Recently, academia has become a central focus in the lives of today’s youth. Its influence is expanding towards children in preschool and kindergarten. The Alliance for Childhood recently came out with a press release detailing the newest academic approach in kindergarten. Basically, the average kindergartener spends most of their school day on standardized testing, and very little time is devoted to play or choice time. Honestly, this is ridiculous. Kids shouldn’t be burdened with test prep at such a young age. Progressive brain development varies from child to child. Some develop faster than others; yet, the results on these tests determine a student’s entire future academic program. It’s unreasonable and illogical to measure a child’s aptitude using standardized testing, especially at an age where brain development is still in its earliest stages. This test-driven approach is not yielding long-term gains. Meanwhile, behavioral problems and preschool expulsion rates are soaring. Furthermore, creativity is cultivated at a young age through exploration and stress free activities; however the newest preschool and kindergarten curriculum is completely void of opportunities to discover inner creativity. I find it unfortunate that children are being pushed too hard at such a young age. I feel that these approaches and burdening responsibilities are slowly extinguishing the enjoyable and essential transition between childhood and adulthood.
If any changes should be made to education, it should be abolishing 20th century methods, and establishing a 21st century education system structured around critical thinking or teaching students how to think rather than what to think. Our current education system is predominantly structured around textbook learning. In class, most of my professors basically reiterate the text using PowerPoint presentations provided by the textbook’s publisher. Sometimes I wonder why I even attend class, when I can stay home and learn perhaps more by teaching myself. This teaching method isn’t engaging and it fails to stimulate students’ attention. More needs to be done to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world application, and I think the best way to do this is through critical thinking. Furthermore, incorporating critical thinking into class lectures will prompt class discussions and thus a more engaging environment. The rapid progression of technology is transforming the working environment. Entire fields are collapsing and new ones are advancing. Students need to be prepared for situations like these, where their jobs could be eliminated entirely. I think the best method of preparation is cultivating flexible minds at a young age, so students are able to adapt quickly to such complexities.
ØAre the benefits of a well groomed job applicant more imperative than the detrimental effects of a lost adolescence?
ØDo you believe technology has inhibited our intellectual growth?
ØAre you satisfied with the education you’re receiving?
ØIf UM offered you the opportunity to earn your degree online, would you choose this method or would you prefer the traditional classroom setting?
ØHow would you define intelligence?
ØThinking globally, do you think American students are less intellectually gifted than students in other countries?
