Students Speak Out on "Question of the Year"
Sociology and Cultural Anthropology Professor Binnur Ercem (Middlesex Community College) took our Educational Question of the Year project into her classroom and surveyed 100 students. After reviewing their responses she divided the student comments into two categories (concrete and abstract) and provided examples of their responses.
Approximately 25% of the responses fell into the "concrete" category which she describes in the following way:
Concrete category refers to comments that are clearly oriented towards gaining a specific knowledge, skill or trade that is directly connected to getting a well-aimed and well-defined job in the society. In this category most students emphasized the importance of technology, specifically computers, in becoming successful in life. Many students mentioned the importance of reading, writing and mathematics. Skills such as time management, communication, social, public speaking, multi tasking and research are also mentioned... The following quotes are picked among those who gave me permissions to post their answers online and are somewhat representative of student’s opinions on this category:
“There are many simple skills such as adding, reading and writing which will help to be an effective citizen, but there are many other important skills. Public speaking is important, you also need to be street smart to be successful…” Jeffrey Raymond
“Students need to be able to multi-task, think of other people in the society instead of yourself and get a degree in areas in healthcare, computers, business or teaching so we the students end up making our future successful and guide our children into a safe world.” Nicole Michalczyk
The majority of student comments (75%) fell into the "abstract" category:
In the second category students mostly mentioned qualities that make us better human beings. The comments were directed more towards educational expectations and goals that are other than gaining specific knowledge or skills. Students in this category clearly have a perspective of looking at things at a less personal and more societal or global levels... In other words, generally speaking, students are more concerned about general human existence, social and global relationships than about gaining a specific training to be effective citizens of the world.
“The ability to be innovative thinkers. The problem with the educational system is that we go to school and read textbooks to learn the way “things are”. Whether it be proper techniques of solving differential equations, or how we evolved from monkeys (bio.1). Students read textbooks and don’t question it because it is part of the education system, and thus they do not explore themselves enough. We should all search for answers, not be given them.” Julie Vallarelli
“The most important skills that students will need in the future are the ability to think about the world around them. Many young people focus their thoughts on unimportant issues and are oblivious to foreign and domestic policies and events that will affect their future. Critical thinking, questioning the establishment and a desire to understand one another like generations before us is important if we want to move forward.” Georgia Swann
“Students will need the fundamental knowledge of how the world works; understanding the way people react and interact, the best way to solve situation efficiently; the ability to clearly, concisely, and comfortably articulate thoughts, feeling, emotions, ideas, and concepts; and most importantly, the courage and conviction that will drive them and enable them to live a happy and successful life as contributing members of a society.” Erin Lynch
“In order to be effective citizens of our world in the future I believe that students will need to have socialization skills when interacting with others, knowledge of diversity in different cultures and countries as well as respect and an overall knowledge of how our world works.” Keith Courtemanche
“I think that the most important thing to teach students is equality and tolerance. With these skills they would help the future of the world be a more peaceful place. Not to mention the many social, economic and political improvements which could result.” David Margeson
To read Binnur's findings, conclusions and additional student quotes you can download her entire report from the following link: Download education_survey.doc