Why is modern American education generally a failure? Why are kids getting diplomas they can’t read and applying for jobs they are not qualified for? One word: Fun. Learning must be fun. It must be easy. It must eliminate any chance of failure or frustration.
One of our science teachers took almost the entire eighth grade on a field trip recently. They were gone all day and missed all their other classes. The destination: Knott’s Berry Farm. Around the same time a math teacher took his scholars on a field trip. The destination: Disneyland. They ask me if we will go on a field trip for history. I laugh at them. They say I am “No fun.” I admit it. They want to know why I won’t take them on a field trip. My answer: I care about their education.
Maybe someday they will understand.
Maybe not.
Fun is fine. Hard work and persistence are necessary. It isn’t fun to hoe the weeds in the garden. It isn’t fun to get up when the alarm goes off. It isn’t fun to walk or jog. It isn’t fun to discipline your children. It isn’t fun to pay your bills or balance your checkbook.
I hope they learn what is important before it is too late. It isn’t going to happen in school.
homo unius libri
They USED to learn it both at school and home. Now, most don't get it either place.
ReplyDelete(grin) well said Gorges
DeleteSo we go from 2 for 2 to 0 for 2. I hope it isn't the bottom of the ninth.
DeleteGrace and peace.