How We Thrive by Sarah

How We Thrive by Sarah - January 2015 Scholarship Essay

Dear Educators,

I have a request. Please do not take this like I am complaining. I am not. You have taught me so many facts, principles, and life lessons over the years. How could I complain? But I do have a suggestion.

As a student, I have been on the other side. I have seen how the overachievers study, the C students accept average, and those who will have to retake the class complain. But most importantly, I know how we all learn.

It does not matter what level you are teaching, there comes a point during your lectures when our brains turn off. We really can not help it. You are just not that interesting, and we are not engaged enough. And that leads me to my request.

Engage us. Get us talking. We learn best through discussion.

If all we do in class is listen, then we can get through the day with minimal thinking. However, if a portion of the class period is spent in discussion then we are required to pay attention, think critically, and put topics into our own words. It is also more enjoyable for both student and teacher. The former get the chance to be heard and involved in what is going on, and the latter does not have to spend hours trying to find something interesting to say. Everybody wins.

It is amazing how much more information our brains can retain if we have to think it over for ourselves once or twice. It is so much more effective than word for word memorization or cramming random facts into our brains, which, sadly, is what the majority of the class inevitably turn to on the eve of every test.

I am not saying you should do away with lectures completely. They are important to help us understand the topic before we try to discuss it. But there is really no good reason why a class should be completely lecture-based. It is not how we thrive.

I hope you will try a class discussion. Give us a chance to talk, and we might just surprise you.