Think people!

Being able to think critically is a crucial skill to have in life. It allows you to see beyond a flat one-dimensional piece of paper. However, being a "normal" or "good" critical thinker allows one to read or interpret more accurately. So many times I have witnessed people's efforts to analyze literature and many a times their ideas or assumptions are whacked out! The create and exhibit false claims about an author's work and as a result produce certain views or facades about authors. Were they never taught how to analyze? As a student I can say that a lot of the in-accuracy stems from laziness. Kids do not like to do work and in a lot of situations they don't have any time to put the needed about of effort into deeply dissecting a book. This laziness and lack of time has made Spark notes very successful. Kids across America are no longer able to think critically. English homework takes time that doesn't exist anymore. At Onondaga Community College almost more than fifty percent of the students enrolled work. They have time to write three page papers, but not one that is filled with experiential and analytical depth. Teenagers are geniuses and should not be under-estimated. They may not think critically now, but it doesn't mean that they can't or never will. Teachers take heart. Your students may not seem like they are retaining any of your lessons, but they are, at least I am.