Education

This week I read Education and the Proliferation of New (Old) Concepts by Paul Theobald and Hibajene Shandomo. Where they discuss the evolution of the educational system. From the days when obtaining an education was a privilege to today when it is readily available. Before going to school meant parents paying out of their pockets. Where the alternatives where getting home schooled up to a certain point or start working. The children that had the opportunity to go to school took advantage of their circumstance, and saw an education as a way to better themselves. A way to learn and better themselves. Parents wanted to send their kids to school, and kids cared more about their education. Back then the only information available was through the books one had to read and teachers. Teachers where regarded with great honor. They held the key to the success of the next generation. In today’s modern world education is seen differently. Free education in the USA is available to all children till the time they graduate high school. If they choose to stick around that long. For the children that love learning school is a great experience. For the rest it is something that is being forced on them. School becomes a waste of time, a job they have to go to against their will where they receive no pay. Instead they receive an education. School is seen as a place to socialize which leads to disruptions in the classroom that cause a hindrances to the learning environment. If the students do not want to be at school they will not put any effort into it. Now what happens when the teacher does not what to be there? There are two types of teachers. The ones that are in the classroom to make a difference and enjoy their job, and the ones that are just there to be there. How can students learn when the person teaching them does not and can not teach. This leads to all sorts of problems in schools. What is needed is a widespread education reform. Where teachers that want to and can teach are put in the classrooms with a more appropriate pay. Where guidelines are put in place to keep students in line and on the path to graduation. Where parents and teacher are closer together leading to better communication between the two groups of people that influence children the most. The United States used to by the leader in education, now it just sits in the middle of the pack making slow progress. Students know have to worry about competition from students from other countries, countries that provide a  better education.