No Wonder We Can't Spell
Spelling Test
Education
It is probably true to say that one subject that seemed to have given most of us, the most trouble at school, was spelling.
It is said that spelling is important, it helps us get our message over.
Many bosses will look at spelling on job applications, to determine a persons educational standard.
Why is this the case though: if what is said below is true?
Is It True?
It has been siad taht: the brian deos not raed lettres it only raeds wrods, so as lnog as you strat and finish with the corerct lettres and hvae the corect amuont of letters the barin can read it.
Bias
Considering the above, do we pay too much importance on a person’s ability to spell?
Surely the importance should be more on their ability to get a message across.
A person may be otherwise, remarkably intelligent, just has a problem with spelling. This could unfairly hold him back.
Although spelling has always seemed to be a major criteria in initially determining a person’s intellectual standard, to me incorrectly, it has now become even less credible. With the abundance of computers in the work place today and their spell check features, the otherwise most inept speller, can produce a perfectly spelt document in minimal time.
School Assistence
Conclusion
Given that today, due to texting on cell phones, people are more adept at communicating at a younger age and this texting gets messages across without perfect spelling, surely the ability to spell correctly is becoming redundant.
Considering the amount of time spent by teachers and the pressure caused to students, shouldn’t educational values now be re-evaluated?
When teaching math, calculators are not allowed in class and in many cases students are asked not to use them for homework. This is understandable, as basic math is still essential knowledge.
This is not the case with English. Most schools now seem to encourage, if not insist on, assignments being completed in print, thereby accepting the use of a spell check.
Today, more than ever, priority in accessing a person’s intellect should rest with their ability at math, legible writing and clarity in thought. Communication is no longer dependent on a person’s ability to spell, only his ability to get a message across.
Result
Having had the poll up for two days, it would appear that everybody could read the paragraph.
So this, begs the question: why is spelling so important?
Does it show a persons ability to memorize?
Does it show a persons ability to rationalize?
Does it show a persons wisdom?
Or does it show a persons intellect?
I would say that it displays the first one, the ability to memorize and does not give any guidance as to the other three.
So, could it be said that our society is unnaturally biased. Perhaps being a little unfair to those that cannot spell?
If, as the poll shows, that the ability to get your message across, is not dependent on your ability to spell, then why should you be penalized in any way.