The two problems that I solved through this assignment were school curriculum preparation and standardized testing accuracy. In my opinion, basic ideas such as critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and time management are taught in certain classes. Still, I don’t believe that schools teach enough life skills such as how to change a tire, sew, cook, or manage your money. When I researched this topic, I found two different opinions. The side that answered yes said that schools pushing strict schedules and challenging students with advanced classes are preparing students for the future. They also noted that meeting deadlines in school work is a form of preparation. The last thing that stood out to me from this side was that senior year of high school is most important because it teaches leadership skills, and you have more freedom, which you will have in real life. The side that answered no said that classes relative to real-life aren’t emphasized enough or easily accessible to all students.

My next question was, “Is standardized testing an accurate representation of a student’s success in the future?” To answer this, I think that standardized tests are wildly inaccurate because different schools will teach various topics in various ways. Second, bad test takers are not taken into consideration with testing such as the ACT or SAT. Research on this topic said that standardized tests give an unfair advantage to those who can pay to get help, and they put a lot of pressure on kids to do well. They also limit the ability for teachers to adapt to learning differences and overall give an inaccurate measure for success. A quote found in “34 Problems with Standardized Tests” says

“Schools teach knowledge, but for life, you need wisdom.”

Coach Hoang said that the School curriculum focuses on the academics side rather than the real-life side. He thought that the application of material is what should be taught more. Eden believed this was an accurate problem and said that schools could add classes to the curriculum based on life skills. Ryleigh thought standardized testing scores should be replaced with GPA numbers for things like college admissions. And lastly, Mrs. Purnell counter-argued that curriculum does teach communication, time management, and more, just not as day-to-day life skills like manners or economics. However, she did agree that standardized tests are biased with how they’re written. They exclude life experiences from all races, cultures, and classes. Overall, standardized tests are very one-dimensional. 

I concluded that this problem could be solved by eliminating standardized test scores in college admissions, including an interview portion of tests for the sake of bad test-takers, making essential classes such as home economics 100% required and easily accessible, and lastly, increasing the use of Experiential learning. Experiential learning consists of labs, field trips, and hands-on activities. A few pros of this include more significant levels of real-world relevance, creativity, trial by error, better memorization, development of interests for maybe a future career, and skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. 

During the first class period, I based my five questions on key points from my brainstorming bullets while also adding anything that came to mind. I chose questions I knew I could elaborate on with previous knowledge and questions with conflict and conclusions I could later research. I answered each question as best I could in ten minutes. For the remainder of class time, I found sources and began reading about others’ opinions online. My next major step was continuing my research and forming a final problem statement. The next day, I spent most of my time speaking to my classmates and two teachers about their opinions on my previous problem. I then talked to Mrs. Duke and began research on a few of the ideas that will appear in my solution. The last class period was when I developed my final solution and began my presentation. I also made a work plan for myself which consisted of finishing my PowerPoint and starting my visual. Outside of class, I decided that to incorporate my book and the visual of the project, I’d create stations to represent one of my solutions, Experiential learning. The stations represented Experiential learning because they were hands-on and interactive. 

One thing that went well during my presentation was that I was significantly less nervous than I usually am. I felt comfortable sharing my opinions because I had such strong feelings towards the topic and knew exactly what to say. I was very prepared for my lesson too, and I hope it showed through to the class.

During the feedback process, I did get many classmates to agree with my perspective, which shows that I had reasonable, feasible solutions. However, ways to improve them were brought to my attention. I hadn’t included research statistics in my slideshow, which can be very eye-catching to audiences, and I was missing detail. If I were going to change anything about my solutions, I would add an online interview portion to standardized tests where they did occur to make them more accessible to students everywhere. Overall, I learned that no solution would please both teachers and students 100%. I also learned that you don’t always see the gaps until you receive feedback from other people. 

Looking back to the beginning of this year, I never fully understood books, which didn’t bother me. I’d skim through a few chapters a day, and if I felt confused, I wouldn’t stop. Now, I understand books better because I’ve learned to pick them apart and re-read if necessary. I wouldn’t say I suddenly like reading, because I don’t think that would be completely honest, but it is less dreadful. 

Final Presentation

WORKS CITED

Marker, E. (2019, January 23). Question of the WEEK: Does school actually PREPARE teens for the real world? Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.dailyamerican.com/entertainment/highschoolhighlights/question-of-the-week-does-school-actually-prepare-teens-for-the-real-world/article_73b5c6c7-06ab-5766-8d14-d1863480694d.html

Strauss, V. (2019, April 18). Analysis | 34 problems with standardized tests. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2017/04/19/34-problems-with-standardized-tests/

Admissions alternatives at large public universities. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.fairtest.org/admissions-alternatives-large-public-universities

Top 12 ways to bring the real world into your classroom. (2020, May 19). Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.teachhub.com/classroom-activities/2010/05/top-12-ways-to-bring-the-real-world-into-your-classroom/

Frazier, L. (2019, September 13). Study shows link between early education and future career success. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizfrazierpeck/2019/09/13/study-shows-link-between-early-education-and-future-career-success/?sh=16dd316759bd

The benefits of experiential learning. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.envisionexperience.com/blog/the-benefits-of-experiential-learning

I developed my solution, and began my presentation. I also made a work plan for myself which consists of finishing my powerpoint, and starting on my brochure using Canva.

During this class period, I spent most of my time speaking to my classmates and two teachers about their opinions on my previous problem. I then spoke with Mrs. Duke and began research on a few of the ideas that will appear in my solution.

Next class period, I hope to get a statement from Coach Young, and I need to look into my linked sources and take notes. Once I finish that, I will form my final solution and move on to the next step.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2017/04/19/34-problems-with-standardized-tests/

This source fives 34 reasons that standardized testing is unfair or not accurate in determining success and wisdom. A few that stood out to me were the unfair advantage to those who can afford test prep, the pressure, limited ability for teachers to adapt to learning differences, and the idea that a test will not predict future success in life.

How School Trains Us To Fail In The Real World

“Schools teach knowledge, but life requires wisdom”

A main idea I got after reading this article is that instead of learning critical life skills (example: how to manage money) kids are mostly taught to memorize information.

Problem: School curriculum as well as school requirements, including standardized testing, give an inaccurate representation of what you will need to be successful in the real world.

I cannot say that I have personally experienced this issue, however it seems to be very prominent in research. I think that school curriculum teaches things like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creative thinking, and time management, but they do not teach enough about life skills, money management, etc. Another resource says that classes that do focus on real-world knowledge, such as home economics , are not always accessible to all students and are not made a priority. In my opinion, school should completely teach and prepare students for real world situations, even manners. Something that can be changed accordingly is requiring home economics and similar courses. 

I am strongly against standardized testing because I feel like different schools and classes will teach differently. I believe a student can be very knowledgeable, and just be a bad test taker. Standardized testing would be more fair if it was maybe in interview form for certain people, and more focused on what specific classes the student has been taking. 

During this class period, I highlighted key points from my brainstorming free writing, then based my 5 questions off of those also adding anything that came to mind. I chose questions I knew I could elaborate on with my own knowledge, but also questions with conflict and conclusions I could later research. I answered each question as best I could over ten minutes, and for the remainder of class time, I found sources and began reading other peoples’ opinions. I feel like I have a good start on this project, and specific, solid ideas.

This past quarter, a lot of time was spent on Heart of Darkness and interpreting such a challenging novel. The video essay assignment made everything come together for me including characters, racism, other themes in the novel, and plot. Mallory and I discussed the harsh language and treatment targeted at the natives by Joseph Conrad, and this also taught me about reading through the postcolonialism lens. The postcolonialism lens makes you think about the history and effect of a novel, which created a new interest for me personally.

I’ve also learned writing skills such as changing the tone of my writing according to the type of paper or the audience. I’ve learned what it means to draw conclusions and ways to sound less repetitive. Although I wasn’t interested in Heart of Darkness, I am more confident that I can read challenging novels by breaking things down.

I saw this on Ella’s blog and decided to write something similar. This week, I’ve been highly stressed about school, particularly my AP government class, volleyball, spring break, and prom. I know some of these things are silly, but I had a bit of a breakdown when I got home from practice late last night. In AP gov right now, we are assigned two sets of reading notes with questions to complete by tomorrow night and a Friday test. Not to mention, we also have a significant project outside of class time due on Sunday. Volleyball has been on my nerves because our coaches are acting lazy, and our practices have not been the best thing for my improvement, which is why I joined. I feel as if I waste my time at practices lately, while I could be working a job, completing homework, doing sports elsewhere, or doing strength training.

On top of those two things, spring break is just around the corner, and I am unprepared. I’m excited, but it’s also stressful because I have many things to do before then. I also have to drive there to leave a day early for my tournament the next day in Foley. I realize that prom is in a while, but it includes a lot of planning, and it is in the midst of AP exams.

Once it all piles up, these stressful things can be bad for your mental health. Regardless, you should always try to take something off your plate. For me, this was working this week. I realized I simply didn’t have the time to do so, so I didn’t push myself. Instead, I spent the time working ahead on school. I also like to listen to music, allow myself time to relax, and run as a stress reliever.

https://runwildretreats.com/the-truth-about-running-and-stress/

A deep fake is truly the next generation of video and audio manipulation. They are formed by a computer AI system plotting dots on a face, studying it, and transferring it onto a new face. In my opinion, deep fakes will grow to be extremely dangerous, especially with the developing technology. Supasorn Suwajanakorn says in his TED talk that pretty soon, deep fakes could even be considered unrecognizable. This is threatening because they can easily be used for blackmail, to ruin someone’s reputation through misinterpretation, or to mislead the public in every way. However, I will say that filmmakers and editors have a leg up with deep fakes and can do amazing things in the entertainment world.

Overall, deep fakes concern me, but there are a couple of giveaways. We should search for voice accuracy, video quality, and visual clues such as blurring, skin tone, or unusual shadows. Suwajanakorn also speaks about the new detection program he is working on called Reality Defender. Still, until then, we can help by asking ourselves if the source is reliable, if the video seems out of character, or by doing our own separate research.

As the weather gets warmer and warmer, I can’t help but look forward to summer! There have already been a few days that felt like summer to me, laying out by the pool with my friends and soaking up the sun. I’ve also had multiple tournaments in Gulf Shores for volleyball. Seeing the palm trees and walks on the beach before games are so peaceful! I love the beach, and it brings back so many memories.

This summer, I plan to play volleyball, work, shop, hang out with friends, and hopefully travel. One of my favorite memories from last summer is going to False River with my close friends because we could ride the boat, wakeboard, and ride the jet ski. I also look forward to swimming often and going to the snowball stands all over town!

Before English III, I didn’t know what it meant to draw conclusions in writing, I didn’t properly analyze texts, and I didn’t make deep connections. It took me a few assignments to realize that drawing conclusions makes the reader want to pay attention and use life experiences, details, and facts to infer something about the reading. I’ve also become more analytical through what we have done with our free reading novels and Heart of Darkness.

The skill of being able to make deeper connections has 90% been improved from reading Heart of Darkness. This was necessary in order to see past the plot and really understand the whole theme of the book. The last thing I’ve realized is how significant class discussions can be. Coming back to class after finishing a section of the book, I was very confused, but discussing it was crucial and benefitted me greatly in the end.