On Teaching and Agendas

A teacher at a school in Virginia requires her students to write a four paragraph essay entitled "Why People Should Not Own Pit Bulls". The exercise is intended to encourage students to learn how to kiss-ass use teacher supplied "resources" and write stuff the teacher wants to hear.

Understandably, some folks are up in arms (figuratively) and now encouraging people to contact the school and ask that this topic be changed.

"“Yes, this is the paper asking students to use the topic “People Should Not Own Pit Bulls.” When we began this project, several students mentioned that they owned pit bulls. I said that they didn’t have to BELIEVE people should not own pit bulls, but for the sake of this four paragraph research experience, I wanted them to use the four articles/sources I had provided to discuss two reasons why owning pit bulls could be dangerous.”"

Thoughts?

Is this teacher pushing her own agenda or challenging her students to rethink theirs? Is it good teaching to require students to take only one viewpoint to what amounts to an opinion essay?

Obviously without context, like the source provided, and the reasoning the teacher has for this assignment, we can only conjecture and presume. Is this really promoting hate and discrimination?

What say you, gentle reader?

My answer on why "People Should Not Own Pit Bulls"

Because they will mess you up with their ninja skillz.