Remedial classes and the IRE

Like many others who have gone through the k-12 system I find myself frustrated that teaching systems like the IRE are still in use.  For many subjects this style of teaching is necessary, subjects like math and science with clear-cut right and wrong answers.  Classes where there is only one way to arrive at the correct answer and stringent rules must be followed.  While certain aspects of English may meet this criteria, such as grammar or citation styles, writing is a flexible creative tool that shouldn’t be taught in a way that classifies wrong or right.  Rather teachers should view it as a students thoughts not clearly being expressed in the best way possible.

 

I find that the most profound learning experiences I’ve had in the classroom come from direct experience with the subject of interest.  Instructors should model correct use of whatever topic is being taught for the class instead of relying on IRE type models that seem more like drill practice.