What is the purpose of education? Looking at public school education, the purpose is to pass tests. Children are spoon fed information and are then required to regurgitate it to prove they have learned said information. In the process, our children are being dumbed down. They are only required to meet the standard instead of striving for a higher standard. I say there has to be more to education than this.
A child cannot be successful without reading, writing and arithmetic. These are the foundation for all other learning and so should be the priority in the beginning of any child's education. However, once the basics are mastered, a child should be taught how to learn for himself.
Each child is different and has different interests. Instead of being mandated to read only certain books, or to study only what is in the schoolbook (so they can pass a test), they should be encouraged to pursue their interests. After all, one's personal interests many times will lead to a career. Why not begin nurturing this early in a child's life?
Science theories and history should be explored and talked about. Children should be taught to think outside of what is generally accepted. This is how new discoveries are made.
Children should be encouraged to experiment, whether it be with science, art or music. They should be encouraged in creative play for this develops their imagination and by all means, let them write about whatever interests them at any given moment. You never know when they may write the next great story or play.
Children should have the freedom to learn and be equipped to know how to find the information they want to learn about. It is not our job to spoon feed dates and bits of information but to equip them to learn for themselves. This means teaching them how to research, follow directions, use a dictionary, encyclopedia, or the internet or find a book about the topic of interest. This is the best way we can prepare them for success no matter what they choose to do as adults.
In His Service,
Angela
