Oprah Winfrey: kids in U.S. don't appreciate value of free education - Page 5

latinaforever · January 7th, 2007, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacific breeze

Speaking as a teacher, I have to agree with her. The majority of kids don't value their education at all, at least not enough to actually pay attention in class, study and learn something. I hear this from teachers at all levels of education. I teach in post-secondary schools, three of them, and the most prevalent attitude among far too many students is that they have a right to education, but that they do not have to participate in it. In other words, it's a "learn me" attitude that dominates.

Kids in Africa and other Third World countries don't take it for granted that they have the "right" to make a lot of money, to be literate, and to know something about the world they live in, and gasp, maybe even try to make it a better place for everybody.

I had an 18-year-old student a few years ago who summed up what a lot of North American students seem to think. I asked her why she didn't study or read the texts or participate in class, and in fact, why she was in school, and she said something like, "I'm just here to get a piece of paper. I already know everything I need to know." I pointed out to her as tactfully as I could that maybe, just maybe, she didn't know everything and that if she approached school with a more serious and open-minded attitude, she might learn something and even have fun doing it.

Needless to say, she wasn't interested. I think her attitude sums up the way too many students, and some parents, undervalue education. Oprah is right on this one.

i agree with you.most of our parent came to this country for the education that many americans pass up. americans really do not know how good it is to be in this country of many oportunities to better oneself.

Dean James · January 7th, 2007, 11:49 AM

A free education has lost its value in the States. Back when your options were farmwork, factory labor, or the mines, a chance to go to school was cherished. We got lazy and spoiled, school became a bore. Education became second nature, nothing worth fighting for, and in many schools the curriculum reflected that.

I know in my hometown, our public school system almost lost its accreditation. They were spending too much money on the athletic department and nothing on education, test scores fell and it wasn't until the State noticed that we were flagged as a failing school system. And this was in sweet, sweet suburbia USA where school is supposed to be a priority. All my town cared about was the football team.

latinaforever · January 7th, 2007, 12:06 PM

imo this is why oprah is so interested in african children:
you don't need a fancy highbrow traditions or money to really learn.you just need people with the desire to better themselves
>Adam Cooper and Bill Collage<

Cate · January 7th, 2007, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AliceInWonderland

well she's right, partially. I always say that education is the key to success not getting pregnant in high school or working for fedex instead of going to college...kids are stupid, but i dont think their parents are teaching them properly either. I see it far too much in l.a. its pathetic.

I don't know- my ex works for DHL (was Airborne Express), and he makes decent money, as do the other drivers. In his case, it's union. I don't think it's a crime that not everyone goes to college. I think the trades are really good for a lot of people (plumbers make a lot, but I know a waiter with a Master's in Art from a really good school.) These kids don't want trade jobs, either. They want instant gratification- quick money, without education or getting their hands dirty.

SweetPea · January 7th, 2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean James

A free education has lost its value in the States. Back when your options were farmwork, factory labor, or the mines, a chance to go to school was cherished. We got lazy and spoiled, school became a bore. Education became second nature, nothing worth fighting for, and in many schools the curriculum reflected that.

I know in my hometown, our public school system almost lost its accreditation. They were spending too much money on the athletic department and nothing on education, test scores fell and it wasn't until the State noticed that we were flagged as a failing school system. And this was in sweet, sweet suburbia USA where school is supposed to be a priority. All my town cared about was the football team.

Yes I agree. That's the problem right there. They focus on sports because of all the money there is in it and kickbacks to schools and such. Too bad they are taking all the trades away as well for kids who aren't as smart or who want to work with they're hands.

CrazyGirl07 · January 7th, 2007, 11:26 PM

Ok so she likes poor black girls and rich white girls, whats next?

curlysem · January 8th, 2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazyGirl07

Ok so she likes poor black girls and rich white girls, whats next?

how about them asian kids????

sluce · January 8th, 2007, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curlysem

how about them asian kids????

Isn't that what Tom and Katie tried to pass off as theirs?

Dean James · January 8th, 2007, 04:40 PM

Well if she turns out to be a (stereotypical) whiz at math and science, the jig is up.

SnuffMaker · January 8th, 2007, 04:54 PM

I couldn't agree more with Oprah and I give here all props for what she's doing. I wouldn't give anything to you ungreatful bastards either!!!!!!!! A lot of kids could care less of new books and computers all they care about is lunch and gym. America can start by giving teachers a better salary!

Dean James · January 8th, 2007, 05:03 PM

Whatever meager American public education I received, I'm grateful for.

Goose · January 9th, 2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnuffMaker

I couldn't agree more with Oprah and I give here all props for what she's doing. I wouldn't give anything to you ungreatful bastards either!!!!!!!! A lot of kids could care less of new books and computers all they care about is lunch and gym. America can start by giving teachers a better salary!

To be technical, "we" would be ungrateful bastards, and "we" couldn't care less about new books and computers. However, I completely disagree with making a sweeping statement like this. There are more kids that do care about these things than don't in my opinion.

Not trying to rile anything up, but you just can't tell me that if Oprah had taken 3500 Inner City kids that she could not find 152 girls that were deserving of her money and her posh school, just as she did here.

Lobelia · January 9th, 2007, 10:34 AM

Lol, I don't know any kids who give a hoot about gym. And who the hell doesn't like lunch? What an ignorant post.

JordanJames · January 9th, 2007, 10:15 PM

American children some are lazy they don't see the importance of an education. Oprah is correct about that.

hip_hip_renee · January 22nd, 2007, 12:50 AM

Guess what? It's human nature to take what we always had for granted. I guarantee if we made education and materialism as common in Africa as it is in America, they'd be taking it for granted, too.
I've worked alot with kids. I agree that the majority do not care about learning. But alot has to do with their level of maturity and what type of message they get at home about the importance of education. We tend to like the things that we're good at and reward us, so if kids aren't getting that in their classes (which frankly are often boring) they're going to move on to the next thing that does gratify them.