Schooling and learning

Press, 19 December 1985, Page 14

Schooling and learning

Sir,—A report in “The Press” of December 12 on learning problems made some timely points about the relationship between schooling and learning. Unfortunately the article was headed with a reference to “cool kids” — a childish term that shifts responsibility for their problems on to the children. The report itself made it clear that the cause lies with adults. Teachers, employed to facilitate learning, often impose attitudes that prevent it. Any one who looks back honestly at their own school days can remember teachers who ridiculed children’s mistakes. This teaches children to be silent if they are not certain, and to stop trying in their weak subjects, rather than risk making a mistake. They learn to limit themselves to practising skills that come easily to them, and miss the enjoyment of facing challenge. The end result, as well as inadequate learning in school, is adults who are afraid to admit that anything in their lives may be wrong and worth working on.—Yours, etc., CATHERINE GLUE. December 17, 1985.