tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8070355695530434450.post1219005366927639477..comments2024-03-14T04:16:20.472-07:00Comments on In Socrates' Wake: Still abuzz over Academically AdriftMichael Cholbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02012523929044363216noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8070355695530434450.post-13790759988446478482011-01-25T11:14:45.150-08:002011-01-25T11:14:45.150-08:00NYT has taken up Academically Adrift in its 'R...NYT has taken up Academically Adrift in its 'Room for Debate' series, asking several experts to respond to this question: "Students make little progress in intellectual growth in the first two years of college. Why is that?"<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/01/24/does-college-make-you-smarter<br /><br />One theme in several of the discussions is how poorly high school students are prepared for the college learning environment:<br /><br />Bard president Leon Botstein:<br />"Why is anyone surprised to find that standards and expectations in our colleges are too low? High school graduates — a rapidly dwindling elite — come to college entirely unaccustomed to close reading, habits of disciplined analysis, skills in writing reasoned arguments and a basic grasp of the conduct, methods and purposes of science.<br /><br />All many of them know is rote learning, and fear of mediocre standardized tests and grades. No vital connection between learning and life has been forged in our schools, much less any affection for voluntarily using one’s mind in the rigorous, sustained and frequently counterintuitive way that leads to innovation and the advancement of knowledge."<br /><br />George Leef, from the Pope Center for Higher Ed Policy:<br />"Owing to the generally weak state of K-12 schooling, most high school graduates are not accustomed to serious academic work. They enroll in college with the expectation that it will be a continuation of K-12, that is, undemanding. "<br /><br />The discussants don't let higher ed off the hook, but the criticism of K-12 is unsparing. Is it fair?Michael Cholbihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02012523929044363216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8070355695530434450.post-30499826506010248692011-01-25T07:53:52.041-08:002011-01-25T07:53:52.041-08:00My dean lent me the book. I've read the first ...My dean lent me the book. I've read the first chapter, good, but depressing. If and when I read the rest I'll report back.Chris Panzahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01656795570624714115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8070355695530434450.post-62719532969400941742011-01-23T14:54:16.770-08:002011-01-23T14:54:16.770-08:00I love the food analogy. Priceless, and spot on.I love the food analogy. Priceless, and spot on.Chris Panzahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01656795570624714115noreply@blogger.com