Smart Kid Hates Group Work
FAKE EDUCATION NEWS
–Queens, NY
(The most ironic and perverse crime in education today)
History teacher Derrick Barnes’ 12th grade class had just assembled into their work groups at Flushing High School in Queens, New York. After 10 minutes of frustration and futility, Tyrell Haynes, a student in Mr. Barnes’ class, delivered the following outburst (recorded on a students’ phone and transcribed below):
“I know why I’m in this group. Because I’m the only one who does any work, right? Tyrell, could you be the group facilitator? I’m sure Tyrell wouldn’t mind starting off our question map. Perhaps Tyrell could do all the work while you other four sit on your clueless asses.
Well, maybe Tyrell doesn’t want to do it today. Maybe Tyrell wants to hang back this time. Maybe Tyrell wants Tryee to summarize the main point and tell HIM what to do next. Maybe Dakotah can lead us in a discussion about questions we still have. Maybe Carlos would like to lead us in our exam study session or the next time we brainstorm about how