Reflection 2: Sparked by the videos from week 3 featuring Jeff Hopkins
Generally, School systems are supposed to be designed to educate the youth and prepare them for adult life, yet many feel they fail to do this. Many school systems struggle because they rely on outdated structures, push standardized testing and grading over valuable learning, and do not always consider the diverse needs of students. The education system should empower individualism and strengthen society while laying the foundation for the rest of life and its challenges.
One of the main reasons the current school systems fail is that its structure was designed during the industrial era and has not significantly progressed since. Schools generally operate using stiff schedules, a standardized curriculum, and expectations for students. This system assumes that all students learn the same way and at the same pace, which is rarely the case. Students have different interests, learning styles, and abilities, so when forced to conform to a system that does not support their learning, students inevitably fall behind or are discouraged.
Another issue is the heavy use of standardized testing and grading. In western education systems, success is usually based on exam results and numerical grades. While some assessments can gauge progress, heavy reliance can lead to a shift in focus away from genuine, valuable learning. Students may only learn to memorize information for a short period of time just to pass a test rather than retainand really understand the content. This can lead to students passing with strong test-taking skills but not having a broader understanding of the subjects’ concepts and researching abilities that school is supposed to provide.
Also, the curriculum and content of many schools do not feel relevant to students’ lives and future goals. Subjects are generally taught in isolation from outside, real-world applications. When students cannot see how what they are learning connects to their personal lives, interests, or career aspirations, they can lose confidence and feel disconnected from the environment. Education is most effective when students can understand and visualize how what they are learning connects to them beyond the classroom.
Understanding the current weaknesses is an important step towards improving them. Education works best when curiosity is encouraged, unique learners are supported, and students’ personal lives are focused on, rather than exam scores or numerical grades. One of the reasons I enjoy this class is that it allows you to pursue your own interests and encourages you to be curious within a supportive network. It’s what more school systems should be structured like; to support students on a journey of their own inquiry, and to help them when needed, rather than conform them to an outdated system that does not prepare them for their future.