Freedom for Students? by Khalida

Freedom for Students? by Khalida - January 2015 Scholarship Essay

I'm sure in the back of every student's head are recommendations and advice for teachers that they have had in the past. The only reason we have those recommendations is to improve the class, or not make it seem so dreadful. One of the advice that I stand strongly towards is giving students freedom. Now I don't mean freedom as in speech or anything politically affiliated; I mean the freedom to write about whatever topic they want to when it comes to certain subjects, such as English. I wish teachers would let students choose what book they want to read and write a paper about it within the guidelines. You might be thinking that's too much freedom for students and they could easily abuse that power. Well, no, if the teacher sets certain guidelines and chooses a broad topic, such as: how does the main character show power over others? It is that simple.

The main reason why I would give this advice to teachers is because students will benefit so much from it. Teachers will notice students' papers no longer sound dreadful and forceful. It will be much easier for students to write especially if they have chosen the book and have an interest. Without the interest, students can only do so much.

I can easily personally relate to it. I remember writing one of the best papers I think I have written; it was something I was proud of because of all the hard work I have put it. I was reading a book for 12th grade English that I personally choice from the list because of how appealing the summary sounded. It was "Story of a Marriage", a beautiful book with many plot twists. I was so into the book that when it came time to write an essay, it seemed to flow.I had no trouble bringing in new points and discussing quotes because I found that book to be so appealing. When something is of my interest, it certainly makes writing easier. I would have dreaded that essay if I had an assigned book and prompt, and it lets the student explore what he or she is really capable of. Teachers should take giving students more freedom into consideration.