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Education does not exist in isolation from the social, economic and political climate.
We dug into the archives to find tidbits from previous issues of the ATA Magazine that are worth another look, either because of their relevance today, or as a reminder of how far we’ve come. You decide.
Can you match the following excerpts with the year that they were originally published? 1921, 1940, 1965, 2007
1. Teaching in a time of crisis
This is no time for panic. […] I maintain that the hundreds of thousands of boys and girls in our schools today do count. Their minds are in a highly receptive state—more receptive than under ordinary circumstances because this is an extraordinary time. It is imperative that during a crisis such as the present these young people be entrusted to a seasoned, cool-headed, idealistic, teaching body.
Your guess:
2. Imbuing class with creativity
The fact that the fine arts have been able to survive and even to stage an upsurge of recognition despite the concentrated emphasis on academic subjects is unquestionable proof of the creative urge in people. Creativity can add a new dimension to teaching, and in the never-ending search for more effective means of teaching, the Association, its specialist councils, school boards and school administrations would do well to assist an enterprise such as this. The door of creativity was opened for us. Please come in.
Your guess:
3. Creating critical thinkers
But in spite of these impediments to addressing controversial issues, the fact remains that contemporary teaching presents certain challenges, not the least of which is relevance. The value of a formal education is increasingly measured according to the degree that it is future-oriented and to what extent it helps students think critically and act upon social issues and problems.
Your guess:
4. Funding education
Discussing the question on financing the increased expenditure necessary to provide greater facilities for education in continuation and secondary schools, Dr. Boyd, President of the Educational Institute of Scotland, recently remarked: “I venture to answer that the times being what they are, there is little question of affording or not affording as there was in the financing of the army and navy during the war. What is at stake now as then is the future of our people. We simply cannot afford not to afford. We must educate or perish.”
Your guess:
Answers: 1. “President’s New Letter.” June 1940. 2. “The Opened Door.” Isabel Sharp. April 1965. 3. “Teaching Controversial Issues in the Classroom.” Patrick Clarke. Summer 2007. 4. “We Cannot Afford Not to Afford.” November 1921.
