Educational requirements: working w/in a social system ...only certain things really needed?

Question

Two points

I asked a friend, a rebel and non-conformist if there ever was one, what he would set for a curriculum for school children. He replied, "Just the 3 R's, reading, writing, and arithmatic, then I would let them do what they wanted."

Q: What do you think would happen then, considering the fact that school is supposed
to prepare you for life?

Second
In a book about Nepal, it showed a young man, part of a remote village, who had been rescued by some artisans and taught to paint wooden boxes in the style of the art of the area. It showed how he first learned the outlines of the traditional designs, and then how to shade the outlines, eventually how to color them and apply them to the boxes (like blanket chests!). He had no other education to speak of.

I would try to get him proficient in the 3 R's ..so no one would dupe him. What else do you think he would need?

Do you think US could ever downscale its eductional requirements in such a fashion?

What do you think the American System really needs? It seems that we are embarrassing ourselves.

Answer 1

Knowledge is power and the US is not in lead in terms of this fact. It's not an essential style of being in America; therefore education within American is lacking compared to other countries. Other countries force this, others take pride in this, and others just don't believe in it, America is pretty much neutral. That is what makes this such a great land, it's a melting pot of culture that is accentuated by the lives of those within it...The three R's are essential to learning, but social studies of various other cultures styles, thoughts, theories, is necessary because we do reside in such a wealth of culture. I recall studying:

Languages, Geography, Science, History, Government, etc.

All of these subjects have helped me to adapt, tolerate, and appreciate other cultures because of knowing their history, my history, knowing the various continents open my mind to want to travel to these other continents, science with the various space shuttle, technology expanding, appreciating foreign cultures and their languages, etc.

The young man in Nepal only knew what he was taught, because that's all he was taught and for him that was a great life. As he adventured further into other locations and countries, he no doubt learned the culture of that location...you see...he has the ability to learn and a thriving mind continues to gain knowledge directly and indirectly...

Great question...it provides for so many other thoughts and opinions...Take care...(smiles)

Answer 2

You are asking some deep questions about the nature of education. Is it simply to prepare you for life? If yes, then the Nepalese artisan would have received a perfectly fine education. But I think that there is more to education. Children need to find a connection to the world beyond their front door and their own community. Children need to learn about their talents, the natural world, other cultures, the wonder of literature and the world of abstract thought. This is what school should do.

I will agree that some schools have become so bogged down by requirements and legislation that teachers may have forgotten this necessity. But...there are those of us who are fighting the good fight. If you feel strongly about it, get in the classroom!

You might be interested in reading about the history of education at http://www.circleschool.org/integraled/introduction.htm. The Circle School idea is probably fairly close to what your friend envisions.