Education

It is obvious to everyone that a change is needed in our education system. Education especially needs to be familiar with the power of creativity. It is the power of creativity, which will help humanity advance. First, we have this strange idea that every student can learn the same way--every student can sit behind a desk for hours with minimal breaks and still absorb what they ought to learn. In addition, when they cannot, we try to find a medical reason that they do not fit the formula instead of assessing their learning method.

In schools, even more so, a child is seen as a body and a mind, but not as a spiritual being. We think that this mind needs to be filled with information from a standard formula. Children who remember their spiritual roots and spiritual freedom may have a difficult time in stuffy classrooms. From the rigid class structure, the lack of free time and lack of opportunity for input, children have no arena to voice legitimate questions and arguments that need to be heard. They entertain deep thoughts and more knowledge, which we tend to discredit. We need to expand expectations of our students in profound ways that allow their creativity to grow and expand beyond the confines of our formulated structures.  High school students are old enough to work toward change. I heard of one High school in which the students are buildings life models of cars that run on alternative energy. This is one great example where the formula includes using their creativity in a way that is structured and yet inspiring to the students involved.  High school students should not have to sit quietly and do busywork, they are beyond that, they should be moving on upward through application methods of teaching. They are emerged butterflies ready to take flight.

One of the roadblocks in education is that teachers and the administration seem to assume that the students know much less than they do. They do not expect them to have special gifts and if they find those gifts, often they do not fit the education system.  They are encouraged to work on those gifts at home or are dismissive of them while the parents are depending on the system to be inclusive. Instead of a wholesome approach to the young person, compartmentalization teaching is begun early. The student becomes one person in school, another at home, another in church. The true self becomes split and unhealthy.   The problem is that the government requires standardized tests where the teacher's main concern is to get the students through the process, which eliminates teaching them things they need for life. These tests are called standardized for a reason, which eliminates all children who are not wired the way they are constructed. Soul knowledge does not respond the same way as intellectual knowledge. Maybe children could work on a creative project, which would reveal the knowledge they have absorbed while the testers watch them either in the room or through a glass window. There need to be alternatives.

Why could we not have WILD classrooms? Can you envision with me rooms where there are no tables and chairs? Instead, can you see beanbag chairs, swings that hang from the ceiling and hammocks, posters on the walls and plants? Students could watch educational films or documentaries, discuss or brainstorm ideas and let their creative juices flow. We make students sit and learn in only one way. No wonder they get restless and are brain dead.

The separation of state and religion has created dull and dangerous schools.  We have gone too far and eliminated spirituality as well as religion.  It is true that Religion and State need to be separated if there is a chance that one religion has the upper hand. Unfortunately, we do not do such a good job in separating the two in reality.  Atheistic ideas have over powered freedom of expression in more ways than we credit. In addition, state has overwhelmed the education system into robotic learning.   The subject of world religions must be taught in schools.  Faith histories pervade most all of history and cannot be separated. Leaving that out creates an untrue history and a lack of understanding or even the ability to understand the motivation of others outside our society.  All children bring a religious tone with them from  home and to ask them to leave that behind makes for a bland school atmosphere. That is not the same as proselytizing. Being against proselytizing in public places cannot eliminate talking about religions and philosophies, which is necessary for a rounded education. Even an atheist should know what religions there are and what kind of philosophies there are. That does not say they have to join one.  We must find a more fertile ground for the morals and ethics that need to be taught in order to put some order and behavioral expectations in schools.

 In summary, the roadblocks are many: (1) lack of moral and ethics,  (2) education censured subjects which lead to untrue knowledge, (3) disregard for creativity, (4)not enough academic expectations from students, and at the same time, (5) unreasonable expectations on students by forcing them to sit in classrooms for hours on end, or (6) expecting all youth to understand the same subjects at the same time. Sneak attack education, in which Companies sponsor new curriculums such as genetic engineering, bringing ideas to students, which would need to be approached with a critical mind, discernment and the ability to question its validity, has become the norm because of the generated income for the system.  What I have seen  with my own eyes, is that while this is true, most students in grades K-12 are not encouraged to question or engage in critical thinking. Often they are reprimanded for questioning. This in turn is creating an atmosphere of helplessness in students and an expectation to accept whatever the teacher tells the student to be true.

Meditation:

This blog and these reflections are geared toward Christians and non-Christians alike with the hope to inspire creative thought. You may not agree with everything. You may make comments if you wish.

1.

Biblical reflection:  James 3:1

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”

“So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. The tongue is a fire.

For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed, but no one can tame the tongue – a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”

Especially, be aware what you say as a teacher!

2.

Envision your classroom. What do you see? Do these kids have labels? Did you put them in a box, or are you letting them be free? Be honest with your yourself and notice if you have it out for a student.

Envision that student now. Let a beam of light descend before you and then place that student into that beam of light. Ask God, the Universe, the Higher power or whatever it is you relate to, to show you the true self and the gifts of this child, so that you may teach him or her appropriately. Throw your hang-ups into that light  beam as well and ask to be released of your judgments.

3. Suggested Documentary: "The war on Kids" (available on netflix)


© 2012 Angelika Mitchell