As time has progressed from elementary, to middle school, to junior high, and now to high school, I have recognized the same teaching methods, just at different levels. Teachers have had to “lower their flags and reef their sails to wait for the dull sailors.” This happens in every class, there’s always that group of people that just slow down the learning process of the class. “They are more sensual than intellectual. Appetite and indolence they have, but no enthusiasm.” There is no motivation. They have the possibility to be determined, they just don’t want to.
I’m not saying that it is teachers’ faults, but they are adding to the problem. Once these kids start slowing down the growth of learning, teachers start becoming boring. They re-teach the same information in a less enthusiastic tone instead of proceeding on and connecting with the “dull sailors” at a later time.
In today’s school world, there are “few geniuses: and the teaching comes to be arranged for these many and not for those few.” At school, there are chances for these few to be with other few that won’t slow the class. They’re called “Advanced Placement” classes. The only problem is kids are too lazy and unmotivated.
Even though Emerson wrote this essay over 100 years ago, his description of school is still here and modern. I feel this paragraph especially describes BHS. While BHS’ education is excellent, there is still work to be done.
