"Some experts maintain that students learn best in a highly structured environment, one that emphasizes discipline,
punctuality, and routine. Others insist that educators, if they are to help students maximize their potential, ought to
maintain an atmosphere of relative freedom and spontaneity"
I agree to the fact that freedom and spontaneity, along with a good mentor/educator, help in achieving great heights rather than routine, discipline and punctuality. A student can become a great learner if he/she is provided with an environment where spontaneity and freedom are given precedence over the discipline.
First, all fingers of one hand are not equal so the same structured and disciplined approach does not go well with all the learners. Each student has a different capability to learn and following the same approach with everyone does not always yields good results. However, if different approaches are devised with different students then it may help them considerably and the role of mentor cannot be underestimated. An educator can help a student in clearing the hurdles which block a student's path to learning.
Second, the structured environment makes everyday learning a routine affair and this routine gives rise to boredom. It is a universal fact that new ideas flourish when mind is allowed to wonder and question the accepted belief. If the mind is allowed to roam free, it will look out for new things around it and will scout for more ideas. This will give learning a great impetus as the student is now learning from things surrounding him and not just from the books.
On the other hand, one may argue that without discipline and punctuality a person will not be focused towards his/her goal. This does not hold true for self-motivated students who are aware of their goal and can go to any length to achieve it. These students do not require a structured classroom approach to learn rather they can invent their own ways of studying and learning.
In conclusion, mind can do wonders when it is allowed freedom of thought and expression and is not restrained by shackles of discipline and boredom. If greater heights are to be scaled, barriers need to be broken and something exceptional needs to be done. This can be done only in an environment which is boundless and allows for free thought.
punctuality, and routine. Others insist that educators, if they are to help students maximize their potential, ought to
maintain an atmosphere of relative freedom and spontaneity"
I agree to the fact that freedom and spontaneity, along with a good mentor/educator, help in achieving great heights rather than routine, discipline and punctuality. A student can become a great learner if he/she is provided with an environment where spontaneity and freedom are given precedence over the discipline.
First, all fingers of one hand are not equal so the same structured and disciplined approach does not go well with all the learners. Each student has a different capability to learn and following the same approach with everyone does not always yields good results. However, if different approaches are devised with different students then it may help them considerably and the role of mentor cannot be underestimated. An educator can help a student in clearing the hurdles which block a student's path to learning.
Second, the structured environment makes everyday learning a routine affair and this routine gives rise to boredom. It is a universal fact that new ideas flourish when mind is allowed to wonder and question the accepted belief. If the mind is allowed to roam free, it will look out for new things around it and will scout for more ideas. This will give learning a great impetus as the student is now learning from things surrounding him and not just from the books.
On the other hand, one may argue that without discipline and punctuality a person will not be focused towards his/her goal. This does not hold true for self-motivated students who are aware of their goal and can go to any length to achieve it. These students do not require a structured classroom approach to learn rather they can invent their own ways of studying and learning.
In conclusion, mind can do wonders when it is allowed freedom of thought and expression and is not restrained by shackles of discipline and boredom. If greater heights are to be scaled, barriers need to be broken and something exceptional needs to be done. This can be done only in an environment which is boundless and allows for free thought.
