Challenges v.s. Assignments

The challenges on “Top Chief” and “Project Runway” have both similarities and differences in comparison to the assignments that have been given to English 101 classes. The challenges and assignments can both be viewed as a test or an analysis of the skill level of the contestants or students. For example many of the assignments given to the students require them to read something then reflect or write something and reflect. I feel this demonstrates that the judges of the portfolios at the end of the semester will be really hard to please so right now the professors are attempting to push the idea of first off, using resources and research to your advantage, and second, to re-read and reflect on your own essay to ensure that you aren’t forgetting anything or handing in mediocre work. This could be a very good approach to the semester but it could solely be preparing us for the portfolio rather than or writing years to come. Then the contestants on Top Chief or Project Runway are being put to the test by the judges because the judges will give them specific tasks to complete that may seem crazy but will overall tech them something about themselves. The contestants are given the challenges that will make them think on their feet and expand their horizons. So if and when they get the job as a chief or a designer they are able to do things that perhaps no one has ever seen before. By doing this the judges are challenging the contestants but, do these challenges really help the contestant’s skills? Despite the similarities, of the challenges on these shows, and the assignments in these classes they also have differences. Due to the fact that the assignments typically require the students to practice, practice, practice, just with a different sort of twist each time but technically teaching the same ideas. Ideas like check your work, use your resources, follow directions, be creative, and make sure you have a purpose. Whereas in many cases on these television shows, to make them more entertaining, the judges will assign challenges that don’t really help the contestants with skill building. The challenges can help them broaden their imaginations and make them really think but that’s not teaching them much on how to improve their cooking or designing. I feel that the English 101 assignments are overall a better way to improve yourself even if the television series challenges are more fun.