Critical+Thinking+Chapter+5,6

1. Describe the origin of grading in schools? Where did letter grades come from? What are other systems around the world used in place of letter grading? What type of system would you recommend for Peoria Notre Dame High School? (Matt, Breanna, Hannah)
 * Chapter 5: Multicultural History of American Education**

https://docs.google.com/a/pndhs.org/presentation/d/1m1TyGUsOHwwALOiR0OxxEUdw8jaOgO6VZPKjxHMSKfI/edit#slide=id.p

2. Some of the first high schools in the United States were Philips Andover and Philips Exeter Academies. Give a brief history of these types of schools. What are the differences in educational approaches in private day schools? Who are some of the graduates of these elite schools? (Dana, Michael, Ali)

https://docs.google.com/a/pndhs.org/document/d/1g8ZNY8BG3uyaNyPZz1_pbBBpeCx1bNONAyJC--MSrTY/edit?usp=drive_web

3. What are the pros and cons of the junior high and middle school structures? Are these school settings preferable to the k-12 setting of the traditional k-8 grammar school?

4. Describe the history of homework in schools? Are there time periods and examples where homework was not allowed? Does homework actually help increase student achievement? Are there different types of homework with varying degree of value? (Maggie and Jessica) https://docs.google.com/a/pndhs.org/presentation/d/1LmcQ9yYpyP-jxio4O_TuCFTNKLWMAlU3LmGCRBBntLI/edit#slide=id.p https://docs.google.com/a/pndhs.org/document/d/1fFtfi2VwRxynEiDBQYHIuOLzSZTg_OXO39ypAXsjGoM/edit

5. The American high school following the founding of the Academy in Philadelphia displayed a marked break with the classical education of Europe. Explain what the original classical curriculum was and what instruction in this type of school would entail? What are the pros and cons of a "classical" education?

6. Early colonial education often focused around the Puritan communities in New England. Explain in detail the different types of methods used in colonial education. What were the popular instructional tools that were common? Describe the basic tenants of a colonial education.

1. Research the Prussian influence on American education? What evidence is there for and against the idea that public education is designed to reinforce the status quo and teach compliance? What remnants of the Prussian model still exist in American education? (Michael, Jessica)
 * Chapter 6: Philosophies of Education**

https://docs.google.com/a/pndhs.org/document/d/1ikmaqv24Cb4fBMAcQhuhrD0o0XdX1ReSMfuwvDq3Ly4/edit https://docs.google.com/a/pndhs.org/presentation/d/1jH9oz9xTSgB_b05j2eLyv2PrWpD-mKIcP-gIC9ZRGvE/edit

2. Explain and research the origin of free schools. What are the basic beliefs and operating structures of free democratic schools? What are the pros and cons of these schools?

3. Describe the origins of vocational eduction in the United States. What are the pros and cons of vocational education? What are the trends regarding the growth or disappearance of vocational education programs? (Allie, Hannah, Matt) https://docs.google.com/a/pndhs.org/presentation/d/1Fdh8hG5SEIOvuoERJhjVrywnCCrihGC5x2aYnjfltRw/edit#slide=id.p

4. Those subscribing to the essentialist and perennialist philosophy often advocate for a core reading list or great books program. Compare the novels required for PND students in their English courses to those on the great book curriculum. What similarities or what difference do you see. Would you advise a summer reading program at PND? Why or why not? What books would you include in our list that are currently missing?

5. Social reconstructionists argue that schools should help reshape society in a way that is fundamentally just. What aspects of your education at PND reflect this tradition? What else could PND do? Do we do enough in your opinion towards this regard? Who are teh founders of this movement in general?

6. Take a critical view of a typical day of school at PND. What are you asked to do as a student? How would these tasks fit into the four philosophies of education studied in this chapter? Which philosophy would you want to see more of and which philosophy would you like to see less of? and why? (Biranna, Maggie, Dana) https://docs.google.com/a/pndhs.org/presentation/d/1gBKZevJpC1ZbQBb6DrykYsk9XQS93ruhdyiAurp6R48/edit#slide=id.p https://docs.google.com/a/pndhs.org/document/d/1ZckxRY1xxXgmXh9Oc60sfJAtzyHUtxweyiN7Maluzko/edit