Charles Deemer Summary

Charles Deemer made several good points about the English Composition classes of his time. He communicates a strong belief that the current structure of these classes have several flaws and could be much improved. Deemer believes that the classes are much too rigid and forbidding. Students are forced to behave according to the rigid structure, which greatly inhibits effective learning. He states that the freedom to question and basically think outside of the box is what really creates a sufficient learning experience. And, unfortunately, that's a learning experience that most students simply are not getting in these ineffective classes. In addition to the way the classes are set up, the customary relationship between the students and the teacher is also rather flawed. As Deemer described it, the teacher would typically stand behind his podium and chatter on about the subject, and the students would sit at the rear of of the classroom and listen (or space-out). During this process, the teacher is supposedly passing on a wealth of important knowledge to his students, who are soaking in everything they need to learn. But as Deemer explains, that is simply not the case. To achieve adequate learning in an English Composition class, one cannot merely sit and listen to his instructor. The student must be engaged in the lesson. Actively participating and expressing his reactions to the curriculum freely and accordingly. But in order for the students to enthusiastically engage in the class, there must not be the extreme rigidity and discipline that is sadly implemented by most teachers. Instead, teachers should engage their students and encourage their participation with freedom. This would no-doubt create a learning environment that would enable students to freely understand the curriculum and discover new innovations.