01/22/20

Amongst all the classes I took as a student in High School, my best experiences come from taking AP English Senior year. Over the course of the year I improved the most on my writing and critical thinking. I attribute the majority of this growth towards practical exercises such as writing peer review and reflection. Activities like this not only corrected my writing, but also strengthened my confidence and opened my eyes to new ways of thinking. While I took almost everything we did for granted in High School, I now realize the advantage that this gave me over so many other students. This approach to learning is supported by EL Education’s “Core Practices: A Vision for Improving Schools.” Within this textbook, teaching designs are explored to further construct learning expeditions and achievement. The concept of peer review and consulting can also be found again in John Dewey’s “Philosophical Documents in Education.” In chapter 8 of this book Dewey discusses the implications of human interaction in learning. The idea that “men associate together in all kinds of ways and for all kinds of purposes” supports the idea of discussion within the classroom. Dewey also notes that a “lack of the free and equitable intercourse” can lead to an intellectual imbalance. To put this more simply, Dewey explains that the greatest improvement is found in diversity and being challenged by others. The greatest point that Dewey made in this chapter is that “isolation makes for rigidity and formal institutionalizing of life.” I have found through my own experience that the best way to accomplish this design is through controlled constructive criticism among my own peers. The opportunity to correct and learn from students at the same level offers unique perspectives like no other.