Question: After reading this essay, what do you think Glanz’s attitude is? Is she pro- or anti-teacher? Pro- or anti-student? Provide evidence for your position.
In the article, “What’s Wrong with Schools?” by Casey Banas, Glanz’s attitude seems to be both pro- and anti-teacher. She is in favor of some teachers’ intentions, but feels that some of their teaching methods are inappropriate and unsuccessful. For example, she praises teachers for wanting their students to learn and being excited about their jobs. The author states of Glanz, “’my mind was going constantly--figuring out how to best present an idea, thinking about whom to call on, whom to draw out, whom to shut; how to get students involved, how to make my point clearer, how to respond…” (701). Glanz feels that most teachers want their students to do well and therefore, put a lot of effort into planning their lesson and presenting material. Unfortunately, this allows students to be passive. Often teaching methods are boring and don’t give students control over their education. She criticizes teacher saying, “Class methods promote the feeling that students have little control over or responsibility for their own education because the agenda is the teacher’s…” (701). Therefore, Glanz agrees with some of the things that teachers do, but opposes others.
When it comes to students, Glanz appears to be both pro- and anti-student as well. She understands why students might be bored, but also thinks that students have to be accountable for their work. For example, she understands that teenagers are not going to necessarily think everything being taught in school is important. The author states, “For the first time, she knew how teenagers feel when they think that something is more important than homework” (701). She also feels though, that students cannot be allowed to get away with cheating, copying, and not turning in assignments. Education is the students’ responsibility and she criticizes students for not seeing this. Glanz states that students felt, “It was his responsibility to teach well rather than their responsibility to learn” (701). She disagrees with this idea and suggests that both students and teachers need to adjust their actions and communication.
Personally, this goes on in a lot of schools. Many teachers get carried away with wanting their students to learn to the point that they end up doing most of the work. Additionally, teachers get so overwhelmed with their students’ needs and their teaching responsibilities that they are in a rush to get students to produce work that is acceptable. Teachers must understand that they cannot force students to learn. They can only provide the information and try to guide students toward a better understanding. As a teacher, I can relate because I often get manipulated into doing students’ work for them; not because I don’t think they are capable or because I am a push over, but because I want so badly for my students to succeed.