The field of education is highly contested because it has a significant impact on the future; how and to what end the youth of our country are instructed can make a huge difference in their futures, as well as the world at large. Plutarch asserted, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” This offers an answer to the question of what education is supposed to accomplish. Good education should awaken the desire to learn in students so they will then choose to apply their absorbed lessons in the ‘real world.’ While some would argue that students should simply be drilled in the basics in order to become intelligent citizens, I believe giving students the tools to think for themselves will make a larger impact on their lives. Involving youth in their schooling makes it relevant and important to them. 'Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.'
Besides the ultimate motivation of education, presentation is also an important consideration. As Plato said, “Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.” Belaboring facts and figures may be important and at the present inescapable, but it is probably not the most valuable for students in the long run.
Rather, each individual has strengths which should be identified and developed. This will lead to confidence since it provides the student with the ability to succeed on their own merit. Developing inherent talents will make education come naturally, evolving from frustrating to enjoyable. If information that appears irrelevant is presented in a format that does not correspond with a student’s abilities, learning will seem impossible and not worth the struggle. But if students' tendencies are taken into consideration in lesson presentation, this makes learning possible. Subsequently, the lessons’ applicability and practicality is made evident.
Surely reaching a goal as lofty as interesting students in their own education is not simple. It begs the question of how this type of education should be formatted. Should there be a strictly-adhered-to formula or should lessons be personalized? Should teachings focus on the basics, such as math and English? Should education be hands-on and practical or should it be theoretical and relevant later? Should students be judged by tests or projects? Should these be done in teams or individually?
Each educator has a different opinion, but if people are to become invested in their own futures and realize education’s close connection to their success, their learning should fully involve them. They should have the opportunity to have hands-on experiences that require them to use what they have learned and also compel them to learn more during the experience. Practical lessons will continue to be utilized in the future and therefore hard to forget. This approach makes education obviously relevant, and subsequently matter to the student.
Despite many differing opinions on the goals and best methods for education, the benefits are undeniable and unlimited. It is the job of those who care about education to communicate its importance to youth in order to keep them in school, thus improving their lives and the outlook of the future in general. Nelson Mandela said, “A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” Yes, a youth may be able to find success with a limited education based on their own strengths. But if the youth of New York and America were to be made aware of their strengths and capitalize upon them while pairing that invaluable information with a strong intellectual foundation, they would be very well armed to face whatever life has to throw at them.
And even if someone seems too far removed from their schooling, or it appears as though it is too late, it is not. Education is a lifelong process with lifelong benefits. It continually builds on itself, and the first step is only a decision on the part of the learner to get involved in their own education. This decision can lead to professional rewards, personal satisfaction, and self-confidence. Jim Rohn advised, “If someone is going down the wrong road, he doesn’t need motivation to speed him up. What he needs is education to turn him around.” Even if a person possesses natural talents and inner motivation, education can only improve their chances. 4T’s believes in students’ hands-on involvement in their education. It believes in igniting youth’s interest in their schooling by opening their eyes to the possibilities of their journey with education. 4T’s Productions hopes to work alongside others who care about education to help students acquire the tools to succeed on their own during high school and after their education formally ends.
-Samantha Phillips
Please share your opinions on the format and goals of education and/or your stories of personally connecting to education and the subsequent outcomes.
Besides the ultimate motivation of education, presentation is also an important consideration. As Plato said, “Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.” Belaboring facts and figures may be important and at the present inescapable, but it is probably not the most valuable for students in the long run.
Rather, each individual has strengths which should be identified and developed. This will lead to confidence since it provides the student with the ability to succeed on their own merit. Developing inherent talents will make education come naturally, evolving from frustrating to enjoyable. If information that appears irrelevant is presented in a format that does not correspond with a student’s abilities, learning will seem impossible and not worth the struggle. But if students' tendencies are taken into consideration in lesson presentation, this makes learning possible. Subsequently, the lessons’ applicability and practicality is made evident.
Surely reaching a goal as lofty as interesting students in their own education is not simple. It begs the question of how this type of education should be formatted. Should there be a strictly-adhered-to formula or should lessons be personalized? Should teachings focus on the basics, such as math and English? Should education be hands-on and practical or should it be theoretical and relevant later? Should students be judged by tests or projects? Should these be done in teams or individually?
Each educator has a different opinion, but if people are to become invested in their own futures and realize education’s close connection to their success, their learning should fully involve them. They should have the opportunity to have hands-on experiences that require them to use what they have learned and also compel them to learn more during the experience. Practical lessons will continue to be utilized in the future and therefore hard to forget. This approach makes education obviously relevant, and subsequently matter to the student.
Despite many differing opinions on the goals and best methods for education, the benefits are undeniable and unlimited. It is the job of those who care about education to communicate its importance to youth in order to keep them in school, thus improving their lives and the outlook of the future in general. Nelson Mandela said, “A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” Yes, a youth may be able to find success with a limited education based on their own strengths. But if the youth of New York and America were to be made aware of their strengths and capitalize upon them while pairing that invaluable information with a strong intellectual foundation, they would be very well armed to face whatever life has to throw at them.
And even if someone seems too far removed from their schooling, or it appears as though it is too late, it is not. Education is a lifelong process with lifelong benefits. It continually builds on itself, and the first step is only a decision on the part of the learner to get involved in their own education. This decision can lead to professional rewards, personal satisfaction, and self-confidence. Jim Rohn advised, “If someone is going down the wrong road, he doesn’t need motivation to speed him up. What he needs is education to turn him around.” Even if a person possesses natural talents and inner motivation, education can only improve their chances. 4T’s believes in students’ hands-on involvement in their education. It believes in igniting youth’s interest in their schooling by opening their eyes to the possibilities of their journey with education. 4T’s Productions hopes to work alongside others who care about education to help students acquire the tools to succeed on their own during high school and after their education formally ends.
-Samantha Phillips
Please share your opinions on the format and goals of education and/or your stories of personally connecting to education and the subsequent outcomes.
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