Reign of Error Diane Ravitch Personal Narrative Emphasis The following are just a few examples of topics you might pursue:
- particularly inspiring or damaging experiences with a class, subject, educational policy etc. (American college, 3 quarters a year, ten weeks a quarter)
- Discussion of an out-of-the-ordinary experience (homeschooling, education outside the U.S., usually small graduating class, charter school or other “experimental” program, etc.)
- A problem associated with school experience (racial tension, bullying, low expectations, lack of community support, etc.)
- Assessment tests, grades, “tracking” system: motivating or harmful?
Critical analysis emphasis (use examples from the book)
- What insights does the text offer us about teaching, educational administration, and the impact of poverty and other social problems?
- What are the most significant barriers to learn? How can they be overcome?
- How important is formal education? Can some kinds of learning take place more easily outside of the classroom?
