H E A V Y B O O K S & H E A V Y M I N D S
By SUMEDHA V.
March 31, 2013
CANADIAN ACADEMY - “Information,” by definition, are facts provided or learned about
something where as “knowledge,” is understanding the subject. Canadian Academy is an
institution of prestige in the eyes of tens and hundreds, never to compromise their
standards for anyone or anything.
However, in order to maintain the reputation that the school possesses,
knowledge has transformed into information over time. CA upholds stellar grades and has
bragging rights to acceptances to impossible universities, but what the place lacks is the
fundamentals of communication. The community consists of three parties; students,
parents and staff members.
Through the interaction between all these individuals, CA can function effectively and productively.
"REPETITIVE AND TEDIOUS"
The assignments seem to be increasing with each passing day, the collective work expected to be completed reaching unrealistic heights. Moreover,
all this isn’t even essential, the majority being repetitive and tedious. “The work we do is patronizing -- no in class essays, tests or presentations, but
rather worksheets and online 'exercises' meant for first graders. Absolutely stupid,” explained a Sophomore on the subject of Social Studies. This is an
example where over the years, grasping basic concepts has transformed into flashy activities and superficial simulations where more materials are
required rather than brain cells to participate.
Another reason as to why homework seems to be taking more time than it should is due to the absence of conversation between teachers, as
mentioned before. In order to manage timings, teachers keep the talking to a minimum amongst themselves, resulting in projects, tests, essays and
investigations overlapping in due dates. Naturally, this ends up in students being too stressed and not performing adequately for any of the subjects,
the general standard getting lowered. From a survey generated, 83% people have been overwhelmed by the amount of things to hand in. However,
this isn’t true for every teacher; a handful going the extra mile to assure that their timelines aren’t clashing with others, as well as making it a point to
give the students enough time to complete the tasks properly. Still, the majority find it easier to build the class’ schedule around their own, which makes
sense if you look at the teachers alone.
PREPARATION FOR THE FUTURE
Nonetheless, there is definitely an opposing side to this argument, where students themselves believe that all that CA is putting us through at the
moment is preparation for the future. The majority, although don’t particularly enjoy the excessive workload, understand that it’s a preview of what is to
come, so they appreciate it in the long term. “I think it depends on the job. For me, it is,” quotes a Sophomore on the usefulness of the curriculum.
No matter if people think the workload is too much or too little, or that the teachers are making a genuine effort to accommodate the needs of the
students or not, or the type of assignments are suitable for the age group or not, the things we’re learning will not be 100% used in the future, so what’s
the point? “We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge” -- Anonymous
something where as “knowledge,” is understanding the subject. Canadian Academy is an
institution of prestige in the eyes of tens and hundreds, never to compromise their
standards for anyone or anything.
However, in order to maintain the reputation that the school possesses,
knowledge has transformed into information over time. CA upholds stellar grades and has
bragging rights to acceptances to impossible universities, but what the place lacks is the
fundamentals of communication. The community consists of three parties; students,
parents and staff members.
Through the interaction between all these individuals, CA can function effectively and productively.
"REPETITIVE AND TEDIOUS"
The assignments seem to be increasing with each passing day, the collective work expected to be completed reaching unrealistic heights. Moreover,
all this isn’t even essential, the majority being repetitive and tedious. “The work we do is patronizing -- no in class essays, tests or presentations, but
rather worksheets and online 'exercises' meant for first graders. Absolutely stupid,” explained a Sophomore on the subject of Social Studies. This is an
example where over the years, grasping basic concepts has transformed into flashy activities and superficial simulations where more materials are
required rather than brain cells to participate.
Another reason as to why homework seems to be taking more time than it should is due to the absence of conversation between teachers, as
mentioned before. In order to manage timings, teachers keep the talking to a minimum amongst themselves, resulting in projects, tests, essays and
investigations overlapping in due dates. Naturally, this ends up in students being too stressed and not performing adequately for any of the subjects,
the general standard getting lowered. From a survey generated, 83% people have been overwhelmed by the amount of things to hand in. However,
this isn’t true for every teacher; a handful going the extra mile to assure that their timelines aren’t clashing with others, as well as making it a point to
give the students enough time to complete the tasks properly. Still, the majority find it easier to build the class’ schedule around their own, which makes
sense if you look at the teachers alone.
PREPARATION FOR THE FUTURE
Nonetheless, there is definitely an opposing side to this argument, where students themselves believe that all that CA is putting us through at the
moment is preparation for the future. The majority, although don’t particularly enjoy the excessive workload, understand that it’s a preview of what is to
come, so they appreciate it in the long term. “I think it depends on the job. For me, it is,” quotes a Sophomore on the usefulness of the curriculum.
No matter if people think the workload is too much or too little, or that the teachers are making a genuine effort to accommodate the needs of the
students or not, or the type of assignments are suitable for the age group or not, the things we’re learning will not be 100% used in the future, so what’s
the point? “We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge” -- Anonymous