Why Schools Focus on Academics Over Real-Life Skills

This is a great question that I often get asked, and my response is always, 'It is your parents' responsibility to do that.'

Most children can learn real-life skills at home or figure them out through observation and practice. Special needs individuals, however, often require more structured training and instruction. My great niece, for instance, learned essential life skills such as taking a bus, applying for a job, and various physical therapies like walking, jumping, and riding a bike. Her parents even hired someone to teach her how to throw a ball, which cost $100 an hour.

Learning Life Skills from Home

You can learn housework and other life skills from your parents, friends, grandparents, or simply figure them out. These skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and managing finances, are crucial for day-to-day living.

Should We Learn All Life Skills in School?

Should we receive all life skills in school? Not necessarily. While schools do not aim to cover every possible scenario, they do teach critical and logical thinking, hard work, and time management. These fundamental abilities are reinforced through various subjects and classes, not just one specific subject like biology or history.

Essential Skills Developed in School

Schools equip students with the skills necessary to pick up life skills when they are needed. For example, the ability to think critically, work hard, and manage time are invaluable. These skills are developed across multiple classes, subjects, and throughout multiple years. Even if you never use the knowledge gained from a biology or history course in a technology job, you definitely use English, math, and other practical subjects like data management.

Learning Real-Life Skills Outside of School

Street smarts, vocational skills, and financial management can be learned outside of the classroom. Nowadays, resources like the internet, parents, friends, and vocational courses provided by schools make it easier than ever to learn these skills. Many schools offer classes in cooking, financial algebra, and other practical areas, which help students develop real-life skills.

Furthermore, these skills are often developed naturally as you grow up. Parents and peers can provide guidance and advice, and the internet can also serve as an excellent resource. For instance, you can learn about taxes by searching online or hiring an accountant, just as you can find advice for various life scenarios by asking others or conducting a quick Google search.

It is important to remember that the knowledge and skills acquired in school are part of a wider development process. While certain subjects and skills may not be directly applicable in a specific career, the overall education provides a foundation that enhances adaptability and problem-solving abilities.

So, the next time you or someone else complains about schools not teaching enough 'real-life' skills, consider the role of parents, self-education, and natural growth in developing those skills. Understanding these aspects can help place school education in its rightful context as a significant contributor to a well-rounded life.

Remember, having a class for every possible skill is not always practical. Math, for instance, is a subject that cannot be naturally learned without proper teaching and practice, making a class on it essential. Other skills like cooking or financial management can be acquired through other means.

In conclusion, while schools focus on academic subjects, they also lay a solid foundation for real-life skills. Parents and external resources play a pivotal role in ensuring students develop a comprehensive set of skills that they can apply to various aspects of life.