What is the one (1) thing you were taught in high school that?

Question

you would not be able to make it in today's society without knowing? And why was it important for you to be taught this?

Also, what is the one "Life Skill" you think high schools should teach our students now, but dont?

Answer 1

Today, (11/14/2006), my teacher gave the whole class a "confidence lecture" because we weren't performing so well.

He told us that you will get nowhere in life unless you be assertive and aggressive (NOT violent), and I believe that is true.
- You have to move people out of the way, and not let them move you.
- Don't stand in the corner, be the center of the party.

He also told us that high school only comes once, and after four years of the 'intense drama', you probably might not even see those people again.
- Make the best of your four years (or more).
- Don't make a big deal about labels: be yourself.

I'm only a freshman now, but his sermon got me thinking...
After high school:
- Where will I go?
- Who will I be with?
- Why my life turned out that way
- etc.

"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn; And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in return. Well, I don't know if I believe that's true; But I know I'm who I am today because I knew you."
- Stephen Schwartz ("For Good" from Wicked)

Answer 2

One thing that I was taught in High School was to learn how to type. It has come in handy now that we have computers. I feel that this was important because we can communicate with others all over the world. One of the "Life Skills" that should be taught is Manners and Respect for Others.

Answer 3

To know and follow the rules. To observe basic courtesy.

Rules give direction and order. We live in a society where there are rules and laws to be observed.

In observing basic courtesy, I was taught to be considerate of other people, to respect each individual no matter what his/her circumstances are. In return, people also treat me nicely.

I believe that "Life skills" can't really be taught in school. I mean there is really no formula for living a good life or a hard-and-fast rule to survive in life. High school is a testing ground and just a chapter or a phase in one's life. No matter how many years you have invested in education, it doesn't make you fool-proof or a master of survival. I should know because I've spent almost 20 years of my life studying, I've just finished my law degree and yet still everything overwhelms me. People are tougher than I thought they are, most don't give a damn, others would be nice only to stab you in the back later on. Well, of course there are still a few good and trustworthy people out there...So I guess if I were to give advice to a sixteen year-old, I'll just tell him or her do whatever you want while you're still young, discover life, feel it, live it , it can be exciting at times, frustrating most of the time but, hell, that's LIFE! Enjoy, you can get into trouble even if you don't really intend to, but just be careful not to get yourself into too much trouble, like ending up in jail or getting yourself pregnant too soon.

Answer 4

My 10th grade English teacher taught me how to write clearly.
She showed us how to develop arguments logically, and then back our arguments up with facts.
In the end, that taught me how to think logically too.

She also told me "Use a new word three times- and it's yours."
I have never forgotten that. Communication and clear thinking-
you can't live without them.

The one thing lacking--Accountability.

We make so many excuses for bad behavior and poor study skills that too many kids just slide through and good teachers quit.
It's not that complicated. Pay attention, be polite, and study every day. Those are the skills needed to succeed in almost any career.

Answer 5

Today's society is so different from the '60's that I doubt if I learned anything that's helpful today. Except for the thing you mentioned in the second part of your question - life skills. We learned a lot about how to survive, how to fight for what you want, and we weren't spoon-fed everything. And only one person could be the best at something. In today's society every kid gets a trophy.

Answer 6

We would not make it in today's society without addition, multiplication, etc. This was important because it will help me in my future when I use credit cards, and figuring out debts. And one life skill high schools should teach now, is how to properly treat a lady. A lot of men/boys don't have any respect at all for women these days, and everything is falling apart by creating chaos.

Answer 7

how to read and write -- ok not high school but that is where I really learned "how". I am a bit of a late comer.
you are smart, you are asking 2 questions in one -- and yahoo pays 10 for both -- cheap at 5 points each.
back to your no. 2 question --life skill
a) cooking b) cooking and more cooking skills.
Now, I will do you a favor, I will add a third one you would like to know --in real life-- it is verbal presentation, clarity of arguments, convincing etc. that counts -- and that specific trait is not taught in high schools. I rest my case. Hope you are satisfied.

Answer 8

The one thing I would say that taught me the most valuable lesson in high school......that adults (teachers) can be just as ignorant and immature as teenagers and not all adults should be trusted or looked up to.....something we all have to learn at some point

Answer 9

I was taught by a few teachers to do what I wanted to do in life educationally, not what i thought I SHOULD do, or what my parents wanted. I also was taught some awesome test taking skills.

Answer 10

The one thing I couldn't do without is algebra. We use it all the time. They need to teach more on office skills.