Schooling: Self Deceit?
We, students, have this idea about school that seems to always let us down, yet we continue to hold on to it.
Before we continue, I’d like to point out that everything here is just my idea and what I’ve observed. As of now, I’m also a student after all.
the problem
Now, what is this wrong idea? I think most other students would agree with me that our top priority as students is to get good grades in all the courses we take. Don’t get me wrong though; this should definitely be a priority. The case, when it comes to most students, is making this the only reason for which they are in school. This, on the other hand, I think, is a disaster.
In simple terms, I’d say that most of us don’t really understand school or the idea behind it, to put it. No offense. We have the belief of thinking of it as a thing of three simple steps:
- Go to school
- Pass Exams
- Get a job
Well, yes these three steps are true, but I think there should be one more step between 1 and 2 listed above. And that step should cover understanding the things, being able to get what they are teaching and most importantly, being able to apply what they’ve taught everywhere in life. It is just so unfortunate that most students don’t really care about that step.
My goal for writing this article isn’t to try to change your mind and convince you that you should not think of school this way. I’m merely trying to point out the fact; or should I say: what I think is the fact?
what then is school really about?
A school is supposed to teach you the skill. That’s the major aim.
The major aim is not to help you pass your exams, no no.
This also brings up a question: What then is the point of taking the exams and tests?
Well, when we consider it as a test, it makes more sense. The school is supposed to teach us the skills and give us the necessary knowledge (based on the course you’ve chosen, of course), but how then do they know that we have actually learnt what they’ve taught?
The tests and exams!
Let me describe two types of students who are taking an electronics course:
Student A
- Reads notes
- Shows up for all lectures
- Passes the exams
- Made up his mind to just forget about the course now. He’s done, isn’t it?
Student B
- Reads notes
- Shows up for lectures
- Takes the lessons to heart
- Passes exams
- Keeps the knowledge and uses it later to build fun stuff for himself
Discussion
There is not much that differentiate student A from B.
But when you think critically about it, student A only focused on passing the exams and when he got that, he felt complacent. Student B, however, took an additional step and kept what he was taught. He fulfilled his duty as a student, one can put it as such.
Conclusion
I’m honestly not trying to tell anyone that I’m a better student than he/she is. That has never been my case. But take a minute or two to just think about it; why are you really in school?
All I’m trying to point out is that some students are thinking of school the wrong way and in the long run, this could most likely go against them. A school’s major aim is to impact the students with knowledge and skills with which they can work with in the future. What then is the point of just passing the exams, if at the end, we would not progress with the skills and knowledge we were supposed to have gained?
Let us gain the necessary skills in school. Enjoy it and make the best use of the “school system”. In short, let’s make it worth it.
That’s all I have for today. I hope this article has been helpful in any way.
Feel free to connect with me on twitter: trevenue44.
Do check out my YouTube channels: trevenue44 and Math plus Tech.
