School: Poetry or life skills?
Discussion
I had a 'discussion' with the wife that went along the lines of 'why force everyone to do poetry which is utterly rubbish and a waste of time when you could be teaching kids how to:
okay so if someone is particularly good at 'english' then they should be given the chance to shine - but the default skills should be life skills not algebra and poetry.
(discuss!
)
- budget
- at least have a stab at reading contracts
- wire plugs
- budget
- read contracts
okay so if someone is particularly good at 'english' then they should be given the chance to shine - but the default skills should be life skills not algebra and poetry.
(discuss!
)I think that there has to be a balance struck between actually educating young people, i.e. giving them the exposure to various kinds of academic engagement with the opportunities that that brings, versus preparing them to be adults.
You didn't mention what age group your discussion was referring to, but it would be as much of a mistake writing someone off for academic learning and generating those wide-eyed looks of youngsters when they learn something new and exciting, as it would to not introduce the kind of information you describe into their skill-set.
So, I agree with you, but think that children would benefit from it at different ages depending on how engaged they are in other lessons.
You didn't mention what age group your discussion was referring to, but it would be as much of a mistake writing someone off for academic learning and generating those wide-eyed looks of youngsters when they learn something new and exciting, as it would to not introduce the kind of information you describe into their skill-set.
So, I agree with you, but think that children would benefit from it at different ages depending on how engaged they are in other lessons.
If given the chance to do English Literature or woodwork, I would have chosen woodwork.
As I didn't have the choice I had to do it and it was one of the most enjoyable subjects and I managed my equal highest grade in it.
Expand your mind as a youngster, be practical in your later life.
I've read more books than I have wired plugs.
Dave!
As I didn't have the choice I had to do it and it was one of the most enjoyable subjects and I managed my equal highest grade in it.
Expand your mind as a youngster, be practical in your later life.
I've read more books than I have wired plugs.
Dave!
Is education just about providing children with practical skills and knowledge for their future lives or is it about providing them with at least an insight into all apsects of humanity - including awareness of not so practical topics such as music, poetry or literature?
Of course, it's both. Deciding on the mix is the difficult part. Some kids love poetry and are thankful that they were introduced to it at school. Others couldn't care less about the subject and can't understand why they have been forced to study it.
You can't please all the people etc etc etc......
Of course, it's both. Deciding on the mix is the difficult part. Some kids love poetry and are thankful that they were introduced to it at school. Others couldn't care less about the subject and can't understand why they have been forced to study it.
You can't please all the people etc etc etc......
briSk said:
I had a 'discussion' with the wife that went along the lines of 'why force everyone to do poetry which is utterly rubbish and a waste of time when you could be teaching kids how to:
okay so if someone is particularly good at 'english' then they should be given the chance to shine - but the default skills should be life skills not algebra and poetry.
(discuss! )
If someone is good at numbers and can communicate well , then the rest will follow?- budget
- at least have a stab at reading contracts
- wire plugs
- budget
- read contracts
okay so if someone is particularly good at 'english' then they should be given the chance to shine - but the default skills should be life skills not algebra and poetry.
(discuss!
)If anything, numeracy and language are the most important of all skills.
Bring on the poetry, I say
briSk said:
I had a 'discussion' with the wife that went along the lines of 'why force everyone to do poetry which is utterly rubbish and a waste of time when you could be teaching kids how to:
okay so if someone is particularly good at 'english' then they should be given the chance to shine - but the default skills should be life skills not algebra and poetry.
(discuss! )
Maybe a bit more of the things you mention, but generally they've got their whole adult lives to deal with dull s- budget
- at least have a stab at reading contracts
- wire plugs
- budget
- read contracts
okay so if someone is particularly good at 'english' then they should be given the chance to shine - but the default skills should be life skills not algebra and poetry.
(discuss!
)
t like that! andy400 said:
Maybe a bit more of the things you mention, but generally they've got their whole adult lives to deal with dull st like that!
the thing is that people don't though. people run away from it. that's why we have 'spendaholics' and why we have people cwying to watchdog and moaning about estate agents and financial advisors...t like that! briSk said:
andy400 said:
Maybe a bit more of the things you mention, but generally they've got their whole adult lives to deal with dull st like that!
the thing is that people don't though. people run away from it. that's why we have 'spendaholics' and why we have people becoming estate agents and financial advisors...t like that! vernan said:
briSk said:
andy400 said:
Maybe a bit more of the things you mention, but generally they've got their whole adult lives to deal with dull st like that!
the thing is that people don't though. people run away from it. that's why we have 'spendaholics' and why we have people becoming estate agents and financial advisors...t like that! who adds more to the economy - jon hegley or john d wood..!
(wasn't my point though!).
Eric Mc said:
Is education just about providing children with practical skills and knowledge for their future lives or is it about providing them with at least an insight into all apsects of humanity - including awareness of not so practical topics such as music, poetry or literature?
Of course, it's both. Deciding on the mix is the difficult part. Some kids love poetry and are thankful that they were introduced to it at school. Others couldn't care less about the subject and can't understand why they have been forced to study it.
You can't please all the people etc etc etc......
So true. I'm a good example. I read fiction from an early age, certainly at primary school and a little at infants. "English Literature" lessons at secondary school sapped all the pleasure for me and stopped me reading in my free time, I didn't get back to reading for pleasure until the 6th form when I had dropped Eng Lit.Of course, it's both. Deciding on the mix is the difficult part. Some kids love poetry and are thankful that they were introduced to it at school. Others couldn't care less about the subject and can't understand why they have been forced to study it.
You can't please all the people etc etc etc......
So to paraphrase, I love reading but can't understand why I was forced to study it. Others didn't read anything and had their eyes opened by the very same lessons, going on to study English at A level and beyond.
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