Frank Thoms, Teacher in the Rye

What if teachers took them seriously and ensured that their students did too? What would students come away with? How would they approach issues, problems? How would they respond to politician claims?

We are now in the digital age with internet and the plethora of smartphones, multiple social media sites, mis- and disinformation disguised as truth, and incoming domination of AI. Would Meier’s five habits of mind hold up? Would they be enough?

I do not pretend to know the answer. What I do know, teachers must invite students into the learning process, seek out their thinking, and listen to what they have to say; and be supported for their efforts. But if teachers only have them sit before them as receptacles, passively taking in what they hear and expect to give it all back on Friday’s test, what then? Teachers will fail their students––and our democracy.

The fundamental issue for schools: Either they educate, ‘to lead out’ from Latin, or they disseminate, only to put in, distribute information expecting regurgitation. With the former, students will be prepared to assess, weigh, consider, choose, to act as agents. With the latter, rabbit holes await.

And for all of us, how essential would it be for our democracy to have its people weigh evidence, recognize and acknowledge differing viewpoints, search for connections and seek the big picture, examine alternatives, and ask why any of it matters. How wonderful would that be!