Schools
Having taught in both private and public schools I feel confident that I am qualified to write on this topic. Part of the issue I had with teaching is I saw the system of education as it stands in this country and I saw how damaging it is. It is not just lacking but it is harmful to children. Whoever thought that taking 30 kids and putting them between four walls with one adult was a good idea was totally crazy. Our modern education system was also started at a time without the amazing developments in technology that we are blessed with today. The system is old and broken and it needs some serious help.
Problem #1-
Kids are bored. With the exception of younger grade schoolers, because they haven't lost their natural sense of wonder yet, students are bored in school. Why is that? They are in the same room with the same kids every single day. If they want to know something, like for instance, how the pyramids were built, they can go to the computer and find out all about it on their own. Information is accessible to everyone in a way it never was at the time our modern school systems were started. Teaching facts is much outdated. It is the learning process that is instead in important. What do I mean by that? I mean maintaining a natural sense of curiousity, teaching reflection and analytical thinking, encouraging creative thinking, and social obligation. Yes I said social obligation. I believe this is a concept mostly unknown to modern Americans. I don't mean it to be negative as it may sound to you but let me explain. Essentially, whether we like it or not and whether we know it or not. We are all connected to each other. Our actions or lack of action have a direct impact on those around us and on our home (earth). think about it. You are feeling tired so you call in sick. Everyone at the office has to pick up the slack. you are super happy and go to the store. People there sense your joy and it lifts their spirits. You come home from work crabby and your kids are are crabby too. You wonder why everyone is so crabby. Who did it start with? My point again. We are connected. Until we really realize the importance and potential in this interconnectedness, we will continue to be a sick lonely nation of individuals on antidepressants. Not that I have anthing against antidepressants, but for one third of the nation to struggle with this issue!?! Come on people. Wake up!Feel free to join in the conversation!We need to teach our kids more than social justice. We need to teach them social obligation. More on issues with schools later ...
Hmmm, you could give ideas for my own blog posts. I concur 100%. My daughter's only in first grade and we've had plenty of struggles with the school working with her particular gifts, as well as the fact that in first grade she is just plain BORED. Every day. She could be learning, creating, and doing so much more. Schools need to be revamped and I don't see that happening anytime soon. Not when "test scores" are more important than them becoming lifelong learners and productive society members!
ReplyDeleteSome kids do well in these situations, others do not. My kids did not and I homeschooled them. They thank me for it now that they are in college, and may I say, doing very well. I was able to individualize their education, and this is where the schools are failing, and parents are failing to see that a particular school may not be the best for their child.
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