There are — you believe — certain principles that must be denied. Democratic reasonings, collaborative atmospheres: these notions are noble but not entirely practical for a classroom. Students require discipline. There can be no wavering of lesson plans, no calls for votes or disagreements. A curriculum must instead be structured. Rebellion is such an easy thing to spark in teenagers (it already fuels their thoughts, leaves them wanting to battle all standards). Providing even a hint of republican sentiments would surely prove to be disastrous. No learning could be achieved. There would only be chaos. This is your belief.
Such a belief is incorrect, however.
Too often is it assumed that student participation is to be avoided; but teachers must instead realize that classrooms become relevant when there is interaction within them. A collaborative education is necessary — especially for high schools, when attentions are too easily stolen and pupils are more concerned with themselves than knowledge.
Explained simply, a collaborative education is the encouragement of student involvement and opinions. Lessons become interactive: with an emphasis on debates, group work and suggestions. The intention is to force students to become involved with what they’re learning. They must engage each other and their instructors — proving that they’ve understood the material by offering their thoughts on it and providing ideas for what can be taught next. Classrooms become tributes to conversations; and this ensures comprehension.
The idea of urging students to speak is one many teachers fear. It will surely inspire dissension, they believe. Their pupils will be too concerned with disagreeing with every single lesson to gain any kind of knowledge. But, as the debates progress and groups share ideas, there will be proof of success: teens will learn through their opinions and information will be absorbed. Collaboration breeds understanding — and this can’t be denied.
Encourage communication. Utilize debates. Allow students to be heard.