Nun with Chainsaw and Students who Don't Think

My class was writing a persuasive editorial.  A basic you have an opinion, gather some facts to support your opinion and don't use propaganda type of assignment.

Students combed newspapers (paper and virtual) for something that would pique their interest.  Many chose the Las Vegas shootings as a source of inspiration, whether for gun control or unfettered freedom to own guns.  Others chose the NFL players standing during the anthem (or not standing) and encouraged support or a boycott.  There were a few other random persuasive articles.  My students discuss their ideas with me, and I try to give them guidance.  One student brought to me an article about the nun who was using a chainsaw to cut down trees from the Hurricane Irma system.  Read about it here. I asked some probing questions of my student.  What do you think about this?  What will you persuade your audience toward doing as a result of your article?

Her response?  Well, I don't think she should have used a chainsaw.

Clearly, my student lacked a basic understanding of the article she had selected.  I asked her if she could think of anyone who would be against a nun helping her neighbors.  She stared at me blankly.  I finally said, "Student, I can think of no one who is against a nun cutting down trees to help a neighbor after a hurricane.  Can you think of anyone?"

Her answer to me?  "Well, some people don't like Catholics."

Honestly, I was flabbergasted.   I replied, "While there is a wide range of religious beliefs, there is no one on the planet who would be against a nun helping with the downed trees of her neighbors."

This student typifies what I see as the problem at large.  Students don't know how to think through things.  She went on to write an article about telecommunications needing a regulatory board.  It was beautifully plagiarized from the editorial section of a local paper.  Her handwriting was excellent.  Too bad her thought process was absent.

How can we foster a culture of thinkers?  How can we get students to really become problem solvers and not grade getters?

1.  Stop treating children as babies when it comes to problem solving.  Teach them to tie their shoes.  And let them do it.  Teach them to pack up their belongings and carry them for themselves.
2. Don't offer solutions automatically.  Let them suggest solutions.  How do you think you can solve this?  Then wait   Listen.
3. Create opportunities for your students to gain life skills.  Show them how to make a long range plan in the way you craft projects and assignments.  Hold them accountable to fulfill their plan.

We need to help the next generation grow and mature so that they can be successful inside and outside the classroom.

Oh, and for the record, tell them it is okay for a nun to use a chainsaw.

First published October 27, 2017