Skoos, part I
My Professor and I were talking the other day after class and we noticed a few tools (for instance: manners, ethics, what to do when you start making money, how much food to eat, and so on) that schools (mostly public) aren't doing such a good job equipping kids with anymore. This led me to think of some classes that should be offered in (public) schools today.
Ethics- Covers the analysis and employment of concepts such as right and wrong, good and evil, and responsibility (wikipedia.org). This is a class that might have been taught in schools a long time ago, but today seems to be absent.
Etiquette- Hmm. This one should be obvious. I can think of many situations this would be beneficial. (cell phones, restaurants, parking lots, and I could go on forever)
Home Economic Reform- Are you kidding. Do I even have to explain? Nutrition would also be a great addition to this class due to how overweight this society is. A clean stable home may cut down on sickness too.
People- This class could be for tackling narcissism, racism, and also any ignorances of people. If tackled ahead of time, maybe these tricky subjects could be attacked and hopefully put to rest (I know that is a long shot). To this I will add a recent article excerpt-- A report released last week named college students today more in love with themselves than any previous generation. (full article)
World Religions- If this place we send our kids called school is suppose to educate them to join society, wouldn't it be beneficial to teach them what they are Actually going to run into? I think religious ideas are all around us and a proper education of All Religions would help kids understand this melting pot we call The United States of America and other countries for that fact.
Golf- I think team sports are great and all, but I also think that a sport like golf, teaches personal struggles and how to personally battle them. What I mean is that golf is stressful, emotional, exciting, and encouraging for a game that "You" are your own team, and if you fail, you lose. I already know what you are thinking about this one, it is that I love golf so much why not put it in school. But, I also see the potential of growing kids' minds through this game. Plus it is just so fun.
I will continue this at another time. Let me know your thoughts.
5 comments:
I couldn't agree more. The only thing I would add would be requiring kids to play doubles tennis. This is the best team sport there is. You can be the best player in the world but if your teammate sucks, there is absolutely nothing you can do except help he or she to improve. This is one of the best courses on patience I am aware of.
You know, how can I claim the name of this blog (A Brisk Wind), and not introduce "The Duty Class?"
The Duty Class- Kids can learn all about the Duties of life, and Poo on those that don't do their Duties correctly. Also, be shown the importance of a good solid duty.
Enough.
This is a subject that I touched on briefly in the “bio” section of my blog. I have been meaning to write a more elaborate blog about it – but I just haven’t done it yet. I agree with everything you said. It’s always interesting to walk around a shopping mall, restaurant, or any other public place and observe other peoples behavior. Although some people show common courtesy and respect for others this seems to be the exception not the rule. Most people are completely wrapped up in what’s going on in their “bubble” and pay almost no attention to what’s happening around them (ever shop at Wal-Mart?). How did we get this way? Is it learned behavior or is it something genetic – do rude parents have rude kids? I tend to believe that it’s learned behavior although one could probably make a good case for genetics if they wanted to.
If this is learned behavior what can be done to change things? Ultimately I think parents need to take responsibility for their children. It’s amazing to watch kids run all over the place unattended in public places and the parents don’t seem to care. I suppose it’s easy for me to say that since I don’t have any kids. Sure – kids have tantrums – every kid does – but it’s how the parents handle those situations that dictate how people will act as they get older. If someone is used to getting their way as a child then they expect to get their way as adults also.
Although I believe that ultimately the responsibility falls on the parents I think that teachers can also be a big influence on a child / young person’s personality and decisions. If the things you are talking about were taught in school, starting at an early age, I think there would be significantly less rude people walking around. Although my parents were not very religious they did always emphasize the golden rule – treat others as you want to be treated. It’s a very simple concept – and honestly I think that’s part of the problem. Educators (to me anyway) seem like they make simple things very complicated for the purpose of self gratification. What I mean is that they take simple concepts and overcomplicate them in an attempt to make themselves look smarter or more elite. How hard is it to emphasize the golden rule – its one of the simplest concepts in life – but it would make a huge difference if we all followed it.
More “common sense” approaches need to be implemented in school. All of the things you wrote about (possibly with the exception of golf ) are just common sense. The education system needs to step back and look at things. Where are we failing? What can be done differently? People are graduating high school (and college for that matter) without basic writing or math skills. Not everyone is going to be a doctor or a lawyer – but we could at least teach them to form complete sentences and count change without a cash register.
Economics is another great example. Why can society not handle money? Why do people keep buying into get rich schemes? Many people seem to think that there is some magic idea that only rich people know about. In reality most wealthy people started out with very little and worked very hard for years on end to build their wealth. Hard work and common sense go a long way. Maybe I am just simple minded – but it just seems like common sense to live on less than you make. Why would you ever dig yourself in such a large hole that you can’t get back out? Why would you ever take out a rip off interest only mortgage or take out a loan from a rip-off payday cash advance place? The worst thing about these situations is that for the most part it’s people without much money who seem to fall in these traps. If basic financial principles were taught in school maybe some of these people could be guided away from these pitfalls. Unfortunately many schools are teaching the opposite. Borrow money at 5% and try to make 10%. This mentality is exactly why payday loan places are prospering and foreclosures are rising at an alarming rate. LIVE ON LESS THAN YOU MAKE – it’s that simple. If you want more stuff – make more money – common sense. The educators need to realize that some people are going to dig ditches for a living – teach them how to survive on what they have – don’t tell them to borrow money to make money. Basic no nonsense classes that teach common sense principles would go a long way with most people. This problem isn’t going to go away – big business is making a fortune on the backs of the working class. We must give these people basic financial skills if we want to give them any long term hop e (teach them to fish).
I’ll get off my soap box now – but I do agree with you. You’ve got me all ready to write – maybe I’ll finally add something to my blog about these things. Take care.
I am saddened Andy. I read your comment (by the way the longest comment ever:-)) and do not see one single response to Duty Class.I don't think I can squeeze anymore out. Duty Class could meet 2 to 3 times a week or even as frequent ass twice a day, either is o.k..
o k I'm finished.
I like your chunky baby picture :)
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