Time to Change and Update the Education System
Pupils who dropped out of school were considered to be unsuited or lacking the ability to participate in the educational system. However, could the reasons rather be due to an out-dated school culture?
Many children are neither lazy, nor lack cognitive skill. They simply find school extremely boring. Pupils feel that most school activities do not relate to life outside of school. They are unhappy because they believe that a great deal of their time is being wasted on learning things which do not interest them, they will never need and they will eventually just forget.
Children’s creativity and independence are stifled, if they are forced to blindly conform or accept situations that they do not comprehend. Therefore, should education not equally focus on social, emotional and cultural development as well as intellectual and academic capability?
School has become to be mainly about passing tests. You pass tests to successfully finish school, to be accepted to university or a traineeship and finally to obtain a good job. However, there is no guarantee that this will end up happening.
What is then the purpose of their education? And why should parents send their children to a school that forces them to learn subjects which appear to have no practical use? It’s like asking one to put faith or invest in a product that has no guarantees or insurance policies.
Children’s creativity and independence are stifled, if they are forced to blindly conform or accept incomprehensible situations. Therefore, should education not equally focus on social, emotional and cultural development as well as intellectual and academic capability?
Pupils should acquire life-long knowledge, such as the essential academic competencies, fundamental survival skills, mental and physical health, sustainability, critical thinking, civil rights and liberties, in order to become productive and responsible members of society.
Children should be able to look back on their school life and feel that their experience has given them a sense of worth and belonging, and it has prepared them adequately for a successful future.
A piece of paper, defining simply how “clever” one is, is no longer enough. Consequently, policymakers, teachers, administrators, students, and parents should work on reforming the entire educational system and developing happier children.
In this turbulent time of climate change protest, increased social inequality, political decline and racial unrest, maybe the moment has come for a cultural and social revolution which depends on our children.
Possibly, it’s time to change with the times and listen more closely to the voices of our future generation.
Please sign the petition. Change education to a more productive, up-to-date & enjoyable experience by reforming the system to prepare children for today’s new challenges & ensuring a better future
