Sample Argumentative Essay Skills vs. Knowledge in...

Sample Argumentative Essay Skills vs. Knowledge in Education Jonan Donaldson Introduction Main Idea One: The Other Side – Learning Information is needed for tests a) Tests are the best way to compare students b) Tests measure if you understand something c) Not all students can have the same skills, but all can have the same knowledge Main Idea Two: My Side 1 – Education is about understanding a) Knowledge is limited, but imagination encircles the world (creativity) b) Knowledge is what other people think about something, but understanding is what you think. c) Everybody sees, hears, feels, and thinks differently, so each person will have a different understanding of the same thing. Main Idea Three:†¦show more content†¦If a person knows many facts, it is impressive, but not very useful. It is of much greater importance to be able to find information quickly, organize that information, analyze and understand the main ideas, put different pieces of information together (synthesize), and create new information. Together these skills make what we call information management and innovation, the skills which are most desired in the business world. Most people in the world believe that education is about remembering things to take tests which measure one’s performance against other people who have studied the same information. However, this idea no longer matches the reality of the modern world in which knowledge is less important than creativity and deep understanding. To be successful in the age of technology, education must focus on helping students gain information management and innovation skills. Sources Cited Gardner, H. (1999). Intelligence reframed: Multiple intelligences for the 21st century. New York, NY: Basic Books. Needle, Andrew, et al. (2007). Combining art and science in arts and sciences education. College Teaching