Community Change

The second group that read "Dumbing Us Down" presented this morning in class. I really enjoyed the presentation and I think it contained the most thought provoking questions raised so far. The group’s basic theme was about the importance of community in all aspects of life. In relation to the education system, they seemed to say that our current educational system is methodically structured by standards and rewards that the students educated in this system are no longer creative and original individuals. The group did a really great job relating the content of the book to our every day lives and the lifestyles that Luther College students live. Although it was a little bit disheartening to think about becoming a teacher in such a ineffective system. I really appreciated the conversation that took place at the end of the period in which the class discussed ways to make a difference. I felt like I left the class feeling like each individual can make a difference. Maria made a really good comment. She said that as we make a change in our own lives and spread the change to our families, the change in communites will begin as relationships and involvement grow. Eventually a greater societal shift can take place. Change can’t come from a new law or adapted standards. Rather, the change first has to start with the individuals and smaller communities.