what to believe. It involves the ability to analyze information, identify biases, and evaluate evidence. Critical thinking is a skill that is essential for success in school, in the workplace, and in life.

Education should help students to develop their critical thinking skills by teaching them how to:

* Ask good questions * Gather and evaluate evidence * Analyze information * Identify biases * Draw s * Communicate their findings

Critical thinking is not just about learning facts. It is about learning how to think for oneself and how to make informed decisions.

Creativity

Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas and solutions. It is a skill that is essential for success in many different fields, including business, the arts, and science.

Education should help students to develop their creativity by providing them with opportunities to:

* Experiment and take risks * Explore their interests * Develop their imaginations * Share their ideas with others

Creativity is not just about coming up with new ideas. It is about learning how to think outside the box and how to find solutions to problems that others may not have thought of.

Compassion

Compassion is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is a skill that is essential for building strong relationships and for creating a more just and equitable world.

Education should help students to develop their compassion by teaching them:

* To empathize with others * To respect diversity * To help those in need * To stand up for what is right

Compassion is not just about feeling sorry for others. It is about taking action to make a difference in the world.

The Purpose of Education

The purpose of education is to help students to develop their critical thinking skills, their creativity, and their compassion for others. This kind of education is essential for preparing students to be successful in the 21st century and to be active and engaged citizens in a democratic society.

The current education system is failing our students. It is too focused on standardized testing and high-stakes accountability. It is not preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.

We need a different kind of education, one that is based on the principles of critical thinking, creativity, and compassion. This kind of education will help our students to reach their full potential and to make a positive contribution to the world.

Call to Action

I urge you to read Why Teach? In Defense of Real Education. Kumashiro's insights are essential for understanding the challenges facing education today and for developing a vision for a better future.

Let us work together to create a more just and equitable education system, one that is based on the principles of critical thinking, creativity, and compassion.

About the Author

Kevin Kumashiro is a professor of education at the University of San Diego. He is the author of several books, including Against Common Sense: Education and the Politics of Prejudice and Troubling Education: Queer Activism and Anti-Oppressive Pedagogy.

Kumashiro is a leading voice in the movement for educational justice. He has been a consultant to the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He has also testified before Congress on the issue of educational equity.

Kumashiro is a passionate advocate for all students. He believes that every student deserves a high-quality education that prepares them to be successful in college, career, and life.

Why Teach?: In Defense of a Real Education

by Mark Edmundson

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	739 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE