Current education systems are no longer compatible with 21st century economic systems. Developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, most national education systems were designed to support the industrial economy. Their purpose was conformity, not creativity. However, as we move to a more service dominate economy, businesses are looking for new ideas to adapt to a constantly changing world. Could an education system that emphasizes creativity and collaboration give us the upper-hand in economics? Is it the government's responsibility to help education systems evolve to support evolving economic systems?
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5 comments:
I think the government should really step in and give a direction for the whole education system. U.S. economy. This nation's manufacturing industries are growing, but it is heading to high tech industry, not just old manufacturing industry like car-making anymore. We need more engineering and I totally agree with you about being creative. We need a U.S. like the U.S. in the 60s and 70s as a nation based on exploring new things, on invention of new things.
Around the world, education systems have changed and grown with the world. US education systems should be moving in the same direction but with the little funding they have, this is nearly impossible. Some public schools cannot afford textbooks, music or art classes, or even enough teachers.
Promoting education does not require government intervention. Instead, it is something that can be promoted with teachers themselves in their teaching style. I am a huge proponent of music, art, theatre, etc. but there are other ways to encourage creative thinking. Debates, group projects, and creative writing are all ways that force kids to think outside of the box. My most influential teachers from primary and secondary school were able to do this with limited funds. This will be translated into their participation in the American workforce.
I do believe that government support of education though would help schools that would otherwise be unable to provide any funding, rather than just limited funding. Some of my best memories and best learning experiences were from some of the extracurriculars in school. They also came from creative teachers who challenged us to think outside of the box. Some of these opportunities wouldn't have been possible without community support, but that doesn't exist in every school district.
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