I know I said I won't make a post, but I don't want to make a habit of not doing entries, just because I'm tired. Really, that's code for lazy. So I'm going to try and make another entry today. I hope it's up to par with my other ones.

I have to say, I agree with this point. While school is an economic venture, it shouldn't affect how we teach and what we teach. I abhor when we cut certain aspects of our education, simply because it's not "economically viable". Now, I understand where they're coming from, but I feel, they lack foresight. They can't seem to understand that we aren't trying to make kids memorize things, to use them later on. That's not what school is about. It's about trying to make kids understand what we are teaching, and trying to make them utilize these things in unique ways, so as to further benefit us. And see, just because drama doesn't help kids learn quantum mechanics directly, it doesn't mean that it's useless for that kind of learning. See, I'm not saying every kid should do drama. Frankly, I'm awful at acting and I'm bored to tears by it. But that doesn't mean it's useless for everyone. It could help kids think in creative ways. It could help them in ways we haven't even discovered yet. Money shouldn't come into teaching. It distracts from the real goal. We should be trying to personalize the school system for each individual (by having lots of choice) rather than forcing kids into subjects that might help in the future. And that's a big might. I mean, we can't even predict the future, for God's sake. We got to find what kids are good at, and try to nourish that.

I have to say, a lot of kids these days say that they don't see why school is mandatory. Really, a lot of my acquaintances are like that. Which is a shame really. I mean, I really love school, and it's a shame that most kids don't see the purpose in it. And they're probably right. School isn't built for them. And they aren't taught properly. If school can't fill out it's basic function, what use is it for them to waste time at school?

Again, I cannot say he is wrong. There's this sense common among those in schools that anything that's practical or abstract, is somehow inferior to things that are theoretical or "intellectual". And the worst of it happens when this is passed down onto the "uneducated" people. See, kids call anything mildly artistic or practical "simple". But we don't really look down upon these people do we? I mean, it's all in good fun, right? See, I think we do, even if we don't say it outright (unironically). I mean, humor has to be grounded in something we can relate to. Otherwise it'd be complete nonsense. And I think our little "jokes" are grounded in that we actually think less of jobs tradies or artists are most likely to do. And it's annoying. This apartheid is some of the grounds we use to take away funding from "unimportant subjects" and that just makes it harder for students to learn. We have to vanquish these old ideas, and bring forth new ones. We are kids of a different age. A different time. And thus, we need a different system.

I definitely agree with him on this. Especially about being grouped by age. It's god awful. On the bell system, I think children should be able to do private study (not separated, just not directed by the school. They can still collaborate).They should be learning on their own and have teachers in their offices, asking questions only when they feel like it's needed. Trust me, when I have free periods, those are the times I find new questions to ask and think about my work more. It's the time when I feel motivated to work, as I'm doing something I love, by myself. That's all the motivation I need.

I say let children dictate their learning. Tell them the minimum requirement by the end of the year, and let them be on their way. And let me tell you, they will almost always exceed expectations. If I had private study, I'd be doing Year 12 work in at least 5 subjects and not just two. But I don't particularly agree with him on separate facilities. See, I like how there are separate subjects. Gives more choice. Other than that, pretty much agree with him.

I hate standardization. You're alienating more and more kids. You can't tailor kids to the system and tell that's the most efficient and effective way to teach. You have to go in the exact opposite direction. More choice. More variety. Tailor the system to the child. And what he says makes sense in relation to the plague of "ADHD". We are trying our best to make kids work for the system, using drugs like Adderall and Retilin. It just doesn't work. The more we standardize, the more kids get alienated. And the more kids need to be "cured" so as to fit the system.

Well, that wraps up the video. Note, this isn't a summary of what he said, nor does it address all his points. Just the ones I wanted to have a say about. I recommend you watch the video multiple times, to fully understand it.