Individuality vs. Commonality
Posted by Jeremy Miller on Sunday, April 29, 2012
Under: My Thoughts
An educator is put into a precarious position when considering this topic. In the classroom it is of utmost importance to understand and embrace the individual for who they are, how they learn, etc.. but, at some point we must bring balance by helping them recognize how much they have in common with those around them, and how much they stand to gain by exploiting this commonality.
The theory of behaviorism dominates the American classroom. When coupled with too large an emphasis on individualism it can become a destructive force in our society. Let me explain. Behaviorism tends to produce results by one of two ways; either by rewarding the individual for achieving the desired results; or, by punishing the individual for not achieving the desired results. So, in theory, this means we place the responsibility for achieving the results on the individual. The individual then begins to achieve, not for the joy of learning, instead it is for the purpose of reward or fear of punishment. This now means the individual is concerned solely with his or her own interests or welfare... did you catch that?.. "concerned solely with his or her own interests or welfare".. this is the literal definition of being self-centered, something we know to be detrimental to society and humanity around us. Clearly this would not be an issue as a small scale issue, but the education system in America is hardly small scale.
I am not implying a failure of the system, merely pointing to a potential flaw. This flaw can be neutralized, (and I am sure is by great teachers), by embracing commonality and unity in the classroom. The fact is, we must acknowledge the individual and teach to them as an individual if we hope to be great educators. However, if we desire to see them succeed as humans, peers, friends, family members, future parents, etc.. we must also give them a healthy respect for the life around them.
Best to all,
Jeremy
“Civilizations should be measured by the degree of diversity attained and the degree of unity retained.”
W.H. Auden - Poet
The theory of behaviorism dominates the American classroom. When coupled with too large an emphasis on individualism it can become a destructive force in our society. Let me explain. Behaviorism tends to produce results by one of two ways; either by rewarding the individual for achieving the desired results; or, by punishing the individual for not achieving the desired results. So, in theory, this means we place the responsibility for achieving the results on the individual. The individual then begins to achieve, not for the joy of learning, instead it is for the purpose of reward or fear of punishment. This now means the individual is concerned solely with his or her own interests or welfare... did you catch that?.. "concerned solely with his or her own interests or welfare".. this is the literal definition of being self-centered, something we know to be detrimental to society and humanity around us. Clearly this would not be an issue as a small scale issue, but the education system in America is hardly small scale.
I am not implying a failure of the system, merely pointing to a potential flaw. This flaw can be neutralized, (and I am sure is by great teachers), by embracing commonality and unity in the classroom. The fact is, we must acknowledge the individual and teach to them as an individual if we hope to be great educators. However, if we desire to see them succeed as humans, peers, friends, family members, future parents, etc.. we must also give them a healthy respect for the life around them.
Best to all,
Jeremy
“Civilizations should be measured by the degree of diversity attained and the degree of unity retained.”
W.H. Auden - Poet
In : My Thoughts