Eduction - Include Imagination
People often say that something is wrong with our public school system and that we need to do something about it. They often offer simple explanations with a couple of abstract ideas, but the problem is rooted in exactly what we've been doing and not doing the whole time.
Take this 2003 essay by Paul Graham on why nerds are unpopular. Although clearly focused on merely one aspect of our public school system, it specifies the common problem.
Before the twentieth century teenagers were considered useful. They might be apprentices to Blacksmiths, or squires to knights. Even the youngest could sweep the shop or deliver messages. But today, adults have no use for them. Teenagers would be merely a distraction at the office. And our schools have simply been created by 'default' - adults who no longer had much use for teenagers had to do something with them.
Not only is it boring, but teachers are under-supported as they try to share knowledge. Too little focus is put on cooperation and respect: even schools with r-e-s-p-e-c-t programs are not doing it at a level young people can relate to. Too little focus is placed on imagination, and creative thought. While math and science are emphasized, art and history are neglected.
Take this 2003 essay by Paul Graham on why nerds are unpopular. Although clearly focused on merely one aspect of our public school system, it specifies the common problem.
Before the twentieth century teenagers were considered useful. They might be apprentices to Blacksmiths, or squires to knights. Even the youngest could sweep the shop or deliver messages. But today, adults have no use for them. Teenagers would be merely a distraction at the office. And our schools have simply been created by 'default' - adults who no longer had much use for teenagers had to do something with them.
Not only is it boring, but teachers are under-supported as they try to share knowledge. Too little focus is put on cooperation and respect: even schools with r-e-s-p-e-c-t programs are not doing it at a level young people can relate to. Too little focus is placed on imagination, and creative thought. While math and science are emphasized, art and history are neglected.