The “Good Student”

Painter’s reading, “A History of Education,” discusses that the commonsense of being a “good student” is complete human development and to exemplify Christ. According to Painter, the learner must have a “healthy body, a clear and well-informed intellect, [their] sensibilities quickly susceptible to every right feeling, and a steady will whose volitions are determined by reason and an enlightened conscience” (Painter, 1886, p.2). Painter simply puts it as one developing a noble sense of manhood. The learner must also be able to attain knowledge at a fast rate and without any flaws. Painter points out that In India, their education system is flawed because “the children make but little progress ; they take a month or more to learn the alphabet, a year or two to learn to read, and still longer to write. Much time is wasted also in learning useless arithmetical tables” (19). Because some countries do not follow similar practices as the English education system, Painter refers to them as “uncivilized.” On the other hand, Kumashiro recognizes that there are many types of learners and that some students do not excel in the ways of learning that society has constructed.

Privileged Students

Some students are privileged when it comes to the commonsense idea of what it means to be a “good student.” According to Painter’s views, the students should be Christian, come from a somewhat wealthy household, and be skilled in reading and writing. This way of thinking marginalizes students who do not fit into this particular role. Kumashiro however recognizes that although there should be no expectations of what a student’s background is, the education system has privileged students who are able to sit quietly, listen attentively, and follow the guidelines without any hesitation. If a student is unable to learn this way, society views them as inadequate learners.

Historical Factors

The idea of the “good student” is shaped by historical factors because at different points in time, there are societal factors that affect this view. From Painter’s views, he discusses that often, the males should be getting an education. He also places emphasis on exemplifying Christian values. Another way historical factors affect the idea of what it means to be a good student is colonization. For example, when the British colonized India, they brought over their own ways of thinking and being. I believe colonization has disrupted many people’s ways of life and placed an emphasis on the Europeans ways of living, especially in the education system.