Exploratory Essay Final Draft

Ivey Lee

ENG 1102-025

Megan Keaton

19 February 2012

From three recent articles I have read, peer work has been shown to be more effective than individual work in terms of learning. I will explore the ways in which these authors of the articles support their idea that group work is necessary for successful learning. These authors are all making the argument that peer interaction and group discussion within the classroom will positively affect the student’s learning, which will subsequently impact their future in the workforce.

Throughout the article written by Montessori, he is explaining better ways in which children can learn. He proposes the idea of teaching children in their “sensitive periods,” in which they retain the most information. He also suggested that students learn most by using their senses, which will develop their “cognitive powers through direct experience” (Montessori). One of these methods that struck my attention was the idea that older students should teach younger students. Montessori believes that the act of teaching the younger children can help reiterate what the older students have learned. This can also help the younger students because they will most likely understand a concept that comes from a student not much older than they are. I am curious as to who will benefit more from the concept. Will the younger children learn more because they get to learn the concept from their teacher and then other children? Will the older kids benefit more because they get to relearn what they have just been taught by teaching others? Are the children that are learning from older students learning to their full potential considering the older students are not trained to teach? Montessori argues, “this arrangement also mirrors the real world, where individuals work and socialize with people of all ages and dispositions” (Montessori). He is suggesting that when older students teach younger students, it benefits everyone. All of the children are preparing for a future where they will be required to interact with different people. I am left wondering, what will happen when using this concept in a school where behavioral issues are present?

A liberal education is argued to be essential in dealing with “complexity, diversity, and change” (21^st Century Liberal Education). A liberal education combines many skills that can be applied to everyday life and is taught through physical experiences, opposed to solely visual and audible teaching. I would like to know more about the concept of learning through physical experiences. Why do we retain more information about something when we interact with it? Why aren’t visual methods enough to make for successful learning? Will students who prefer auditory learning benefit from physically experiencing the thing they’re learning? This type of education enhances interaction with others because the students learn to work together to solve problems. It is also said to be essential if a child wants to grow and keep up other cultures and their changes. The author in this piece argues that a liberal education aids in the development of “social and practical skills” (21^st Century Liberal Education).  The main point of this assert is to encourage the idea that a liberal education builds communication skills with others and teaches students how to deal with “real world” settings. This author also supports his claim by mentioning “a specific area of interest.” When a student has something in common with another student, they tend to work will together. The author is suggesting that students who relate to one another by areas of interest in school will succeed by helping each other. Why is a relationship with peers important? Is ones knowledge not enough for success? This article relates to the Montessori article because both authors feel that students will succeed in every aspect of life when they have been taught the ability to socialize and debate with others in a helpful, encouraging environment. I am left wondering how learning about other cultures will affect students who plan to work in areas that don’t require integration with other places.

Relating to Montessori’s idea of ‘students teaching students’ and the idea of Liberal Education, Jean Anyon proposed the idea that if students were taught to work together at a young age and solve problems by helping each other, they will be more successful in their future endeavors. This is proven through the study she observed that showed in schools of high-income families, the “Executive Elite Schools”, children are better prepared for the work force by many concepts that aren’t taught in most schools. Why does group discussion and problem solving with multiple people give children confidence for their future? Would this type of teaching/learning work in a ‘lower-class’ school system where the children are less disciplined? These concepts she observed included interactive ways of teaching math, opposed to the traditional method where the teacher solves the entire problem and explains it afterward. In this school, Anyon observed that the teachers would allow the students to explain themselves and argue their methods or ideas. I am left wondering, why aren’t teachers inclined to think that the students are cheating when they have group discussions? The school focused on peer interaction to produce more growing and learning. From the matured way Anyon spoke about the children, it was clear that she was convinced this method of teaching would produce students who are advanced in many subjects. An example of this kind of behavior is shown in the sentence “By Thanksgiving, the children did not often speak in terms of right and wrong math problems but of whether they agreed with the answer that had been given” (Anyon). Why does this form of teaching make children more independent? The idea that students will flourish in an environment that allows group interaction and discussion relates to the other two articles that also argue that peer collaboration makes for progressive outcomes.

Works Cited

Anyon, Jean. “Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work”- Executive Elite

School. Journal of Education, Vol. 162, no. 1, Fall 1980. 1 January 2012.

Montessori, Dr. “Montessori Education-American Montessori Society”. 2 February 2013.

“What is a 21^st Century Liberal Education?” AAC&U. 2012. 2 February 2012.

Self-Assessment Reflection

1. My goals were small at first. In the beginning, my goal was to write out in my own words on a word doc. exactly what I was supposed to do so that when I was starting to type my paper, I could refer back to those points. After this step, things got easier. My goals for myself in writing this paper were to do exactly what the instructions said. I forced myself to write about the authors opinion instead of my own. I wanted to reach 3 pages without having to ramble, which I reached. Another goal was to try and make my draft as 'perfect' as possible so that my peers wouldn't have much to correct. This was inevitable because my peers gave me additional suggestions and ways to enhance my paper even though I revised it myself many times.

2. The in class activities we did when we wrote all day and talked to partners help me find out what I wanted my essay to be about. Through thinking and asking question, I came across my topic of group interaction. About a week before the paper was due I started my introduction. To me, the introduction is the most difficult part because it sets the feel for the entire paper. After the introduction was done, I started on each paragraph spending one day on each. The time management I planned out for this paper helped me write because I wasn't writing so much in one day where I got flustered but I was writing often enough to keep the paper flowing. I got done with my paper with enough time to reread and revise it multiple times before sending it to Megan before we had to bring it in on Monday.

3. I could tell my writing was changing when I had to force myself to integrate questions into my essay. This was unusual to me because I never usually ask questions in an essay. When first trying to incorporate questions, I felt like they were out of place and made the writing choppy but it became natural to think of questions in my head and integrate them into my paper as I continued writing and experimenting. I worked with my peers on this paper in the activity where we wrote about different topics and then collaborate with my group. I was given suggestions on how to go about planning my essay and ideas on what topics to focus on.

4. I think Megan contributed to my paper's success because I took her class last semester where we had to integrate questions into one of our papers. I was fairly familiar with the idea of questions in a paper but in no way comfortable it. The exposure I was given with this type of writing came from Megan so that's why I believe she helped make my paper successful.

5. I have learned that I need time to plan. I'm not one of those writers that jump right into a paper and start typing. As much as I wish I didn't need to do this, I have to give myself time to understand the concept, convert it into my own words, think about a topic, plan the essay, and then finally begin my paper. I learned from other students that their ideas help just as much, if not more, than the ideas that I have. I got so many ideas for my paper and strategies on how to go about writing this paper from them.

6. I believe the hardest part of writing this essay was understanding what the essay was about. The topic of trying to argue the authors point of the three pieces and connecting them all was a hard concept to understand and write about because there were so many components. The easiest part, after finding I wanted to focus on peer interaction, was connecting all of the readings together by showing how the author argued their point. It was difficult to find a topic I wanted to focus on but after I did, it was easy to elaborate on my topic.

7. I'm pretty proud of my intro because I feel like it's simple and to the point, yet it gives a lot of necessary information and states my point of the essay well. I'm also confident that my examples support the authors arguments well.

8. I feel like I can still improve on explaining how my examples prove the authors point. It's easy to find examples that prove that peer interaction is helpful; the hard part is arguing that this is what the authors are arguing. I tried to make these sections clear by over emphasizing the using words like "the author argues" or "suggests" to let my readers know that this is the authors argument, not mine.

9. From the moment I was first given the assignment, I was thinking each day in class what topic I should focus on. Finally, a topic came to me and I expanded on that topic through many of the readings we had been given. I wrote out the purpose of the essay many times before I finally understood what we were supposed to do. I planned out my essay way before I started actually writing. When I began to write, I had enough strategy and outlines that my paper writing went smoothly. After the first draft, I reread it multiple times, trying to keep in mind the main point and making sure that's what I was following. I sent my paper to Megan and she emailed me back with things I could fix. I took my paper into my peers and they helped me with my problem areas (the questions portion and the Liberal Education paragraph). After that, I revised my paper by taking the advice my peers have given me while also making some minor changes of my own that I thought were necessary. I will reread and revise my paper one last time before I submit it before monday with confidence that it is a successful paper.

Workshop reflection 2|25

1. Feedback from individual classmates
Brandon- suggested scattering my questions throughout my paragraphs instead of just at the end. He gave me another example in the "Liberal Education" excerpt to use in that paragraph for more support. He said I had a strong introduction that was clear.
Taylor-Jayne-  Suggested I put questions at the end of each point I make and it will help scatter the questions throughout my paper. Said my questions were good because they can't be answered. Said I had a strong introduction that was an "attention getter."
Rhett- Suggested I change the beginning of my 2nd paragraph and add "this article written by" so my readers don't get confused when I jump into the article they don't know about. He also helped clear things up with citing errors.

2. Most helpful
The most helpful piece of advice was giving me another example from the Liberal Education excerpt because that was the paragraph where I needed more examples of how the author is saying that group work effects children. They offered I use the sentence that focuses on "a specific area of interest" in the handout. Brandon gave me the idea that people with the same interests tend to work together and help each other. This can support my claim even further.

3. Least helpful
I don't believe there was a piece of advice that was least helpful because every suggestion I received can better my paper. Grammatical changes, context changes, and idea suggestions all helped equally and have given me a basis for how I can revise my paper.

4. Plans for revision
I plan on adding "this article written by" after the first word in my second paragraph to let my readers know that I am referring to an article I read that was written by Montessori. I plan on adding another example from the Liberal Education handout in my 3rd paragraph. The author talks about specific areas of education and I plan on using this to further my point that the author thinks group work is best considering people of the same interests tend to work in groups. I plan to integrate my questions within my paragraphs when I support a point that relates to that question.

exploratory essay

From three recent articles I have read, peer work has been shown to be more effective than individual work in terms of learning. I will explore the ways in which these authors of the articles support their idea that group work is necessary for successful learning. These authors are all making the argument that peer interaction and group discussion within the classroom will positively affect the student’s learning, which will subsequently positively impact their future in the workforce.

Throughout Montessori’s article, he is explaining better ways in which children can learn. He proposes the idea of teaching children in their “sensitive periods,” in which they retain the most information. He also suggested that students learn most by using their senses, which will develop their “cognitive powers through direct experience” (Montessori). One of these methods that struck my attention was the idea that older students should teach younger students. Montessori believes that the act of teaching the younger children can help reiterate what the older students have learned. This can also help the younger students because they will most likely understand a concept that comes from a student not much older than they are. Montessori argues, “this arrangement also mirrors the real world, where individuals work and socialize with people of all ages and dispositions” (Montessori). He is suggesting that when older students teach younger students, it benefits everyone. All of the children are preparing for a future where they will be required to interact with different people. I am left wondering, what will happen when using this concept in a school where behavioral issues are present? I am also curious as to who will benefit more from the concept. Will the younger children learn more because they get to learn the concept from their teacher and then other children? Will the older kids benefit more because they get to relearn what they have just been taught by teaching others? Are the children that are learning from older students learning to their full potential considering the older students are not trained to teach?

A liberal education is argued to be essential in dealing with “complexity, diversity, and change” (21^st Century Liberal Education). A liberal education combines many skills that can be applied to everyday life and is taught through physical experiences, opposed to solely visual and audible teaching. This type of education enhances interaction with others because the students learn to work together to solve problems. It is also said to be essential if a child wants to grow and keep up other cultures and their changes. The author in this piece argues that a liberal education aids in the development of “social and practical skills” (21^st Century Liberal Education).  The main point of this assert is to encourage the idea that a liberal education builds communication skills with others and teaches students how to deal with “real world” settings. This article relates to the Montessori article because both authors feel that students will succeed in every aspect of life when they have been taught the ability to socialize and debate with others in a helpful, encouraging environment. I am left wondering how learning about other cultures will affect students who plan to work in areas that don’t require integration with other places. I would like to know more about the concept of learning through physical experiences. Why isn’t visual learning enough to make for successful learning? Will students who prefer auditory learners benefit from the physical experience of learning in? Why is a relationship with peers important? Is ones knowledge not enough for success?

Relating to Montessori’s idea of ‘students teaching students’ and the idea of Liberal Education, Jean Anyon proposed the idea that if students were taught to work together at a young age and solve problems by helping each other, they will be more successful in their future endeavors. This is proven through the study she observed that showed in schools of high-income families, the “Executive Elite Schools”, children are better prepared for the work force by many concepts that aren’t taught in most schools. These concepts she observed included interactive ways of teaching math, opposed to the traditional method where the teacher solves the entire problem and explains it afterward. In this school, Anyon observed that the teachers would allow the students to explain themselves and argued their methods or ideas. The school focused on peer interaction to produce more growing and learning. From the matured way Anyon spoke about the children, it was clear that she was convinced this method of teaching would produce students who are advanced in many subjects. An example of this kind of behavior is shown in the sentence “By Thanksgiving, the children did not often speak in terms of right and wrong math problems but of whether they agreed with the answer that had been given” (Anyon). The idea that students will flourish in an environment that allows group interaction and discussion relates to the other two articles that also argue that peer collaboration makes for progressive outcomes. I am left wondering, why aren’t teachers inclined to think that the students are cheating when they have group discussions? Would this type of teaching/learning work in a ‘lower-class’ school system? Why does group discussion and problem solving with multiple people give children confidence for their future? Why does this form of teaching make children more independent.

Works Cited

Anyon, Jean. “Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work”- Executive Elite

School. Journal of Education, Vol. 162, no. 1, Fall 1980. 1 January 2012.

Montessori, Dr. “Montessori Education-American Montessori Society”. 2 February 2013.

“What is a 21^st Century Liberal Education?” AAC&U. 2012. 2 February 2012.

Class Discussion About Liberal Arts Classes

I believe that liberal arts classes are necessary for developing a well rounded, knowledgable student. Classes like theatre, dance, history, and vocational courses may not be most important compared to the essential english, math, and science classes but they do influence students in some way or another. These classes are out of some student's comfort zones and that is what more children need in today's society. In the future with college and the work force, students are going to be pushed out of their comfort zones and, through these liberal arts classes, they will be comfortable being in a new atmosphere. Also, these courses build character and let the student find their true talent. For example, a theatre class builds self confidence because you have to perform your play at the end of the semester in front of an audience. These classes give students a chance to find their discourses and their skills that they might not have known they had. I believe these liberal arts classes are extremely helpful and necessary.

"On the Uses of a Liberal Education" Reading Response 2|13

     From the beginning of the article, it is clear that the author realizes he is dealing with a challenging group of students but he is excited about teaching them. I can sense his excitement from the phrase “I liked the group already.” The author is arguing that this humanities school will help the students get on the same level as the “rich people” and help them become more likely to use their works in an argument and less likely to use their actions. He tells them it will be hard work and they will have to put a lot of effort into it but almost every student signed up for the course. The author started out having interviews for the course so that he could get a different array of people. The author ended up taking in poor people, pregnant people, and a couple people who barely could speak English. The course ended up being a success because about half the class ended up passing and some of those even got college credit.

     I believe the author argued his point well because he proved that with hard work, people could learn to solve problems and learn things that they wouldn’t learn outside of school. I noticed the author was assuming that the guy who had a confrontation with a coworker would deal with it physically when in reality, the man actually used what his teacher taught him and though “what would Socrates do?” The teacher didn’t believe that the course would actually help and was surprised to see that what he was teaching was actually benefitting the students. He also doubted that many people would come to the first session with him but, again, he was wrong because almost everyone showed up and was ready to learn. If the teacher was convinced not a lot of people would show up to the sessions and more people wouldn’t retain the information being taught, why was he teaching the course to begin with? Also, was he really writing a book or was that just a cover-up?

     I agree with this author and believe that these kinds of courses should be taught everywhere. No matter what the material is or who is attending the classes, any bit of knowledge than can be gained is worthwhile. This reading just further proves that you’re never too old to learn and better yourself. It may become more difficult as you get older, but it isn’t impossible.

     I chose this as my golden line because I agree with the statement that knowledge will make you rich in life. Yes, it is true that sometimes knowledge can affect your success in money and wealth. On the contrary, if you are rich in knowledge, you are always guaranteed a rich life.

Daybook Entry 2|11

Should everyone go to college?

I think if you have the funds and will to go to college, everyone should. If you don't, it will be hard to be successful in this world. If you truly feel like college is not for you and is a waste of money, then you shouldn't go.

Is college an equal opportunity for everyone?

This is a tough question depending on how you interpret it. I see this question as "Is college a place where everyone can get in and be equally as successful?" In this case, I do not believe college is an equal opportunity because most colleges has a minimum grade requirement and if you do not meet that than you will be denied. Also, I believe it is not an equal opportunity for adults because in college classes, professors start teaching classes that most kids know some of the material from high school. In a math class, for example, some students are coming straight from high school where they already know that material and can be successful. College is set up to benefit the student who comes straight from high school so that is why I believe college isn't a fair opportunity for everyone.

“In the Basement of the Ivory Tower” Reading Response

     In this reading, it is clear that the author is having trouble deciding whether or not giving her 40-year old student an F on her paper was a good or bad decision. You can sense her uneasiness because she stated that she "slept poorly that night." She was deciding if she should just pass the lady with a C because she wasn't as advanced with technology as the other students or be fair and give her the grade she deserves. 

     I believe the author argued her point well because I believe that every student should deserve the same amount of treatment and grading in order to be 'fair'. I could tell the author felt bad for giving the lady a failing grade but I could also tell that she knew there was no other option. The lady got the grade she deserved and the teacher tried to get her to get extra help. I am left wondering why the teacher struggles with the issue so much. If the teacher warned the lady that she needed help and she denied the help, why would the teacher feel bad about giving a bad grade?

     I would have to disagree with the author in this paper because I believe a grade is something you earn from doing things the right way. If the lady earned an F then then the teacher shouldn't second guess that grade just because the lady said "I can't believe it." I think every student has got bad grades at some point but we all learn from them. This will be a learning experience for the lady and next time she will seek help. 

I wouldn’t be saving her from the humiliation of defeat by a class she simply couldn’t handle. I’d be a sexist, ageist, intellectual snob.

I chose this line as my "golden line" because I find it interesting how the author states that she's not going to help this lady out and give her a better grade than she deserves and then says because of what she's doing, she considers herself a "sexist, ageist, intellectual snob." It's almost like she knows what she's doing is the right thing but she is still going to feel bad about it.

Executive Elite School Reading Response

     The argument being made is that teachers in this particular school encourage students to figure out the problems before the teachers 'teach' them how to do it and to think critically and apply what they have learned. By letting the students figure of a way of solving the problem first, it lets the teacher know which path the students understand better to ensure that the children understand. The teachers encourage the students to "agree or disagree" with the answers their classmates have found. It's clear that the teacher encourages the students to voice their opinions and answers. The teachers encourage the knowledge and application of concepts instead of memory. The teachers put into the children's heads the idea that they are "in control". The 'no bell' rule encouraged the students to be there on time or even earlier and gave them a bit of self guidance. The free reign that the children had over the school in a sense made it seem like the children controlled the school.
     I believe the author argued her point well because she included many examples of how the school encouraged children to think for themselves and also encouraged the fact that the children are responsible for their own success. It's hard to tell what the author thinks of this type of schooling because she is simply just stating facts and not her opinions, but if I had to guess, I would say she encourages the independence of the children in the school. I'm curious as to how the students stay so uniform and disciplined for 5th graders. 
     I agree with the author and think this method of schooling is a positive thing and should be practiced everywhere it can. Does this teaching method make every student more independent and willing to work?

During class they did not have to sign out or ask permission to leave the room; they just got up and left. Because

of the pressure to get work done, however, they did not leave the room very often.

     This line stuck out to me because it's showing how disciplined and well-bahaved the students have become. The kids have gotten to where they want to finish their work so they realize that the work won't get done unless they do it. I think more elementary schools should practice independence.