the education system & its beneficiaries?

[Wren Sison]

Hi,

So I was in somewhat of a brooding mood today. 
Subject? The North American high school education system...or Canada's HS education system...or even just my own district's education system. and itsbeneficiaries.

The students.

See, the thing is, I always hear a lot of complaining about boring curriculum, crappy facilities, teaching, etc. from kids in multiple of my classes. In the news, you see investigative reports about how low the standards in North American education systems have become. But I say, the education system's only as good as those who benefit from it. 

Kids skip class, do drugs, disrespect teachers...all for what?!? 

Most of the time, they are not badass revolutionaries who are fighting the system for justice; they are angsty, spoiled, lazy kids who would rather live in the thrill of a moment to satisfy their desire to escape from boredom, than take advantage of a free education that would enable them to contribute to society--a privilege kids in Third-World countries would kill for (not literally, but then again...?). I'm ashamed to say that, from the looks of it, my generation is defined not by foolish ambition, daunting passion, or fierce determination, but by apathy, naive cynicism, convenience, and boredom. 

NOTE: Granted, this definitely does not apply to EVERY North American teenager. And I'm not trying to say that every single kid who doesn't take advantage of the system is spoiled rotten...because I know there are definitely exceptions, especially kids with dysfunctional families.

But if subconsciously, those are the values of the youth instilled in the North American education system, what choice does the system have but to lower standards? After all, the system is put into place to benefit the youth of North American society. And if teenagers so often complain about school, why don't they DO SOMETHING to change it? What use would it be for high standards to be put in place if only an increasingly small minority actually accomplishes them? Youth today have lost the drive and ambition they had 50 years ago. 

And it really sucks, because we live in a society and era where so much information can be easily accessed. Combine that with passionate youth who want to change the world, and you have a Technological Renaissance in the 21st century! 

But it's just NOT happening.

Instead, the closest thing to changing the world that a lot of teenagers do is like a picture of a sick child on Facebook to "save their life".

It's pathetic.

*sigh* Well, I hope I didn't insult whoever reads this rant o' mine...but if I did, I apologize. Not taking advantage of free education is just something that irks me. 

So what are your thoughts on the education system, teenagers, etc.? Do you disagree, agree, not care? Comment please! 

~bye now
Wren

[Matthew John Palka]

Wow, you're really making me think, Wren. Props to you..

Those who use their time worst are usually the ones to first complain about it. Hence the students. Some students may take for granted education and not have a complete idea of what education is good for them...because of their families or perspective INSTILLED upon them so far in life. 

I'm gonna link you to this and want you to WATCH IT later. It answers so many questions. Sir Ken Robinson is genius. ----->  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U

Ever heard of the steps to learning something? First: you don't know you don't know. Second: You know you don't know. Third: You know you know. Fourth: You don't know you know. We need to raise standards. Life is no longer simple and there is more competition. 

Most kids are stuck in YOU DON'T KNOW YOU DON'T KNOW. It's not a question of intelligence...it's a question of awareness and common sense. I know youth have done amazing things. Research non-profits, like FCCLA that has raised a quarter of a million dollars for Feed the Children. It's being done, but not getting noticed enough. Education is mainly RETENTION and MEMORIZATION and not doing, learning, focusing, making mistakes, and other things KEN ROBINSON discusses in the above video.

Please watch it. It's inspiring and extremely educational on the problems. 

Free education a few centuries ago was thought to be IMPOSSIBLE. Look at our world now...