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The Dysfunctional American Society: How Traditional Education Fosters Passivity and Inhibits Critical Thinking
Historically, the education system in the United States has been heavily criticized for its reliance on direct or top-down instruction, socialization or brainwashing, and cultivated passivity in students. These pedagogical practices inhibit students from taking ownership of their learning, ultimately leading to a dysfunctional American society.
Direct or top-down instruction, also known as traditional teaching, involves a teacher imparting knowledge to students in a one-way communication process. This method is based on the assumption that students are passive recipients of information and that the teacher is the authority figure in the classroom. However, research has shown that this type of instruction has many weaknesses. For instance, it does not take into account the different learning styles and needs of students. As a result, some students may not fully comprehend the material, while others may get bored and disengaged. Furthermore, direct instruction can create a dependence on the teacher, leading students to become passive learners.
Socialization or brainwashing is another problematic aspect of the education system. In this context, socialization refers to the process by which individuals internalize the values, beliefs, and…
