
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 28, 1993                   TAG: 9306010198
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ENTERTAINMENT ISN'T WHAT STUDENTS WANT

IN A time when women, minorities, homosexuals and handicapped people are struggling to break free of the labels placed on them by society, it seems ridiculous that Marshall Fishwick (May 20 commentary, "A new generation that's still trying to find its focus") suggests that we need to label an entire generation. This generation is culturally diverse, and to group everyone into one category belittles individuals. Everyone is unique and should be treated as such.

One complaint about my generation is that we are spoiled. I believe Fishwick made some excellent points when he said that we wanted to be "entertained" in class. However, he is mistaken. What we want is to be stimulated or interested by the teacher. Unfortunately, when a state is in a budget crisis and politicians are up for re-election, they are willing to trade a child's education for a balanced budget and a profit. With the lack of funding, children suffer.

There are decent teachers, but there are also shoddy ones. Teachers should not be hired on knowledge alone, but also on their ability to teach well. I have learned and remembered more from teachers who have stimulated my thirst for knowledge - instead of boring me by lecturing monotonously. Teachers should interact with the class, rather than stand up and talk and hope we absorb everything thrown us.

Human beings are not sponges; we need coaxing as well as attention. That is exactly what good teachers give their students. ROBERT PROUTY BLACKSBURG

by CNB