Harry T. Roman Putting Student

Harry T. Roman

Putting Student Enthusiasm to Work

The Technology Teacher 66 no5 14-16 F. 2007

What better way to get the support of the community for the area school system than to show them the "out-of-the-box" thinking that the children are doing? That is the main premise of this article by Roman (2007). It is Roman's argument that there should be a more significant connection between public school students and the town/city's organizations. This is similar to the collaboration of colleges and external companies on marketing, research and similar projects, just at a much younger level.

Roman recognizes that children and youth are not going to be able to come up ways to solve complex needs. However, their untainted views on different subjects may just clear the cobwebs and provide a new way of looking at things. Sometimes it does not take a major change or super science to solve a problem -- just some common sense and fresh ideas.

Personally, I could see how this could work in some situations -- especially with businesses that cater to children. If a restaurant was designing a menu and decor for a large children's contingency, their input would be helpful. Junior high and high school students and especially those going to community colleges are quite marketing con and most likely can provide some insight. The benefits would go both ways. The students could learn more about what these businesses do and have a better idea of what careers are available after graduation. It would also be a very positive way to build self-esteem for those who lend their support to the problem.

There are a couple of issues that are not addressed in this article, however. Roman gives the directive, "Why not harness this enthusiasm (of the students) and allow it to make your school shine?" The emphasis here is on enthusiasm. The third reading of this article, or "reading against," concerns the assumption that Roman is making: That is, the teachers and the business community will be in favor of this collaboration and get the ball going.

Due to the "No Child Left Behind" initiative as well as increased stress on testing results and making sure that students complete greater amounts of learning, teachers have been more hard pressed to get everything done in the school year. Increasingly, as society's problems become more complex, teachers also have to deal more with helping students who bring their personal needs into the classroom. For example, more children and youth come from single-parent households and often require more support outside of the home as they did before. Teachers frequently have to wear a number of different hats in addition to educator. Additional programs, such as that mentioned by Roman, may be seen as a burden -- regardless if the teacher recognizes the value.