In Mark Edmundson’s article “Education’s Hungry Heart”, he talks about the importance of a student having a hungry heart within the classroom. He begins by explaining that college may not be for everybody. For those whose future career doesn’t necessarily need a degree they may want to rethink the education they’re pursing, especially if it will be nothing but a waste of money and leave them with a pile of debts. He then goes to say that regardless of whether a person may need college or not what makes all the difference is how a student flourishes in a classroom. Edmundson’s purpose throughout the whole article was to really show the reader how important it is for anyone who is in college to have a hungry heart. He states how he’s had about …show more content…
four thousand students and that while it is easy to teach the curriculum it is most difficult to maintain a student’s interest in a subject and for that matter he says that students must be eager to absorb all the information given to them. Edmundson says that hunger is not created by a student’s race, income, or their intellectuality but through ones family. His article was focused around college students and his point was to prove that a student must have the desire to learn in order to achieve a better quality of life or else it is a complete waste of their money by going to college. Edmundson persuades his reader very well throughout his essay, he knows exactly how to make the reader trust him, uses inductive reasoning, as well as uses the composition fallacy to lure the reader into believing whatever it is he has to say. Edmundson starts by portraying a trustworthy persona in the beginning of his article, but changes direction as we conclude reading. We are bound to respect him because of course we know he is a professor who has had a lot of experience within his career. When we begin reading Edmundson’s article we tend to believe and trust in what he’s saying to the reader because of the fact that he has taught for thirty five years and has had over four thousand students. While it is clear that college is a risky investment Edmundson fails to include the one important element that has the reader question everything he says, and that is concrete facts. What Edmundson does is add experience to his article, but at no time does he add statistics, data, or studies. He provides no evidence for his claims. Now the problem with that is that as we are reading we are taking in all of what he’s saying without there being any question about it that is until we reach the end. That’s when readers start to question Edmundson, and say well who’s to say that just because a student is not interested in one subject means that they won’t put effort into another? Despite the authors experience he fails to really bring together his article, for instance he could’ve added similar statements made from other colleagues or added on any studies that have been done on which students are really there to learn, or studies that portray what makes a good student and what makes a bad one. By the time the reader gets to the end they may realize that although it is a good article they were fooled into believing that Edmundson was a trustworthy author. Edmundson uses a lot of inductive reasoning throughout his article.
Although his arguments are strong when the reader takes a minute to evaluate his claims we realize they’re not valid points. “Thirty-five years of teaching has taught me this: The best students and the ones who get the most out of their educations are the ones who come to school with the most energy to learn” (Edmundson, para. 5). He uses examples of the students he’s had, and concludes that those students represent the vast majority. He merely arrives at his conclusions based on countless observations but none being facts. Sure he added a passage from Lionel Trilling, and mentioned the names of Blake, Nietzsche, and Freud but none gave us the information necessary as to what kinds of students truly are triumphant in a classroom. Edmundson gathers his evidence and comes to the conclusion that it is pointless for students to go college when all they’re there for is to end up with some kind of blue collar job and a less desirable debt. On this issue we have no choice but to trust Edmundson who only offers some generalizations of which students are actually good and which are bad. For example in his second to last paragraph he talks about a friend he had named Paul Rizzo, a person who wanted to know it all but ended up with the basic job of being a cab driver. Edmundson presented Rizzo as a good form of inductive reasoning because he was the type of guy that almost any student could identify themselves as, he …show more content…
was ambitious in learning and wanted to know everything, the reader likes Rizzo despite the fact that he’s hardly proof of any real evidence. In addition to the other two components that Edmundson uses to persuade his audience, the last one is the fallacy of composition.
In his article he says “I sometimes think that what the truly hungry students have in common is pretty simple: their parents loved them…” (Edmundson, para. 8). He states how only the people that come from loving homes prosper and that’s not all true. There have been a lot of hungry hearts that have come across me and while a lot came from nurturing loving homes just as many came from homes that had no foundation, broken, and sometimes had to deal with abusive and alcoholic parents. Despite whatever the circumstance was they were able to overcome it because they knew they wanted a better life for themselves. He claims that these students, the ones that have hungry hearts take their lives seriously and for that matter want to figure out how to live them better. However, I beg to differ, being a college student myself I cannot help but disagree with Edmundson’s statement. Most students that I have talked to don’t go to college just to go, they don’t work their brains out just to be there. The reason most of us attend college is to make a better living for ourselves, sometimes a person may be in college and not know what he or she may want to do for the rest of their lives and though college is seen as an investment it’s also seen as a gateway to endless career possibilities. So, yes agreeing with Edmundson a lot of people don’t show hungry hearts,
but I believe it depends on the course. A lot of the courses we take are mandatory and have almost nothing to do with what a person is pursuing as a major. When writing his article I wonder if Edmundson shared his statements with other professors. That is to say would psychologists find a class like ecology interesting? Perhaps, but I doubt that they would take the measures necessary to fully understand the material. My point is Edmundson cut corners, his observations applied to a few students that were taking his class; therefore it doesn’t mean that they apply to every student in every other classroom. As Edmundson would probably say education is essential regardless of what field you plan to go into, but only if that student will go into that classroom with a natural desire to learn. Edmundson brings his essay together by using a lot of persuasive strategies he showed to be a trustworthy person when he wasn’t, used inductive reasoning, and used the composition fallacy. However, he failed in putting this essay together because of his inability to bring facts to the article, not just that but also pinpointing all students to be the same just because of what he saw in his classrooms. Each student will find enthusiasm for certain studies in their own way. They may absorb and connect more with some courses more than others but that doesn’t mean that just because they don’t want to find out every detail about a certain subject means that they have wrongfully invested their time and money by going to college.
Edmundson was considered one of the “interesting” teachers because of the fact he would tell jokes in order to keep the students interested, since it was the one way he figured worked; however, he did not “teach to amuse…or for that matter, to be merely interesting” (Edmundson, Greene-Lidinsky 390). College students get to pick their professors and they have to ability to find out if the professor is to their liking, or else they can just drop the class and/or find a better-suited professor. Edmundson felt as though the student’s “passion seems to be spent,” and that “university culture” is becoming more and more “devoted to consumption and entertainment” (Edmundson, Greene-Lidinsky 391). Furthermore, colleges make it even worse due to the fact that they make the campuses beautiful in order to attract students to apply, so students attend those campuses imagining that the classes will be just as
In the essay, “We Send Too Many Students To College” by Marty Nemko, he argues that, contrary to popular belief, college is not for everybody. Nemko states that colleges accept numerous high school graduates every year, when they know that if the student did not do well in high school, they have a very low chance of actually acquiring a degree. However, If someone is fortunate enough to graduate from college and obtained a degree that costed them an exceptional amount of money, it is likely that they will have to settle for a job they could have “landed as a high school dropout”. Colleges are just out for money, and the only way they can get money is by accepting countless students into their “business”, whether the student will prosper from it or not is a different story. The article reports that there is no proof that students actually learn and remember everything they get taught during their college education. In fact, some college seniors failed tests that should be easily and accurately completed, and instead of these institutions getting penalized perhaps, they are “rewarded
The main point to Caroline Bird’s article is that college has never been able to work its magic for everyone (15). I totally agree with this statement. Many of the high school graduates today are not mature enough to attend college immediately out of high school. Since they have been in school for thirteen years, students are thinking of some “me” time after graduation. They are not ready to settle down in a serious academic environment. My oldest daughter graduated from high school in the spring of 2009 then attended her first semester of college the following fall. She dropped out after her first semester because college was harder than she thought. She was working part-time in addition to going to school full time. There was always an outside distraction to keep her from her studies. Her grades were positive proof that students must be serious about college to gain something from attending to college.
In the article “College is Not a Commodity. Stop treating it like one,” Hunter Rawlings explains how people today believe that college is a commodity, but he argues that it’s the student’s efforts; which gives value to their education. Rawlings states that in recent years college has been looked at in economic terms, lowering its worth to something people must have instead of earn. As a professor Rawlings has learned that the quality of education has nothing to do with the school or the curriculum, but rather the student’s efforts and work ethic. Rawlings explains the idea that the student is in charge of the success of his or her own education, and the professor or school isn’t the main reason why a student performs poorly in a class. Rawlings
The teachers interviewed in this film discussed that once students begin looking into the hefty cost that comes with college they become quite discouraged because they are not aware of ways to get some of the cost eliminated such as qualifying for FAFSA, application wavers and multiple scholarships they could apply for. Not only is the financial aspect intimidating, but these students do not understand how much profit they could potentially make off of a student loan. Not only can these students make more money and benefit from a possible loan along with avoiding some financial struggles, they can also work to benefit their futures. For example, Soma, discusses that before his father passed away his father encouraged him to get a college degree, with that being said, if these students were to attain a college degree they could help their families In the future, live with a sense of accomplishment and break the cycle of low socioeconomic status, allowing them to thrive in their future. With the lack of knowledge first generation students possess, they are typically unable to see the benefits they would have if they attended a college and attained a
“Michelle earned six small scholarships, two of which are renewable for next year, and took out a federal loan. She also works 16 hours a week in the financial – aid office at the university.” (61). With Wallechinsky providing Michelle and her mother’s story it helps many relate or agree of the high payment for our education. Immigrants come to the U.S hoping for an education and opportunities. To have opportunities, for example jobs, a family, and social mobility an education is needed. Our education is the key to many of our dreams but on the other hand it’s one of the main things holding many back. That doesn’t mean that all people have given up for example Wallechinsky states, “Middle class respondents surveyed say they take responsibility for their own financial destiny and believe that they will succeed or fail based on their own efforts. Still, many are downsizing their dreams” (61). This states that many have positive mindsets that believe that the effort and determination to work is the reason for their financial status. But by them downgrading their dreams it shows how our effort and hard work isn’t going to make wages get higher. However, David Wallechinsky has a point to question the existent of the American Dream as many blame
people agree with the state that Liz borrows from Thomas Jefferson, "Everybody should have an education proportional to their life,"(Addison 256). Unfortunately, the average income between rich and poor in America is not accurate, everyone supposed to become somebody in life; college gives opportunity to everyone who wants to do so, to become whatever they want, and at any age with a low cost. as much as the income level between rich and poor in America stays unbalanced; college will always be there to gives opportunity to people who want to learn, but cannot afford to attend university. Liz Addison points out an example in the article. It describes “a college application essay workshop for low-income students” (Addison 256). This is suitable for low-income students, but it doesn’t mention an education at universities. People who go to community college have a lot trouble to find jobs which can allow them to pay their debt after graduate. However, in university you are more likely to find and job and be able to pay your
The author Charles Murray says there are too many people going to college without really saying it. The essay is written in a way that his audience will understand by the time they finish reading that he has many valid points. He Persuades his readers with facts and counters arguments to false stereotypes involving college and success. By questioning whether college is for everyone makes "you" the reader want to rethink if your time spent in college was really worth it in the end.
Policymakers pushed for the reconstruction of college financing models, into what we now have today, as a profitable student loan market has emerged (Rossi). Although Edmundson agrees that colleges and universities do not offer today what they once were envisioned to, his opinion on why greatly differs from an emerging possibility. Edmundson in his essay outlines a student body, wholeheartedly content with an education system created entirely for show, rather than the widening of perspective, as a liberal arts education was once meant to do. When detailing student responses to his teachings, Edmundson writes that, “most of all I dislike the attitude of calm consumer expertise that pervades the responses. I 'm disturbed by the serene belief that my function -- and, more important, Freud 's, or Shakespeare 's, or Blake 's -- is to divert, entertain, and interest.” The interest of the students, in the opinion of Edmundson, is supremely consumerist in nature, as defined by their inability to “see intellectual work as a confrontation between two people, student and author, where the stakes matter. ” He goes on to argue that, “university culture, like
In recent years, many have debated whether or not a college education is a necessary requirement to succeed in the field of a persons’ choice and become an outstanding person in society. On one hand, some say college is very important because one must contribute to society. The essay Three Reasons College Still Matters by Andrew Delbanco shows three main reasons that students should receive their bachelor’s degree. On the other hand, many question the point of wasting millions of dollars on four years or maybe more to fight for highly competitive jobs that one might not get. Louis Menand wrote an article based on education titled Re-Imagining Liberal Education. This article challenges the main thought many americans have after receiving a secondary education. Louis Menand better illustrates the reasons why a student should rethink receiving a post secondary education better than Andrew Delbanco’s three reasons to continue a person’s education.
Students are constantly spending money over the course of four years or longer, on so many things from tuition, to dorm rooms, textbooks, and the basic needs like food and water. Many college students are coming straight out of high school. Some of them had jobs, and others did not. If I knew that I had to spend so much money, on everything, right away. I would’ve started working when I was five. Fortunately, I have parents who pay for my tuition, and help me pay for textbooks, and other things I need. But some people don’t have parents who can support their college education, or if they have paid, the cost might build up, and they can no longer afford to pay for school. So they have to withdraw or dropout. This also goes with a small part as to why I believe that college dropout rates are high, like I said, it gets too expensive for people that they can no longer attend college, without going into major debt. Gutting also talks about how, college students get these unrealistic ideas of what college life is from movies, and television shows, making it look like a dream place to go. Don’t get me wrong college can be an amazing time and place to experience new things, but the over exaggeration from the movies and
Murray believes that students should receive a liberal education, yet they should not have to wait until college to do so (Murray 225). Murray states that a person should not be forced to obtain a college-level liberal education, simply because they are capable of doing so (Murray 228). On higher education, Murray says, “A large proportion of people who are theoretically able to absorb a liberal education have no interest in doing so.” (Murray 228). Regardless of the fact that a person fits the criteria enabling them to pursue a college degree, does not necessarily mean that they should, if they are not interested. It is more logical to teach students extensively before the time of college, instead of leaving out information and forcing them to attend a school (Murray 225). However, Addison disagrees with this ideology, and believes that a college education is essential to growing up.
Studying a university degree is one of the biggest achievements of many individuals around the world. But, according to Mark Edmunson, a diploma in America does not mean necessarily studying and working hard. Getting a diploma in the United States implies managing with external factors that go in the opposite direction with the real purpose of education. The welcome speech that most of us listen to when we started college, is the initial prank used by the author to state the American education system is not converging in a well-shaped society. Relating events in a sarcastic way is the tone that the author uses to explain many of his arguments. Mark Edmunson uses emotional appeals to deliver an essay to the people that have attended College any time in their life or those who have been involved with the American education system.
It seems as though the majority of college students these days aren’t looking to further their education because it’s what they really want, they do it to please their parents, to be accepted by society, or because there’s nothing else for them to do (Bird, 372). These expectations have led to students being unhappy and stressed, and have pushed them into a school or a job that they don’t particularly care for.
Although most of his evaluations are favorable, he was fearful of the comments that his class was also enjoyable; Edmundson doesn’t teach to amuse nor interest. He possesses the genuine passion of spreading knowledge resulting in hearing the students talk of how the course changed them as a person, an individual. (Edmundson, p.390). Addressing the culture of the university Edmundson believes they are more devoted to the consumer consumption and entertainment values. The quality of education is declining due to giving the consumer what they want, rather what they need. Higher learning is shifting towards a society that is sophisticated with technology. The marketing side of decisions that are made with the finances and education are primarily for money being placed their pockets and making sure it stays there due to their tenure and permanent seats. They will always have a job, but what about the decisions for the quality of the education? Or having to cover the expenses of staying current with the newest technology and amenities as well? In order to keep balance in all of this the school will usually raise tuition which causes a chain reaction of rising costs for everything. With the rise of costs, school becomes undesirable to the students who aren’t able to afford it, or the ones who go into debt