Reflections
The number of words in my blog has officially surpassed the maximum for Extended Essays. Perhaps my time might be better used in the aforementioned endeavour, but I certainly don't intend to pay any attention to logic.
_
I remember once long ago, a project assigned by a Grade 4 science teacher. As far as elementary work goes, it was fairly independent- we had been assigned into groups, and were required to conduct our own research. All of this would culminate in a presentation to other members of the class.
I suppose it was very nearly a novelty, working in groups independently, and I, through some distorted thought process, envisioned this as a way to demonstrate my prowess in the realm of science. Therefore, I confidently offered to take the helm of my group, and decided that our presentation would be so memorable elementary teachers would discuss it for years to come, coming together quietly at Staff meetings and shaking their heads with wonder at the brilliance of one of their students. Wary of entrusting others with this precious and careful work, I opted to do everything by myself- my group members were not displeased at this prospect, and sat back happily as I launched myself wilfully into oblivion.
When I emerged, fully aware of the amount of work I had assigned myself, it was with startling lucidity on our topic, and I felt as though I could talk for hours. I prepared a duotang for each of my group members (this was elementary, there was an inordinate obsession with duotangs) and felt confident that our presentation would meet my lofty amibitions.
Of course, my group members as I really should've expected, didn't know a thing. They stared blankly at my neatly organized duotang, turning to me with plantive eyes and looking grateful when I started talking in their stead.
That was the lesson I learned then, and yet I repeat the mistake to this date. Is this the eternal plight of an overachiever?
_
I wrote the SAT II's today. I have had some misconceptions on the nature of American education for quite some while- namely, I have always believed that American education was far more simplistic than Canadian, and easier at that. I used to scoff with none too subtle disdain, when the topic of american high school's were brought up, commenting on the challenges that tough Canadian students have to face. But the SAT II's, which test on material learned in the course of high school, were hard. One question that had me completely eluded, was on the nature of insects and their...er....reproduction. Although I was ably assisted by an explicit diagram, I could still not for the life of me figure out where the necessary organs were located. Really, who studies this, and is expected to memorize it for an internationally administered test? Mind you, I suppose Kathryn would know......
_
I caught someone cheating in class, and after vacillating over whether I should report the incident or not, thankfully found out that it had already been done. Now I feel as though I've been thrown in a raging conflagration, as though I sparked this fire by telling the truth. It seems to have invited more trouble than it was worth. The person who cheated, considered intelligent and well liked, is certainly not the kind of person to bring idle accusations against. I know, however, that I am speaking the truth and find myself frustrated at this person's glib denial, and apparant lack of guilt. I was even given a menacing phone call by this person, not at all with a tone of innocence.
'Are you sure of what you saw?' the person said, in a dark tone, that seemed to be trying to elicit a particular response. I feel as though I've been planted in the midst of a very bad Encyclopedia Brown, whereby innocent school politics are embellished until they seem tantamount to murder. We even drew a diagram of where the crime/cheating took place.
Now all we need is Hercule Poirot.
_
I remember once long ago, a project assigned by a Grade 4 science teacher. As far as elementary work goes, it was fairly independent- we had been assigned into groups, and were required to conduct our own research. All of this would culminate in a presentation to other members of the class.
I suppose it was very nearly a novelty, working in groups independently, and I, through some distorted thought process, envisioned this as a way to demonstrate my prowess in the realm of science. Therefore, I confidently offered to take the helm of my group, and decided that our presentation would be so memorable elementary teachers would discuss it for years to come, coming together quietly at Staff meetings and shaking their heads with wonder at the brilliance of one of their students. Wary of entrusting others with this precious and careful work, I opted to do everything by myself- my group members were not displeased at this prospect, and sat back happily as I launched myself wilfully into oblivion.
When I emerged, fully aware of the amount of work I had assigned myself, it was with startling lucidity on our topic, and I felt as though I could talk for hours. I prepared a duotang for each of my group members (this was elementary, there was an inordinate obsession with duotangs) and felt confident that our presentation would meet my lofty amibitions.
Of course, my group members as I really should've expected, didn't know a thing. They stared blankly at my neatly organized duotang, turning to me with plantive eyes and looking grateful when I started talking in their stead.
That was the lesson I learned then, and yet I repeat the mistake to this date. Is this the eternal plight of an overachiever?
_
I wrote the SAT II's today. I have had some misconceptions on the nature of American education for quite some while- namely, I have always believed that American education was far more simplistic than Canadian, and easier at that. I used to scoff with none too subtle disdain, when the topic of american high school's were brought up, commenting on the challenges that tough Canadian students have to face. But the SAT II's, which test on material learned in the course of high school, were hard. One question that had me completely eluded, was on the nature of insects and their...er....reproduction. Although I was ably assisted by an explicit diagram, I could still not for the life of me figure out where the necessary organs were located. Really, who studies this, and is expected to memorize it for an internationally administered test? Mind you, I suppose Kathryn would know......
_
I caught someone cheating in class, and after vacillating over whether I should report the incident or not, thankfully found out that it had already been done. Now I feel as though I've been thrown in a raging conflagration, as though I sparked this fire by telling the truth. It seems to have invited more trouble than it was worth. The person who cheated, considered intelligent and well liked, is certainly not the kind of person to bring idle accusations against. I know, however, that I am speaking the truth and find myself frustrated at this person's glib denial, and apparant lack of guilt. I was even given a menacing phone call by this person, not at all with a tone of innocence.
'Are you sure of what you saw?' the person said, in a dark tone, that seemed to be trying to elicit a particular response. I feel as though I've been planted in the midst of a very bad Encyclopedia Brown, whereby innocent school politics are embellished until they seem tantamount to murder. We even drew a diagram of where the crime/cheating took place.
Now all we need is Hercule Poirot.
posted by gah at 4:39 PM
1 Comments:
I remember everything that isn't important, and forget those things which need to be remembered.
Meh.
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