tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534665086749553287.post3845044807182323475..comments2024-03-27T08:53:29.267-04:00Comments on CURMUDGUCATION: Teaching Bad Test Prep Writing For Fun And ProfitPeter Greenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16511193640285760299noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534665086749553287.post-64492292642445806522020-11-21T00:15:39.795-05:002020-11-21T00:15:39.795-05:00The operative word for almost anything these days ...The operative word for almost anything these days is "algorithm". This is the message from all the technocrats: that algorithms ate behind all transactions in the social media world and beyond. This just might be the reason the upcoming generations operate under the assumption that algorithms are simply at the heart of reality.<br /><br />So: find the best ones. I have several highly educated nephews who think this way. The educator/mom has come up with an algorithm that solves he problem of dealing with another another algorithm based hurdle in a kid's life: the BS tests.<br /><br />Who really benefits from the BS tests? Who benefits from the TSW program?<br /><br />Who benefits from learning legitimate writing skills? I'm sad that our culture has become completely utilitarian, and people from all political persuasions participate.<br /><br />How about his example: countless young people labor for years to play piano at the virtuoso level in order to get a boost in getting into "top" universities. The piano is abandoned once they get in. The parents push this kind of thing all the time. <br /><br />Sadly, once kids discover in their education experience that they are actually in some sort of rank among peers, which is how it is almost everywhere, the intrinsic motivation for real learning tends to wane. Compete or check out. <br /><br />Algorithms rule the day. How to make real learning happen? Remove grades. Teach things that cannot be measured and don't try to measure. Students can learn that way. It would be wonderful if such a model could be incorporated into schools. Obviously this would not be possible exclusively, but somehow incorporated into the model. <br /><br />Students need a place and time to transcend the algorithms. If the school doesn't provide them, then they will look to master the algorithm. It's the world we live in. <br />Kobishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16778054056084383752noreply@blogger.com