Share the Following 1837 Observation by Ralph Waldo Emerson with Your Students

Share the following 1837 observation by Ralph Waldo Emerson with your students: “The mind of this country, taught to aim at low objects, eats upon itself.”

“What does he mean? Do you think his statement accurately reflects the ‘mind of this country’ today?” Prompt students to support their ideas and views with concrete examples. Next, ask:

“What are the possible consequences of anti-intellectualism for our country?”

Tell students that they will be working in small groups to share their responses to the survey they took at the beginning of class, and to examine key questions that the statements on it raise for them and for America. After sharing and debating their responses to the handout, each group will be responsible for addressing one of the following questions and reporting back to the larger group. Remind them to support their ideas with concrete examples and to take notes for use in the homework.

Group 1: Should students, parents, and schools just accept that some kids are smarter than others and not try to raise achievement levels? Should students who tend to struggle academically give up trying to improve their skills in and understanding of reading, writing, math, history, science, etc.? Should they give up college aspirations? Why or why not? What would happen if only those students in the very top tier of academic achievement and/or raw intelligence went to college?”

Group 2: Is being “smart” or a “good student” valued by students, teachers, and parents in our school? What effects do these attitudes have on learning? Think about our school culture here: Do students hide their grades or show them off? Is it cooler to have high grades or low grades? Is there an honor roll? Are good students rewarded? Are good students popular?

Group 3: In what ways are intellectualism, knowledge and global awareness beneficial? Why is it important to know the location of certain countries, or how our government is structured or who our Supreme Court justices are?

Group 4: Is there such a thing as too much learning? If not, why not? If so, can it be dangerous? If so, how? What does it mean to have learned too little? Can that be dangerous? If so, how?

Group 5: Why should we value intellectualism, knowledge and global awareness in a president? Why do you think some people do not?

Once each group has shared with the whole class, provide closure to the discussion by asking: “What does it mean for America that Barack Obama is openly smart and thoughtful? What does it mean for young people? And for the world? Do you think having someone like Obama as president will make it cool to be smart? Why or why not?”