Oh, that one is so beautiful. I have always kind of had a problem with the whole busting-the-cheaters thing. I mean, if the cheater cheats off someone who doesn't have the right answer, they're kind of stupid for not finding the right person to cheat off of...so hopefully, lesson learned, right?
But conversely, if the cheater cheats off someone who has the right answer...she just learned something. Like, she sort of collaborated...didn't she? Just in a back-door kind of way.
Soooooooo...would it not make more sense to ENCOURAGE collaboration so that EVERYONE learns?
And you know what? They loved it! And they did well! And you know who else loved it?
The principal.
Not cheating. Learning.
Use Google to find the answers to the following questions. You are not allowed to copy and paste your answers. Please answer in your own words.
1. How many udders does a cow have?
a. 12
b. 4
c. 5
d. too many to count. Haha, this is the wrong answer. Don't choose this one. JULIO, DO NOT CHOOSE THIS ONE. Seriously, dude.
2. Describe why a cow chews its cud.
3. Tell a joke about why a cow didn't really ever go to Chik-Fil-A.
4. Describe the process of milking a cow, in your own words.
5. Name three differences between a Holstein and a Texas Longhorn.
6. Find something you think is VERY interesting about cows, that you learned from searching Google. Tell me WHY it's interesting. It has to be something you really think is interesting! If I don't believe you, I'll send it back. Convince me. I'm talking to YOU, BERTA.
HERE'S HOW WE LEARN IN THE REAL WORLD:
"looking stuff up"
WANT to know something? Look it up! Usually on Google.
Want to learn how to do something? YouTube. Pinterest. Bam, I know how to install a faucet and build a fence.
I use the "Fruit Bat Scenario" a lot to describe our current public education system's obsession with what I view as random content (such as standards like "2nd grade students will identify the habits and habitats of fruit bats"), and a very light-to-nonexistent emphasis on actual skills. I ask you: when were YOU last asked on a job interview - or in a job-related task - about your depth of knowledge of fruit bats?