Do the essentialist teachers give up teaching basics if students are not interested?

Essentialist teachers generally believe in a core body of knowledge and skills that all students should master. They wouldn't necessarily *give up* teaching the basics if students aren't initially interested, but their approach to teaching those basics might change. They'd likely try different pedagogical strategies to engage students and make the material more relevant and accessible. This might involve:

* Finding more engaging methods: Instead of lecturing, they might use hands-on activities, projects, technology, or real-world examples to make the basics more interesting.

* Connecting to student interests: They might find ways to connect the core curriculum to students' existing interests, even if it's seemingly tangential. For example, using a student's love of video games to illustrate principles of physics or math.

* Differentiated instruction: They might adapt their teaching to meet the individual needs and learning styles of students, providing different levels of support and challenge.

* Emphasizing the importance of the basics: They'd likely work to help students understand *why* the basics are important for future learning and success, framing them as building blocks for more advanced knowledge and skills.

However, they wouldn't likely abandon the core curriculum altogether. The essentialist philosophy prioritizes transmitting a fundamental body of knowledge and skills, regardless of immediate student interest. They believe that students may not appreciate the value of the basics at first, but that mastery is essential for future success. Therefore, while their *method* might adapt, their commitment to teaching the fundamentals usually remains steadfast.