Argument : Shor and Kliewer

Shor
Ira Shor’s article argues that children need to question their experience in schools this can give
them a feeling for our democratic society. Most kids go to school and go through the motions
because they feel like it’s a chore. If the students were more engaged and had the chance to participate more in the class’s structure then they’d want to extend their academic career. The socialization that occurs in the class is controlled by the teacher at all times. Although the teacher has the authority it is the students who allow the information to sink in, or because of the short time, they give to teach the curriculum. Many students become self-taught, while others misbehave possibly on account to them, not understanding the material. Educating students and how we do it helps form the future people who will be in charge. By empowering students they can create their own opinions and ask their own questions, which helps them gain and develop knowledge. By being an active student in the classroom these students will have more motivation to be active citizens in our democratic society. If you do not empower a student they develop negative feelings towards education once again and by doing so you will never see their best work. The competition that is forced upon in American schools leaves the low achievers feeling helpless, the average feeling like their not enough and the high achieving as if they can’t improve. Shor’s main point is to lower the teacher’s power and have the students take over a little more so they’re more excited to learn.

Kliewer

Christopher Kliewer’s article argues that there should be integrated classes with children who
do and don’t have disabilities. By doing so schools can be the foundation in which children can be familiar with all kinds of people and create a more knowing society. Community including everyone with indivisual participation allows for those left out to be recognized that they are part of the group too. Those with invisible and visible disabilities learn differently but that can be part of the multiple intelligence theory in which states that everyone learns differently. This is something that is starting to be pointed out in classrooms so integrating them could benefit classes. It also shows different ways in which people can be “smart” instead of just memorizing facts. A classroom that is structured this way would also make kids feel equally worthy instead of singling them out. Kids with down syndrome and other students are put in classes in which they aren’t challenged so by letting them use their critical thinking and not memorizing the knowledge lectured to them they learn more. The students not being characterized based on assumptions of disadvantages that they possess instead of abilities that they possess that others don’t. Kliewer’s main point is that by not separating those who have “disabilities” with other classes they all can benefit by being inclusive of all students.