Classroom socialism
I did a little experiment in some of my classes last year-
I told my students that those making above a 90 would have a few points taken off their averages to go to those making below a 70 and in need of assistance so they could pass. Needless to say those who commonly made above a 90 didn’t think that idea was very fair so they protested, and those making below a 70 didn’t necessarily think it was fair either, but they didn’t care- they loved the idea.
In my opinion, that scenario illustrates what happens when the government takes money away from those who “have more than enough” and gives to those who “don’t have the means.” It destroys the incentive to achieve. It destroys the A students incentive to achieve an A because they realize, “What’s the point in trying to get an A? It will simply be taken away.” And it destroys the incentive of the failing student to attempt to improve, because he realizes, “What’s the point? I’m going to get some of the A students points anyway.”
4 comments:
Amen mr cook!
And your point?
Just kidding. That is an interesting way to put it that I think everyone can relate to.
But can't the teacher just give everyone 100's even though they don't have the means to do so?
If there were more teachers using this grading technique, I would have done much better in school.
interesting illustration, and it almost got me until i realized how flawed it is. You assume your kids with the 70 grade are able to have the same education as everyone else. A more appropriate example would be those who have and can providing for those who don't. That almost sounds biblical!
For far too long the conservatives have been only helping those who have the means to help themselves. I find it funny that republicans are jumping all over the "share the wealth" slogan when that's the system they have been backing for year. Republicans in power have always given tax breaks to the upper end and the major businesses. I even remember my dad telling me when I was young that the rich and business owners should not be taxed because all they will do is raise their prices. That makes a lot of sense.......don't tax those who have the most and for sure don't let their tax dollars pay for something as meaningful and personal as health care or housing for the less fortunate!
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