American Foundation 9/22/2008

I really enjoyed the discussion we had this week on Noack and Bartlett. I was part of leading the group and I thought I had a firm belief that Germany's system was the best system and that we should implement it. However when leading the discussion I tried to play Devil's Advocate which made me open my eyes and realize that both have good and bad. Although each system could use some improvements without improvements in the people the school systems can't change. I enjoyed everyones input because it made me realize that although I thought education system here was struggling it also does well in other areas. The Barlett reading was really interesting because it talked about students having dialogues with teachers, becoming friends with teachers. All my life I thought that when adults become friends with teachers they lose a part of their ability to control the students. I realized that when you get to know all the children well they open up more and feel comfortable to learn. I really enjoyed this class discussion I was sad it ended so soon. The video we watched made me realize that we are priviliged to have education, because back in the 1800's they weren't really allowed school. I'm excited to finish the video next week.