Education in the 21'st century is tailor made for head and not heart - a debate

Parents Forum
1

<p>Education in the 21st century is tailor made for head and not heart</p>

<p>As parents, I think, you are all in a unique position to answer this. Do you agree with this? If yes, why? If no, why?</p>

<p>I think I agree. Today’s education system is churning out intellectuals but not humans.</p>

2

<p>You can always choose a religious school if you want to add another dimension to the academics.</p>

3

<p>I have to disagree, I don’t think the present education system is producing intellectuals at all (with the exception of a few universities that are known for that.) Indeed, I find American society to be increasingly anti-intellectual and more and more the attitude I encounter with university students is “how can I do well with as little effort or thought as possible?” It goes on at College Confidential, I’ve seen so many threads posted by people who want to know the easiest classes and majors or want to get into a good graduate school without having applied themselves undergrad. Also I think the emphasis placed on non-academic components of university (extra-curriculars, sports, clubs, etc.) and on work/internships is getting greater all the time. On the other hand, it may just be that I went to GW undergrad., which I found very pre-professional. I’m at Uchicago now for grad school and find the environment much more intellectual.</p>

4

<p>I think the biggest problem with the current school system is the fact that students are not allowed to pursue subjects that truly interest them. As a result they just try to get by until they have a chance to apply themselves in something they actually enjoy learning about.</p>

5

<p>“Today’s education system is churning out intellectuals but not humans.”</p>

<p>I think the it fails on both counts.</p>

6

<p>Depends on the school; depends on where your head is and where your heart is.</p>

<p>Its not either or.</p>

<p>My S is getting a remarkable education for both.</p>

7

<p>Agree with Josephine. As a teacher, I find that the more demanding teachers are put through the ringer by parents and students alike, whereas the teachers who just give out grades are embraced. There are so many out there that don’t care about what their child learns, just care about the grade. Until this changes, and we all strive for excellence, and see our children through clear glasses, and not through rose-colored ones, nothing will change.</p>