Self Help for Human Rights

On the "Jeopardy" TV quiz show June 25, 2018, three bright contestants did not recognize the last line of the US. Declaration of Independence. Today's emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math does nothing to foster the value and rights of a human being.

     The philosophers and religious thinkers of the United States who justified independence from England and forged a Constitution were schooled in the liberal arts, Greek and Roman statesmanship, and the rights confirmed on humans by natural law. What percentage of the world's seven billion plus population now considers self evident the truths that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights?

     Williamsburg, a restored early American historic village in Virginia, published the following quiz that invites us to match U.S. revolutionaries with quotations they used to inspire followers. Their words provide an ongoing self help reminder for humans.

1._____I write so that King George III may read without his spectacles.

2._____If this be treason, make the most of it.

3._____I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than   
             your ancestors.

4._____The British are coming.

5._____ I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.

6._____Don't fire till you see the whites of their eyes.

7._____I have not yet begun to fight.

8._____In every human breast, God has implanted a principle, which we call love of freedom.

A. Nathan Hale, a spy for the colonists
B. Abigail Adams
C. John Hancock
D. Patrick Henry
E. William Prescott
F. Phillis Wheatley, a slave
G.John Paul Jones
H. Paul Revere

(You'll find answers in the earlier post, "The Perfect Test.")

 

Problem-Solving Engineers' Fix for Education

Engineers at Tufts wondered how teachers trained in liberal arts could teach students critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

They suggested teachers find books, where protagonists face conflict. (It was as though they didn't know, in every good book, protagonists face conflicts. But no matter, let's go on.)

The teacher would then read the book, or assign certain pages for homework, up to a spot where the protagonist has sufficient details about the pending conflict to give students the information they need to come up with various conflict resolutions.

For younger grades, the Tufts engineers used the example of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. How can Peter keep his younger brother, Fudge, away from his turtle, when his mother won't let him close his bedroom door? The engineers figured Peter could rig up a pulley system to hoist his turtle into the air, whenever Fudge entered his room.

Students can engage in a problem-solving class discussion or break into groups to propose solutions and then report their ideas to the class. The class even could vote to choose the best solution.

Doesn't this sound like more fun than memorizing and passing tests?