When did schools stop teaching kids HOW to think and start teaching them WHAT to think?

Question

Why are instruments of propoganda given tenure?

Answer 1

When teachers unions took over the system. States became more worried about upsetting the teachers then making the system work. Politicians gain approval by sending more money to this system full of bureaucracy so they can keep running inefficiently.

As a result I would say teachers became so concerned about loosing their precious union they began teaching their own ideology, theory, and propaganda instead of the all important tool "How to think"

Answer 2

I disagree 100%. I think it has gotten better than when I went to school in the 60's and early 70's. We were told exactly what was what and no one ever questioned an adult. I remember a huge rebellion that began probably about the time of the rock and roll and sexual revolution in the late 60's and early 70's. I know that from talking to people who either teach in the south or have children in school in the south (U.S.) that they are more likely to push their religious beliefs on children. As a teacher, I know that I and most of my peers are VERY careful never to share our opinions about religion or politics. My students have no idea which candidate I support during an election or what religion I practice. I don't think that is my purpose or the children's business. I know that not all teachers practice this but I honestly believe they are in the minority.

If you are concerned about a specific teacher or comment that a teacher made, you should go to the teacher and find out if they actually said it, then if you are not happy with the answer, go to the building administration and on up the chain of command if need be.

Answer 3

The "Theory of Knowledge" in American public schools started around the 1920s after the publication of the John Dewey's book "Democracy and Education". While in other nations, the education system focuses more on character development and hard knowledge. Early in the educational process, a student's curriculum is more focused on a particular subject, one they excel or favor. Earlier in life the student will focus his or her education, with the ability and time to obtain detailed knowledge and greater expertise in the subject.

Dewey disparaged schooling that focused on character development and hard knowledge, and encouraged the teaching of thinking “skills” instead. His views had great influence on the direction of American education--particularly in public schools and helped nurture the Clinton generation. It's been criticized as you mentioned that schools are more focused on learning the subject matter, and the "proper" answers than real knowledge base and wisdom.

It has gotten worse in recent years, with the government having a greater hand in controlling what is taught in schools. Not only the great religious or evolutionary debate in general education, but controversy in higher education has heightened as well. It all comes down to who pays the bills most likely. If a politician has a hand in the pocket of who runs your education institution, then they have a say in the curriculum.

From personal experience, the general public are beginning to recognize this. Although criticized by some, homeschooling is becoming more popular. And how dare the government criticize the right of the family to provide their own education to their children. As long as their social needs are met, it almost resembles a communist approach to force children into a government educational institution. Secondly, I know so many people that are so intelligent, but can't get by in today's school system, because it's centered on this "skills" basis. Skills most prevalent is how to study and take tests! Fortunately, I was able to master these skills early in life. It rewards the bare minimum needed to make the grade. My father is a self-employed electrician who can walk into a stranger's house, and when they ask them why when they turn on the switch in the hallway, the furnace quits working. And in the unknown electric grid hidden behind the walls, my father can solve the problem and have it fixed in less than an hour...it fascinates me why he made D's and F's in school and never pursued higher education. I couldn't have figured out that problem.

Well, I'm sorry if my answer turned into a rant! hehehehe....but here's some sources that my give more insight into what changed American education:

Answer 4

How dehumanizing. A person is a person, and whether or not you agree with their political opinion, you are reducing the worth of humanity as a whole, and yourself when you dehumanize them.

Schools stopped teaching how to think when their budgets were tied to politics, instead of academics. That was a very long time ago.

Your question has been asked by great authors. CS Lewis asked it in "the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" almost half a century ago.

Answer 5

I don't think that is a problem in British schools where multi-culturism and secularism are dominate in schools. Teachers these days would never dare try to foist their own religious or political beliefs on kids.

Answer 6

Because too many parents have abdicated their parental responsibilties to schools, or worse yet, church. It's easier to train kids to be blindly obedient than to encourage independent thinking. It's sickening.

Answer 7

I assume this is for higher ed.
It happened around the 1800s, I think.
If you're posting this to rant, there are more productive sites than this for that, such as aiwor.com and other polling sites.

Answer 8

When they realized that most kids don't care how to think, they just want to get a good paying job.

Answer 9

When the wacko rt. wing religious NUTS started to get power. Traitors to america ALL.

Not that I have strong feelings about this....lol

Answer 10

Somewhere between when you went to school and when your kid(s) started going.