I don’t know what the purpose of schools is. Does anyone really know? Do we have schools in order to create citizens that can function in our society? In that case should schools focus only on producing polite and kind students? Throw spelling and math out the window and make sure that each and every student knows how to navigate the world without ticking everyone else off? Please and Thank You Primary School?
Another way to look at it is that schools are basically an economic training ground producing potential workers. In that case should we have Engineering Elementary? Janitorial Middle School?
Does it matter how a person is intelligent? Is what we test for in schools actually skills that we value? Is your favorite person the best speller ever produced from his alma mater? Do you even know anything about his spelling skills? If those are things that do not matter to you at the end of the day, why is such a big stress on them?
Here in class we are beginning things off in the broadest possible way. We are starting with big-picture philosophy. These are classes that I love. I hope that I can keep toying with these ideas throughout the next 10 months and the rest of my life.
Another way to look at it is that schools are basically an economic training ground producing potential workers. In that case should we have Engineering Elementary? Janitorial Middle School?
Does it matter how a person is intelligent? Is what we test for in schools actually skills that we value? Is your favorite person the best speller ever produced from his alma mater? Do you even know anything about his spelling skills? If those are things that do not matter to you at the end of the day, why is such a big stress on them?
Here in class we are beginning things off in the broadest possible way. We are starting with big-picture philosophy. These are classes that I love. I hope that I can keep toying with these ideas throughout the next 10 months and the rest of my life.
2 comments:
Great questions! What do you think the answer(s) is(are)?
I believe that we educate children for the bigger notion of self-actualization and discovery of mission, talent, and joy. If we help kids find what they like and help them know they can always re-form and become different and better. You don't always have to be a janitor, nor a neurosurgen. In fact, Judy Willis is a junior high teacher after 30 years of practicing neurology!
Keep asking the questions, it helps me see better.
Dad
I think that you are right on Pops. Equipping students with the tools vital to reaching happiness is core.
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