Advocacy and skepticism are essential to fostering critical thinking among students

The 2023-2024 school year was unprecedented. We now have a moment to reflect on the role of education in our society before we move forward. Over my career, I’ve come to realize that education has more to do with asking questions than providing answers.

When I began writing a weekly column on education, I thought it was to expand the reach of my classroom. I’ve since recognized that writing legitimizes the message I am trying to share with my students. How can I tell them that they are important, that their voice matters in a democracy, and that they should express it however they see fit if I am unwilling to do so? How can I tell them to engage in respectful dialogue, acknowledging that I, too, am on a quest for truth unless I live these ideals?

In 1988, Noam Chomsky and Edward Herman wrote, “The media’s job is not to educate us; it is to guide public opinion along acceptable lines, marginalizing and excluding dissidents who challenge state or corporate power.”

Photo by Michael Mims

Photo by Michael........

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