Many people can recall their own government and history classes they have had to take through out their schooling. Agree or disagree, I believe that the lack of interest in government of the youth today is contributed to the lack of appropriate education in government and history courses. All of my government and history teachers from kindergarten through twelfth grade have been coaches. I am not saying that these teachers of mine were not smart or did not do a good job trying to teach us these subjects that are required by the states but in actuality they really did not encourage me to think critically or have any other type of interest in the material. I'm not saying that ALL government and history teachers are like this, but mine sure were!
I can remember countless days of going out to the "Ag shop" where my government class was held. I would come into the room, sit down, and the assignment would be on the board. The typical, day-to-day assignments for these classes were to read the chapter and do the questions at the end or rewrite the vocabulary and turn it in for a completion grade. While most students would be doing their work the athletes in the class would talk to "Coach" about what plays to do on Friday night or what practice would be like that day. There were never any in depth conversations or debates about government. No encouragement to really analyze the history of the government. Just "busy work".
I know there are specific requirements for teaching in Texas and all states for that matter but maybe it is time to raise the bar. If the youth is viewed as indifferent to the government maybe there should be some excitement added to the government and history class rooms! I know the teachers can not be blamed for 100% of a students indifference because parents effect their students too but teachers should be encouraging to students if they wish for them to take part in the government and be productive adults at some point. Teachers should try to build interest in politics and help students understand how the government works on a basic level. Many students who might have been taught by a careless teacher might miss this fundamental government knowledge.
Overall, the states need to analyze the students progress in EVERY aspect of academics. If we are the future of America then interest in government is crucial. The low voter turn out rate for ages 18 to 29 shows that the lack of interest is effecting our government. This growing group of voices is hardly heard. Even though we may not be certified teachers we can still be educators and encourage others in our generation and those who are younger to get interested in government!
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2 comments:
I completely agree with you! Part of the reason why voters ages 18-29 pay so little attention is because they feel that government has little to do with them. But they are so completely wrong. Government influences gas prices, wages, taxes, and - for those college students that don’t seem to care enough to vote, despite the many voting booths on campus – tuition and financial aid, among many other things. All of these things affect our everyday lives regardless of how old you are, and without that education in government, economics, and history it would be difficult to fully appreciate the expanse of government influence.
I too remember my classes. In middle school we merely brushed upon Texas and early American history. In high school, we did exactly as you described (in regular classes anyway) – sat there, read the chapters, and completed “busy work” worksheets. There was only one teacher in the 5-6 regular classes that I took who actually motivated us with group discussion and in class activities. I remember for nearly two weeks each class became its own government, each with its own executive, judicial, and legislative branch. Each class was required to discuss policy, attempt to debate on proposed bills, and eventually pass them, unless of course the President vetoed. It was wonderfully educational – it’s moments such as those that you realize how many different opinions there are in a class of 30 people. Imagine the complications in the national government.
All in all, I truly believe that the education provided in regular classes is a joke, for the most part. Few teachers bother to provide a sound education, in order to make each student an educated member of society. Instead they tell us to read, and fill out worksheets, and take tests. Where is the critical thinking in that? Or the challenging of opinions and beliefs? Without the skill of critical thinking few students learn to apply their textbook knowledge to everyday lives, including how government affects our lives and whether they should or not, constitutionally, or equitably.
Texas is disgustingly behind in terms of public education, for many reasons. But why let one of those reasons be because of a lack of good, motivated teachers who truly care about their students’ education rather than just getting them to pass.
I for one, am all for putting our tax dollars to good use. Otherwise, we should probably fight to get our money back if public education isn't going to educate students as it should. Why pay for inefficiency and mediocrity, when the money we put into public school systems could be used to put our children in private schools? There, each parent would not only have more of a say on the policies of the school, but also on the quality of the teachers.
I feel that the problem is more complicated than just a lack of interest. I agree that the school system for teaching government doesn't really encourage students to get involved because usually it ends up being like any other class in high school.
We don't exactlly expect students in a physics class to go out and get involved in physics the same way we expect them to be immediately involved in their government. Teens and young adults need time in the real world to mature and see how these things actually affect them in their daily life in order to feel motivated enough to pay attention.
Also I think a lack of free time and seeing political involvement as more of a chore than something that is stimulationg and productive is a contributiong factor to the lack of attention. I personally work full time while taking two summer courses, and I'll admit there is no way I would be as involved in thinking about government if i was not taking this class. Someday I hope to have enough time to be truely involved and commited to staying up to date in the world of government.
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