Summary

The article discusses the shortcomings of the traditional education system, advocating for a more individualized approach that fosters creativity, passion, and life skills.

Abstract

The author argues that the current education system, with its emphasis on standardized testing and rote learning, stifles creativity and perpetuates a culture of perfectionism, which can have long-term negative effects on students. They advocate for an education model that encourages life-long learning, emotional intelligence, and a strength-based approach, allowing students to discover and utilize their unique talents. The author emphasizes the importance of teaching students how to think critically rather than what to think, and suggests incorporating more flexibility and creativity into the curriculum to nurture self-esteem, confidence, and the joy of learning from a young age.

Opinions

The education system, as it stands, is outdated and encourages perfectionism, which can lead to frustration and hinder both students and passionate educators.
A one-size-fits-all approach to education may marginalize students with unique talents and interests.
Education should activate a passion for life-long learning rather than establishing permanent boundaries.
Teaching should focus on developing students' ability to think critically and creatively, rather than on memorizing information.
It is crucial for children to learn life and emotional skills to cope with challenges and manage their emotions effectively.
An ideal education system should allow children to engage with their passions, use their strengths, and believe in themselves from a young age.
Educators and parents should encourage children to learn from their mistakes and develop a strong sense of self-awareness and confidence.
The author believes in the importance of creating a nurturing environment that sparks curiosity and the joy of learning, which can help children fulfill their potential.

Is Our Education System Out of Date?

“Learning is not done to you, it is something you choose to do.” — Seth Godin

But our education seems to teach us to do so otherwise, with standardised testings, exams and information thrown at us. I’m sure we are progressing towards a more creative and individualised education, but in general, this format of education is still widespread and common especially in public institutions and in my own and shared experiences within the Asian cultures and communities.

As I continued my journey as a young adult and passionately strived to improve myself, dealing with my perfectionism and self-criticism, I discovered that the education system was a breeding ground for this type of behaviour where being the ‘perfect’ student was rewarded and supported.

I had a very healing moment as we discussed perfectionism as a group with my personal growth group members, many based in Asia and we shared how our education impacted us. One particular member in her 30s shared that being a perfectionist worked out as a student, but now as a working adult, she realised that no one could work to her standards and it causes her frustrations with herself and her colleagues.

Not only does the system causes frustration for the children and have long-lasting negative impact, it actually hinders passionate educators as well. In my past experience as a primary teacher, I clearly saw the container it put children in, whether it was a subject that they absolutely had no interest in, or demanding tests that marked a child’s progress; it was not the way I believed how children should be nurtured.

“School serves a real function when it activates a passion for life-long learning, not when it establishes permanent boundaries.” — Seth Godin

I am very lucky that in my adult years, I was able to study abroad and became actively engaged with my music and creative passions, where I truly felt the spark of learning and education. Of course, it raises questions with a more flexible and creative education, but I’m not saying that we ditch the math, science and all of that together.

What I’m saying is that we need to build in spaces in the curriculum for more innovation, creativity, and to promote a strength-based approach where a child will discover and learn their strengths without a one size fit all approach — that could squeeze out some of the uniquely talented children.

We have evolved as a generation where information can easily be searched and googled. We need to start teaching children HOW to think, not WHAT to think. We need to make sure children attain life and emotional skills, know how to cope with challenges, how to manage their emotions. The best thing an educator or parent can ever do is to help a child develop healthy self-esteem and confidence.

Let them know they can do it. Give them opportunities to try and fail. Don’t rush in and help them. Let them learn from their own mistakes, and keep encouraging them!

In my own journey of unlearning unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, I deeply realised the importance of the right education at home and in schools.

We want children to start showing up in school because they want to be there.

We want them to engage with their passions and use their unique strengths.

We want them to believe in themselves from a young age.

We want them to learn to feel their emotions and know how to manage them.

We want them to develop creative and critical thinking, and never lose the playful spark in them.

These are some of my wishes for the education system and in my own time and space, I advocate strongly for these values and share my learnings to encourage youth to stay creative, and hold conversations to challenge any unhelpful beliefs formed through education and societal expectations.

I believe if we create a nurturing and open environment that encourages curiosity and sparks the joy of learning in children, we can help cultivate a strong sense of self-awareness and confidence to put them on the right path to fulfill their full potential from a young age.

If you enjoyed my writing and want to learn more about personal growth and creativity, here are some of my other work:

Is Our Education System Out of Date?

All That We Are Is The Result Of What We Have Thought

Start Taking Charge of Your Own Thoughts and Actions

Two Things That Can Change Your World

Finding Silence & Staying Curious

There’s No Such Thing As A Writer’s Block

Illuminating You on How to ‘Ship’ Your Creative Work