7th May 2012 12:50
By Blue Tutors
Teaching to the Test
Laura Klein, a teacher from the Bronx, regrets the fact that her students are led to focus so much on standard tests in the school year that this becomes their only motivation for learning. In SchoolBook, the New York Times’ section on education on Monday 16th April 2012, Klein states that even her brightest students fail to understand why teaching goes on after the test has been taken, “Why are we learning?!” they ask in a panic, “We finished the tests!”
While Klein sees the necessity of teaching to the test, focussing on exam technique and using the threat of the state test to motivate learning, she also posits that this fails to address the issue of learning for life, for pleasure.
Perhaps she is simply naïve in expecting her young students to appreciate school, and the value of education, after all it stops them playing outside and having fun. Here, however, is where tutoring can help. Without the overbearing pressure of a curriculum to fulfil, tutors can really tailor work to the enjoyment and interest of their students. Hopefully creating a love of learning through a love of their own pastimes.