Academic Streaming vs. Library Technology Debates
Student Streaming: Benefits vs. Mixed Ability Classes
Some people contend that mixed-ability classes are more beneficial for children’s development than streaming them based on judgments about their academic abilities. However, from my perspective, I disagree with this contention.
Arguments for Mixed Ability Classes
Admittedly, mixed-ability classes provide a better environment for children’s all-around development. In such classes, children with different abilities study together, and in turn, they can learn from one another. For example, a student who is good at academic study but weak in dancing or painting can learn how to dance or paint from their peers. In this sense, mixed-ability classes allow students to develop their abilities in different subjects instead of only academic abilities.
Advantages of Streaming for Teachers and Students
Despite the argument above, I believe streaming students offers more benefits to teachers and students. As for teachers, separating children with better academic abilities from others facilitates effective teaching. This practice helps teachers control their students more conveniently and easily. Compared with mixed-ability classes, in which teachers must consider students’ differences when choosing teaching methodologies, streaming makes this situation simpler. To be more specific, students are at the same level of academic ability in a class, and in turn, teachers can use the same methodologies for them all. In this way, the narrower the spread of ability in the class, the more convenient the teaching can be.
Effective Learning Through Streaming
On top of this, streaming enables students to learn effectively. According to students’ different abilities, they are taught in different ways that are more suitable for them. In the top streams, students use more difficult materials; therefore, they can learn more. In sharp contrast, teachers can explain the material more slowly to those in bottom streams. Under this circumstance, students with different academic abilities can study effectively and efficiently.
Conclusion on Student Streaming
In the final analysis, mixed-ability classes are beneficial for students’ versatile development, but in my opinion, segregating students based on different academic ability is better for both teachers and students.
Modernizing Public Libraries with Technology
With the proliferation of high-tech media, some people hold that public libraries will be rendered obsolete if they do not offer software, videos, or DVDs to their users, while others assert it is only a waste of limited resources and that libraries should offer books only.
The Role of High-Tech Media in Libraries
High-tech media is, in many ways, indeed superior to books in terms of entertainment, attraction, and functionality. For instance, videos and DVDs function as visual aids, allowing people to have a first-hand experience even if they have not physically visited or seen the objects introduced in books. Also, although installing audio-visual equipment can be prohibitive, the capital cost could be lowered by appealing to a sizable number of users.
Software, Internet Access, and Digital Literacy
More importantly, software can assist library goers in accessing the Internet to update their knowledge daily. In contrast, books typically take multiple months to be published, which in turn renders their contents outdated to some extent. In addition, recognizing that computer literacy has become an essential skill, public libraries should take on the responsibility of educating their users on how to operate a computer.
Enhanced Resource Sharing
Furthermore, it is common practice for most public libraries to share their resources via the Internet. In this way, even if a book of interest cannot be found in one library, the borrower can still locate the book in other libraries and then request that librarians transfer the book to their particular library.
Conclusion on Library Modernization
In conclusion, public libraries would benefit in multiple ways if they are equipped with high-tech media.