We will not find the solution to problems of violence, alienation, ignorance, and unhappiness in increasing our security, imposing more tests, punishing schools for their failure to produce 100 percent proficiency, or demanding that teachers be knowledgeable in the subjects they teach. Instead, we must allow teachers and students to interact as whole persons, and we must develop policies that treat the school as a whole community.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes that addressing social issues in education requires a holistic approach rather than punitive measures.
Nel Noddings argues that the root causes of violence, alienation, ignorance, and unhappiness in education cannot be resolved through stricter security measures or standardized testing. Instead, the focus should be on fostering meaningful interactions between teachers and students, recognizing their humanity, and creating educational policies that nurture the school community as a whole.
In practice
A teacher could use this quote in a faculty meeting to advocate for changes in school policy.
My contention is, first, that we should want more from our educational efforts than adequate academic achievement and, second, that we will not achieve even that meager success unless our children believe that they themselves are cared for and learn to care for others.
Above all, those to whom the care of young minds has been entrusted should see to it that they respect both the smallest and largest animals as beings which, like people, have been summoned to the joy of life.
We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but we can at least prepare our children for the future.
I think you should read everything you can. In my case, by the age of 10, I'd read every book in the Omaha public library about investing, some twice. _x000D_ You need to fill your mind with various competing thoughts and decide which make sense.
The most used program in computers and education is PowerPoint. What are you learning about the nature of the medium by knowing how do to a great PowerPoint presentation? Nothing. It certainly doesn't teach you how to think critically about living in a culture of simulation.
I cannot imagine the type of sinister fiend who would be against the library. A library essentially says, 'Look, here is some free information that will enrich your life. Read it on your own time. I trust that you will bring it back when you are finished.' It might be the most civilized, forward-thinking institution in America. Perhaps the only one, in fact.
I would no more teach children military training than teach them arson, robbery, or assassination.
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