Diane Ravitch talk about the school system

Writing practice:  Paraphrasing, quoting, and citations  use Diane Ravitch talk about the school system

Write a paragraph (100 words) in which you integrate information from two texts that we have read about the topic of Education.  Go through your annotations for quotes that support your ideas.  You may use part of the quote or paraphrase the entire quote.  Synthesize two quotes or paraphrases from two different articles by using an introductory phrase or reporting verb.   In both cases, include the in-text citation after the paraphrase.  

Answer one of these questions:

1.  How would you define a good education?

2.  Should the arts and music be curtailed to make room for core subject testing?

Example of synthesis:  

Example 1

Hooks claims that “students do not become critical thinkers overnight” (1).  It seems that in order to achieve,  students need to “escalate their efforts” when they face failure or difficulty (Dweck 36).  Thinking and learning require action and engagement.  Many learners do not make the effort to analyze ideas but “are more comfortable with learning that allows them to remain passive” (hooks 2). In classrooms, it seems that students prefer to sit back without thinking or reflecting on the material. 

Example 2

Although teachers and parents want students to think critically as soon as possible, the fact is that  “students do not become critical thinkers overnight” (Hooks 1). It takes years of practice and implementation.  Dweck suggests that “engagement, perseverance, … [and] improvement foster hardy motivation” (37).  It seems that students need time and motivation to become critical thinkers. Without the practice in reading and discussion skills, students may not have the confidence to share their ideas in school, in the political areas or in the workplace.