Writing Assignment 1

Question 2

Another of the sub-challenges listed in [1] was “encouraging and promoting improved science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.” However, more focus on STEM education most likely means less time for education in language arts. Briefly describe the possible disadvantages of focusing on STEM education rather than language arts.

The trend of education has slowly shifted to focus more on the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. In other words, time for education in language arts is reduced (National Academy of Engineering, 2008). In my opinion, this is not a wise action. A series of disadvantages could be brought about. Most important of all, focusing on STEM education will result in limitations in learning language arts. Language arts as one of the finest things in the world, consists of five main components, namely reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing as established by the National Council of Teachers of English (Wikipedia, 2008). Our daily communication can never be done without these components. Rome was not built in a day. In order for students to adjust their use of language to communicate effectively with different audiences, a tremendous amount of time and effort must be invested (National Council of Teachers of English, 1996). The poorer command in language will cause students to be less expressive and thus miscommunication may occur. This is a rather serious issue. When messages are not accurately conveyed, the ‘chain reaction’ will take place. The actual information is distorted to a great extent as it is passed from one party to another. Miscommunication is intolerable especially in industries where accuracy is essential, for example, engineering. One minor disadvantage would be that students are unlikely to gain a thorough understanding on the essence of a language as well as discovering its beauty. As a result, they are often blunt in words and meager in aesthetic sense. Furthermore, the hidden linguistic talent of students will most likely remain unseen. This is certainly a loss to the cultural development of a community. For these reasons, I firmly believe that reducing time for education in language arts to emphasize on STEM education is not a brilliant idea.

References

National Academy of Engineering. (2008). Introduction to the Grand Challenges of Engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008 from
http://www.engineeringchallenges.org.cms/8996/9221.aspx

National Council of Teachers of English. (1996). Standards for the English Language Arts, p.24. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from
http://www.ncte.org/store/books/standards/105977.htm

Wikipedia. (2008). Language Arts. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_arts