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Colton Cutchens

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How much of a right do students have to questioning and independent thinking?

What is your opinion on how much students should be allowed to question? Do they have the right to question if they may see a logical fallacy? If so, how far are they allowed to question it? Why?

In addition: I understand teachers try to allow students to question, but sometimes are limited by the administration (and/or bureaucracy). Why is this?

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Topics: education philosophy thinking
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    John Moonstroller 20+

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    Jan 11 2013: As a former teenager (I'm 61 now) I understand completely what you are saying. The same situation existed when I was in school. Conformity, in it's simplest form is just following the rules.

    What is being revealed here (IMO) is the fact the learning environment, which is not completely functional, creates an atmosphere where the relationship between teacher and students are strained. This causes everyone to behave in a defensive manner rather than one where the free and open exchange of ideas can be played out.

    My question to some of the teenagers here is, how can the school environment be altered to promote a better environment, conducive to the free and open exchange of ideas between teacher and student? What do you think prevents this environment from being established?
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      Parth Mahida

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      Jan 12 2013: i am a engineering student.i am from india .Here student just memorize their syllabus because professor have not ability to teach us. then how can we ask questions to those who dont have ability to answer our question.
      and we ask questions to our friends because they will understand us because professors are not like our friends so they understand us always try to make joke of student question for just keep their respect in classroom.All of us fear from professors if we misbehave with them they will detain us. thats why i just stay from them......
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        John Moonstroller 20+

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        Jan 12 2013: @ Parth Mahida:

        "...how can we ask questions to those who dont have ability to answer our question." Your question answers itself my friend. Ask a rock instead and you have the same situation. You would not ask a rock because you know, beforehand that the rock does not know the answer. Instead, you search for the answer in other locations or from other people. There are many notable Engineers in India who would be willing to answer your question. I would suggest forming a study group, which will increase your odds of finding the answers you seek.
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      Chosen Pen

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      Jan 12 2013: I think that some teachers provide enough space for growth, for instance recommended reading is an amazing way for students to explore answers on their own. However, one must appreciate that social interaction helps others/some along. How do you introduce discussion? perhaps tutorials, or group discussions led by a tutor. I've seen these and enjoyed these.

      I also always appreciate teachers that are understanding and knows that I have burdens. A simple 'I understand' makes me work much more harder.

      I think the biggest downfall of education is that we are expected to have a certain amount of knowledge at a certain point and thus taught a certain amount of knowledge at a certain point. It is cyclical, this gauge that is used. I have been kicked out of a class for 'knowing too much' or asked to stay quiet because apparently I had an advantage over the other students. I dropped out. If anyone looks at my stats they're going to see I DROPPED OUT and not that I spent classes where I was asked to 'observe' or possibly help someone with an answer or some thing.

      Independent learning does take some responsibility but I believe assuming the students have that capacity rather than assuming they don't does much more good than bad.

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