The difference between Katherine Watson's teaching methods in comparison to Charles Dickens' is simply that Dickens only focuses on the facts rather than a personal opinion. Watson wants her students to think outside the box, create their own opinion and think for themselves. Dickens does not give any concern for his students as a person but a number in a classroom that will learn the same information we have been taught for years.

I loved how toward the end of the movie the girls started have more of a voice weather that be toward each other, staff, or their parents. These woman began to realize that not only do they have to conform but they can have their own ideas and perceptions of things around them. Today it is nothing out of the ordinary to see a woman voice her opinion but during the time of the movie (1954) this was seen as disrespectful, or out of "place". I enjoyed seeing this transition along with the movie.

                                                      Mona Lisa Smile:




I personally have seen this movie several times and it is very based based during a time period where women conformed to nothing more than what they have had planned for them from day one which is to marry and become mother and wife for the rest of their life. The professor Ms. Watson wants the girls in her class to become something more than what they have been told they have to be. She goes against not only the guidelines of her job but also against the social standard of this time. It is an inspiring movie and I am eager to see peoples opinions of it.

In a college setting ; exams/tests are not taken near as often making them harder to pass . College exams consist of a large amount of material that may have been covered as far back as 2-3 weeks ago! So for High School students, imagine every test you take is to the equivalent of your six weeks exams. College professors are not required to give a review like so many High School teachers baby their students with these days. Students (including myself) need to learn to prepare for tests on their own which is not something they feel incapable of doing. In my opinion the STARR has to be hardest test considering we go all year long "preparing" for a test that we have no idea what is on it! I feel this test deters our education because teachers feel they cannot go into depth over certain subject while still staying within the criteria of the STARR. Easier tests would be your run of the mill weekly tests given by our teachers. Again, this does include myself but there really is no reason to fail any test unless there is just an error in the test itself. Students have plenty of opportunities to both study and receive help from parents, teachers, or fellow classmates. Unfortunately other things tend to be more "important".