Kohn Discussion Questions
1. What point was Kohn trying to make by telling us the story of his wife, Alisa? Do you agree with his assessment of her? Why or why not?
2. What do you think of NelNoddings definition of the main purpose of education?
3. “Does the phrase well-educated refer to the quality of the schooling you received, or to something about you?” Discuss.
4. What, according to Kohn, are some poor definitions of being well-educated? Discuss each one.
5. Who, according to Kohn, gets to decide what it means to be well-educated? Who should?
6. Discuss the qualities of good schooling that Kohn lists. Do you agree with his assessment? Why or why not?
Summary & Critique
The Assignment:
Write a summary of Alfie Kohn’s article, “What Does It Mean to Be Well-Educated,” in which you highlight the main arguments he makes. Then, respond to his arguments by giving your opinion on where you think she gets it right and where she doesn’t and why.
The Format:
A 3-4page essay, which is typed (12-point font), double-spaced, and has one-inch margins. Please include your name, the course number, the essay number, the date and an appropriate title on the first page of your essay.
The Evaluation Criteria:
I will be assessing your essay based on the following:
• The summary should be comprehensive—you must cover all her main arguments
• The summary should be succinct—to the point
• Your responses should be thoughtful and go beyond simple agreement or disagreement
• Your essay should have a strong organizational structure—your ideas should flow one from another in a logical manner
• Good, clean, college-level writing
