How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Ben noticed a marked improvement in preparation for class and in class participation, but he also noticed that there was less thinking behind the preparation. His students could glibly spit back answers as if by rote, but there was no analysis, no questioning on their part. (9.2)
Hmmm. Ben is making the argument that we really learn much more by asking questions and having discussions than we do by memorizing answers. Guess what: Shmoop totally agrees. Bet that one didn't surprise you.
Quote #8
A few students even said they thought the idea of increased discipline was good for them. That had surprised Ben. Over the years, discipline had become an increasingly personal responsibility. […] Perhaps one of the results of his experiment would be a general rebirth of school discipline. (9.6)
The Wave only covers nine days. During those nine days we see Ben's attitudes toward teaching go through many changes. In the earliest days of experiment, it seems to be making things easier for Ben and his students. It looks to us like the discipline is working because the students are imposing it on themselves. They find it useful, at least at first.
Quote #9
So much for the positive side of discipline, community, and action. He wondered, if he was successful in "deprogramming" the students from The Wave, how long it would be before he'd begin seeing sloppy homework again. He smiled. Is this the price you pay for freedom? (17.1)
By the end of the story, Ben understands that things like messy homework and coming late to class are nothing. He'd take that over The Wave any day. So would we.