The School System: Broken Beyond Reform
The traditional school system is often criticized for its industrial approach, which focuses more on passing tests than actual learning. This system fails to acknowledge the diversity of learning styles and often limits students' potential. This article explores the critiques of the current educational framework and its shortcomings.
Introduction to the Industrialized School System
Rather than providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment, the current school system is structured as a division-of-labour selection system, reminiscent of an authoritarian's dream. In theory, education should be about cultivating intellectual curiosity and guiding students to discover their interests. However, this ideal is far from being realized due to institutional constraints and the focus on standardized testing.
Why the School System Fails to Foster True Learning
Education should aim to develop critical thinkers who can adapt to various situations and challenges. Yet, the traditional approach to schooling is highly structured and often fails to cater to individual learning needs. Students are often expected to absorb information in a prescribed manner, with little room for creativity or experiential learning. This rigid approach ignores the natural curiosity and diverse learning styles that students bring to the classroom.
The Author's Personal Experience
I was one of the few exceptions who struggled within the traditional schooling framework. After excelling in primary school, I found that the formalized educational system was unsuitable for my learning style. I was unable to grasp subjects due to the way they were presented, leading to academic failure. Despite my efforts, I was told to try harder, which only reinforced the notion that effort was the key to success. However, this strict approach neglected the deeper potential of students who learn through engagement with the real world and context.
Developing Independent Learning
Despite my struggles, I discovered my own interest in history and economics, which I learned easily through extracurricular reading. This realization led me to pursue higher education, including a BSc, MSc, and PhD. These degrees not only restored my confidence but also taught me that true success comes from fitting the task and objective rather than conforming to abstract protocols.
The Contrast Between Self-Actualization and Standardization
The modern educational system emphasizes standardized testing and the ability to perform abstract tasks on command. Institutions prioritize control over the learning process, which stifles creativity and personal development. In contrast, self-actualization involves developing one's unique strengths and interests, which is often hindered by the rigid structures of the current education system.
The Detriment of Focusing on Tests
The primary focus on passing arbitrary tests required by institutions hampered both my and many other students' development. It established a low horizon for everyone and limited the potential for true self-actualization. The irony is that while successful students and workers are often those who appear to be working hard under institutional control, the true measure of success should be the ability to achieve one's goals independently and effectively.
Conclusion: A Need for Reform
The current school system falls short in its mission to educate and inspire. By focusing on formal learning rather than individualized learning paths, it fails to recognize the diverse learning styles and natural curiosity of its students. A more holistic and adaptive approach is necessary to foster true learning and prepare students for the challenges of the modern world.