A focus on rigorous curriculum often leads to superficial learning and memorization from "summary" of The Schools Our Children Deserve by Alfie Kohn
The idea that a rigorous curriculum can sometimes result in superficial learning and mere memorization is a critical point that demands attention from teachers and policymakers alike. This assertion challenges the common assumption that more challenging content and increased academic demands will automatically lead to deeper understanding and meaningful learning experiences for students. In reality, a focus on rigor can often push students towards surface-level engagement with the material, as they are pressured to simply regurgitate facts and information rather than truly grappling with complex concepts and ideas. This emphasis on rote memorization can create a culture of teaching to the test, where students are taught to memorize facts and formulas for the sole purpose of performing well on standardized assessments. Moreover, a curriculum that prioritizes rigor at the expense of ...
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