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This essay discusses the value of a discussion based education. It argues that class discussions teach students how to learn as opposed to a lecture based class which emphasizes the regurgitation of content. Especially relevant to seniors as the article also touches on the economics of college and the value of small classes over large lectures.

American scientists are sensationalizing (presenting something in an exciting way to get attention, that might not be as accurate) their studies- isn't this what students do? By trying to be the best, we join every club, even if we're not interested, take all the hardest classes and cram for them, try to do everything we can to make ourselves stand out for colleges. At New Trier, even if you're incredibly smart, it doesn't matter unless you're incredibly smart by 'New Trier Standards'. Students are always trying to out do others and themselves, running the risk of burnout, depression/eating disorders, and general unhappiness. Asghar says the reason Miley Cyrus at the VMAs was so shocking was because she was being so textbook American- the only way to get noticed is to be the loudest. We set our standards so high that even when perfection is attained, it's not good enough- not a 4.0 GPA varsity athlete who also does community service is good enough- he is only good enough if he gets full ride to Harvard and becomes a top notch lawyer, too.

While the author, Tom DeWeese, goes a bit overboard in his effort to bash our public education system, he is very thorough. I found this interesting because he rejects the usual view that our schools need smaller class sizes and more money, and he includes the evidence to back up his claims. He offers no real solution, however I think that leaves our minds to think about how we would change education, which is exactly what our paper is about.

A discussion starter (ish?) Basically a counter-argument on the homework pressure expressed in the movie.