Christina

This book highlighted many areas of learning that I once took part in from the first day I started to learn as a baby.  It means a lot to me to have read this book and learn that there is an alternative learning theory to the official theory.

My peers, teachers, parents and groups I belonged to taught and allowed me to develop under the ideas of the classic view of learning most of the time, but some still instilled the ideas of the official theory of learning. I liked the ideas presented about the classic view and hope that I can utilize these ideas.  I have always been a hands-on learner and associated with others like myself.  I feel that I have learned through the classic view and believe this is why I have been rather successful in all I have done.  My future career as a teacher will allow my ideas and curriculum through the classic view of learning.

The most important idea in the book to me personally is the concept that “we learn from the company you keep”.  I believe it is important to have a diverse group of friends and to be socially active in our environment.  The above statement supports my idea of a supporting and learning environment. 

Christina is a senior education major studying special education

Eric

This was the first education book I have read that opposed the current format of the educational system.  I thought it was refreshing and opened my eyes to a different point of view in education.  All I picture when I think of education is the current official theory of education.  To me the classical view is outdated and ineffective.  Prior to reading the book I was ignorant of the subject of classical learning.  I may not agree with what I read but it makes me, as a future educator, re-examine how I go about teaching.  

I happen to like the current format of teaching and education.  Mr. Smith plainly stated he did not like the format.  I was always one of the good students that did well on tests and was good at being in this system.  I do not learn best through classical interaction and he thinks that is best.  In my career I like the idea of the official theory.  I think if used properly it is good for the students.  The classical idea didn't focus on teachers so why would I, as a teacher, want to bring that back? I wouldn't.

The most important idea in this book to me is best summed up in a quote, "... the patient gets sicker despite receiving the prescribed treatment, therefore the patient is to blame."  (Smith p.69)  This was an example of deflection of responsibility and even though I disagree with what Mr. Smith was saying this was a very good way of explaining his point.  He feels the system is to blame for the downward movement of education and learning.  The higher ups tweak with the teachers and students but not the system, just like blaming the patient for not getting better on the prescribed treatment.  I disagree but it was a very good argument.

Eric is a fourth year education major specializing in social sciences.

Michael,

Originally I was afraid to read this book because I felt that it heavily criticize my teaching practices. Upon reading this book I felt guilty about my style of instruction.  I always believed that I was doing my best to create an active learning environment that fit the classic view, but now I realize I fell well short of that goal.  In addition, I recall using expressions such as "with a little more effort".  I now realize the opportunities I let slip by in my classroom.  This book opened my eyes.  It made me realize that my best learning experiences occurred when I interacted with my instructors according to the classical view.

As a science teacher the book offers some helpful advice.  I now know what I must do to construct  an effective learning environment in my classroom and positively interact with my students.  I once had the privilege of working with an AP chemistry student in my class who was temporarily attending my school.  I once asked him what was the key to his success in chemistry.  He mentioned that at his hometown high school he is in a class of students who want to be there and want to do well.  This proves Frank Smith's theory -- students will succeed when they have an interest in the subject and can identify with a group of like minded people.

Finally the most important idea to me was Smith's statement about the right of the students to control their education.  He mentioned that when students enter high school they often give up control of what they learn and loose the chance to have an enjoyable learning experience.   I did have a choice of the courses I studied at my high school.  I was able to focus my time towards studying science.  I have often worked with students who did not want to be in my chemistry or physics classes, but they were forced by the dean to take these classes.  The experience was not pleasant for the me or the student.  I feel that the push towards standards is giving students fewer choices in their education.  This is a tragedy for learning in high school is more than learning content.  It is about learning who we are and what we can be.  That opportunity must never be denied to adolescents in high school.

Michael is a post graduate student taking courses to earn a teaching certificate in physical sciences.