Innovative Education

As a student I can relate to most of the points made by Sir Robinson and I agree. I really enjoyed the fast food learning comparison because there has been many occasions when I felt like my education was too standardized. Thankfully for me class options like AP and being Gifted allowed me to enjoy my education more but whenever I was in a regular class setting and even in some AP classes, I felt like teachers were focused on only teaching us the bare minimum and having us pass rather than exceed. I attribute this to No Child Left Behind so I'm not blaming teachers but if I had been taught in a more creative manner and encouraged to explore and pursue my passions earlier on in life I believe I would have had a more successful school career. I also agree with not everyone needing a college education. Today a college education doesn't guarantee a job, so in some cases it can even be a waste of money. What people need is to pursue their passions and if college isn't part of it then they shouldn't be forced by society to attend.

 

   I have always been fascinated with the universe and how it works, so if I had the resources and time I would  use it to investigate our mysteries. I would love to discover if there is life in other galaxies, and whether the Big Bang Theory is accurate, and facts to settle the whole creation issue. I also believe that if I was able to solve those questions we would have a better society, and we could fix our problems like pollution, wars, over population, and so on. Another benefit is that Knowledge is power so I would be able to use my power to make a positive difference in the world, which is the reason I am interested in politics.

  Attitude definitely has more influence. I might be the most intelligent person in the world but if I don't care and I spend all my time playing video games, all that aptitude will go to waste. On the other hand someone not as intelligent but who is passionate and hard working will become successful and with enough dedication can become as knowledgeable.

   I don't see why it would need to be abolished. People respond to incentives and fear of getting an F is enough incentive for students to try. Society today is built around trying to make kids believe they are amazing, can achieve anything, and giving multiple chances for redemption but the real world doesn't always work that way. You will always be evaluated and a bad day doesn't mean you can get a second chance. Our current grading system is strict enough especially since only the top 30% constitutes as passing, it encourages students to try their absolute best. Problems arise when teachers work around that grading system and make it easier for students giving them a false sense that all of society will always have their success in mind.

   I have definitely encountered problems with procrastination (as the lateness of this post suggests), the absence of a teacher constantly reminding me about homework and the absence of fear from receiving an evil glare or look of disappointment if I turn something in late, has caused my habit of procrastinating to get worse. However I am glad that I noticed this now while I still have time to fix it rather than waiting until I have a job or a difficult college class. It will take some discipline and time from me to learn to manage my time and not wait until the last second but hopefully I will learn it sooner rather than later.