Revolution or Evolution?

In response to Mrs. Stevens' Blog, I was stumped with the question, "What is the most important ingredient to the learning formula?" But the longer I thought about it, the more answers I got. I finally realized that one factor cannot be the most important because the learning process has several factors that are mandatory to be successful. A teacher is necessary to individually relate to the students and create a student-centered classroom. The student must have a desire to learn and do complete their work. The parents must be encouraging their students to try the best they can and to complete assignments. A small class size creates a more one-on-one learning style that students need, especially slower students. Technology can enhance learning and provide a gateway of unlimited possibilities. When one factor is not included, the education process still occurs, but it might not be as successful when all factors are present.


In my opinion, I believe education changes to
remain "in-line" with society today. In reality, society should change to remain "in-line" with education. In order for that to occur, education must be revolutionized by a new standard. Teachers, students, or parents are not the answer to change education, but a new slate and expectations are necessary. Education is in place to prepare students for college which prepares students for a career. The goal is fine, but the path getting there is not. Today, students memorize to pass tests. I would know because that is how I keep high grades. Instead of learning the material and growing as my own individual thinker, I just spout off information that has been printed in my brain for a short period of time. By memorizing information, advanced thinking is not taking place and students do not understand at a deep level at all. But as long as students memorize the information on the test, they are rewarded with a good grade. Education is about learning and grades represent more memorization skills than mastery of information.

The broken education system does not need new inspirational teachers, driven students, or encouraging parents for a necessary change to take place. Instead, we need to put less emphasis on grades and more on learning. We need to have less structured assignments to allow students to create and expand on an idea they created, instead of having them regurgitate information that has been spoon-fed to them. Our education system desperately needs to be revolutionized into less of a "mold" system and more into an imaginative and unique system because each student has a special gift that the world will benefit from.