Changes in Education:

I think the changes I would like to see in education are what work best to create productive happy honest kind individuals. If there is a system successful in that collectively, I think we should implement it.

I certainly like the idea of a system that conforms to the child’s needs, rather than bend the child to the system; if it is most beneficial. I do believe that interests should be valued and natural abilities built upon. I believe we would have a great start in life if we are steered in the right direction.

Though it sounds great for kids to learn what they gravitate to, I suspect some kids are happy to do very little. I would like to learn more about how that idea works exactly. It seems like discipline is a very necessary part of life, otherwise most of us would not eat our vegetables. People generally don’t have a natural instinct for nutrition. This also reminds me of the need to break a horse so it can be ridden. If there is a win-win situation that is less painful than what we are accustomed to then I am certainly for it.

When it comes to assessment, I don’t think it is the most crucial part of learning but it is helpful. It seems that evidence shows that it can be more destructive when there is too much importance on it. Testing ones knowledge can be motivating but it should be an enjoyable challenge. One thing that might make testing more enjoyable is if everyone feels ready for it. Perhaps if tests start out as a friend early in life, we’ll do better with them. Practice tests in elementary school could let the teacher know who is ready and who needs more help with understanding. Then when everyone is ready the real test will be more comfortable and have great results!

I have felt impressed that the school system seemed to pair up abilities with career choice much more with my kids than when I went to school. I feel that there could be a greater connection with the work place though. From what I understand only one third of college graduates work in the field they studied. This sounds very disappointing and tragic! Maybe if students were able to have hands on experience even as early as elementary school there would be more success. Students would know earlier if they are heading in the right direction or not. In my experience, assessment teaches us to persevere even if it isn’t a perfect fit; but this isn’t necessarily the best answer. I also think more interaction between school and work would make the transition easier as people would already know each other and it would likely be a good fit.