This blog was created to meet the requirements of a graduate level class at the University of South Alabama.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Most crucial subject?
Do you believe there is one necessary subject that reigns over all of the academic subjects? This could be anything from Math to Science to History. Or maybe do you feel that there is a subject that is necessary to better understand another subject?
I will admit that I am biased towards science and I hope my future students will be more interested in science and see how important it is to learn. Ideally, every student will love science and be great at it but it does not work that way. I think many subjects overlap, math skills are used in science often, and some history discoveries are science related. It is important for students to see this connection and appreciate all subjects. In a sense, I believe you must be familiar with all subjects to truly understand the one you like the most.
I think that core classes (History, Math, Science, English/Language Arts) are the main subjects that are most important. I too am partial to history, but I also think that people can be productive members of society without a strong basis in it. Just like you can be a productive member without a strong basis in EITHER English, Math, or Science. I think the exposure is helpful and a little bit of learning in necessary, but I do not think a complete proficiency in it is necessary. Some people cannot find the subject of a sentence but can tell you in detail how carbon binds to hydrogen, other can tell you all conspiracy theories behind JFK's assassination, but can't tell you what the square root of 49 is. I am a firm believer that it all works together which is why core subjects are so important.
Although I believe all core subjects (math, science, history, and English) are crucial for a well-rounded basic education, I am obviously partial to English. Way too many people in America (not just our students) cannot speak proper, correct grammar, and sadly do not even know where our own language comes from. This leads to history, which I also am strongly supportive of being at the top of the list. We must understand where we came from and how we got here before we can progressively move forward and conquer what lies ahead. Obviously, basic math skills are required to function in our society just with daily life skills.
Being a teacher interested in the k-1 grades, reading is the most crucial aspect of our curriculums. Math coming in second. Reading is the foundation of all of the success students will encounter. Become fluent in the English language, comprehension, phonics and grammar are all part of becoming successful in our society.
I believe that Reading is the most important curriculum that students need. Without the ability to read students would struggle reading and understanding science, math and social studies. I know that thoe subjects are hands-on but it all starts with being able to read.
As a science and social studies teacher it pains me to say this but I have to parrot what others have already noted - reading is fundamental (to quote the old educational advertisement). Thankfully our students aren't taught a single subject, although NCLB mandates often force schools to focus so heavily on reading and math that other subjects are badly neglected. I believe that a good education is described as "well-rounded" for a reason. A wheel that is only partially complete is sadly lacking.
Reading is a very good place to start, as this is a building block for all other subjects. Sadly, many students are poor readers, which often transfers over into other subject areas. A student who reads poorly is going to struggle in at least three of the four main curriculum areas of science, history and language arts. It is possible to be a poor reader and do okay on math, but that would be more exception than rule.
I certainly agree with everyone that reading comprehension has to be the must basic level subject that is understood. If our students cannot read then there is no basis for education. I'm very impressed with the thoughtful responses that I received in this blog!
I will admit that I am biased towards science and I hope my future students will be more interested in science and see how important it is to learn. Ideally, every student will love science and be great at it but it does not work that way. I think many subjects overlap, math skills are used in science often, and some history discoveries are science related. It is important for students to see this connection and appreciate all subjects. In a sense, I believe you must be familiar with all subjects to truly understand the one you like the most.
ReplyDeleteI think that core classes (History, Math, Science, English/Language Arts) are the main subjects that are most important. I too am partial to history, but I also think that people can be productive members of society without a strong basis in it. Just like you can be a productive member without a strong basis in EITHER English, Math, or Science. I think the exposure is helpful and a little bit of learning in necessary, but I do not think a complete proficiency in it is necessary. Some people cannot find the subject of a sentence but can tell you in detail how carbon binds to hydrogen, other can tell you all conspiracy theories behind JFK's assassination, but can't tell you what the square root of 49 is. I am a firm believer that it all works together which is why core subjects are so important.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I believe all core subjects (math, science, history, and English) are crucial for a well-rounded basic education, I am obviously partial to English. Way too many people in America (not just our students) cannot speak proper, correct grammar, and sadly do not even know where our own language comes from. This leads to history, which I also am strongly supportive of being at the top of the list. We must understand where we came from and how we got here before we can progressively move forward and conquer what lies ahead. Obviously, basic math skills are required to function in our society just with daily life skills.
ReplyDeleteBeing a teacher interested in the k-1 grades, reading is the most crucial aspect of our curriculums. Math coming in second. Reading is the foundation of all of the success students will encounter. Become fluent in the English language, comprehension, phonics and grammar are all part of becoming successful in our society.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Reading is the most important curriculum that students need. Without the ability to read students would struggle reading and understanding science, math and social studies. I know that thoe subjects are hands-on but it all starts with being able to read.
ReplyDeleteAs a science and social studies teacher it pains me to say this but I have to parrot what others have already noted - reading is fundamental (to quote the old educational advertisement). Thankfully our students aren't taught a single subject, although NCLB mandates often force schools to focus so heavily on reading and math that other subjects are badly neglected. I believe that a good education is described as "well-rounded" for a reason. A wheel that is only partially complete is sadly lacking.
ReplyDeleteReading is a very good place to start, as this is a building block for all other subjects. Sadly, many students are poor readers, which often transfers over into other subject areas. A student who reads poorly is going to struggle in at least three of the four main curriculum areas of science, history and language arts. It is possible to be a poor reader and do okay on math, but that would be more exception than rule.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree with everyone that reading comprehension has to be the must basic level subject that is understood. If our students cannot read then there is no basis for education. I'm very impressed with the thoughtful responses that I received in this blog!
ReplyDelete