How School Trained You to Be Broke
by Randy Gage
Bob Dylan says the purpose of art is to stop time. Couldn’t agree more. That’s why you can sit through a three-hour opera and it seems like moments. When I’m in the zone writing, all of a sudden seven hours have gone by and I haven’t eaten.
When I go two days without shaving, hunched over the keyboard, and have all my meals delivered – I know I’m working on some really Epic Shit!
There are a lot of parallels in creativity…
Let’s connect the dots further. Loved everyone’s comments in yesterday’s post on the Creativity Test. But here’s the next level of all that, and why I mentioned the problems of schools subjugating creativity out of children.
Because schools today instead of teaching our kids how to think – are training them how to be broke.
Attending the public school system today is like getting assimilated by the Borg. And for critics who would say I’m not qualified to make these judgments because I was expelled in high school – I would suggest that’s exactly why I can and should make them. After spending the last 20 years of my life studying success and prosperity, here is something I can state conclusively:
There is a very strong link between your level of creativity and your chances for success and wealth.
Thus, my interest in the subject. The focus of my work for those two decades has been to discover why people sabotage their own opportunities for success. What are the limiting beliefs that cause them to do this? And how do they replace those beliefs with empowering ones?
So let me say right now, I won’t get into the creativity stimulators I promised for this post. The topic we’re exploring is so deep and so compelling, I’m thinking at this point it have been better to make it my next book! So this will extend out to some more posts to do the topic justice.
First, let’s look at some myths about creativity and wealth…
Most people would say all creative people are artists – musicians, painters, dancers, etc, and we all know the meme about starving artists.
Most people would also see successful entrepreneurs and business people as not creative people. They see them as logical number crunchers.
Wrong on both counts…
Creative geniuses like Madonna, U2, and Lady Gaga have P&L statements that would make an oil company blush. And savvy creative successes like them have also shown a strong genius in the more “scientific” pursuits like the mathematics involved in finance and business management.
I would also argue that the real titans of business, such as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson owe a great deal of their success to their creative genius.
Creativity fosters innovation, lateral thinking and problem solving skills. It causes you to think differently. And this kind of thinking is exactly what you need to succeed in business and create wealth. And this kind of thinking is exactly what schools are beating out of kids today. Instead of teaching kids how to think – they tell them what to think. (Or simply give them facts to memorize.)
The U.S. and most other education systems are churning out simpletons suitable for manual labor, while very few other countries with more foresight are teaching people how to think.
Most people who attempt new things are going to face a challenge. So they stop and say something like, “I tried but it didn’t work because _______.” And that is the end of it.
Creative people break away from habitual thinking, and look for a different perspective. They ask, “How else can I do this?” “What if . . .?” and “If it was possible, how would it work?”
Creative people don’t focus on challenges, they look for possibilities. Which is a good way to accomplish things, get wealthy, and have success in just about everything.
Once you develop your creativity and let it loose, it serves you for life. Much like your physical muscles, as long as you keep using it, it gets stronger.
Another of the myths about creativity is that only people with a high IQ have it. Most people think it’s rare, mysterious, or locked away in their right brain. These things are simply not true. In actuality, everyone has creativity. Or at least they are born with it. Not all keep it.
So what do you think?
Yesterday you got your score, which I’ll admit is quite subjective, but gives us someplace to start from. If you scored high, why do you think that is? If you scored low, why do you think that is? Do you see the link between creativity and success? How do you feel when I say that the education system is training kids to be broke?
Please share your thoughts with the community. And next post we’ll pick up on tapping into your creative genius…
-RG
The best line in this post:
"Attending the public school system today is like getting assimilated by the Borg."
AMEN BROTHER!
I was expelled from school first part of my 8th grade year & had to finish the year in what they called "Alternative School" because I was too young to not be enrolled in some kind of school. They said I did so well there that when I returned to public school the following year I went straight into the 10th grade.
Sounds like I was being pushed through the system. This was before the "no kid left behind campaign." But I still had zero interest in what they were doing so I skipped all the time and never paid attention or did my assignments. I failed. Returned again for the first part of my 2nd 10th grade year and shortly become 17 and some change, old enough to officially drop out, and quit and went and got me a job.
Today I am 33 yrs old and am temporarily working a j.o.b. again but I've been self employed over 8 years (since age 24) and will be full time self employed again in 2012.
I thank God i never really went further than the 7th grade!
Love this post! Education system in my country is the same. Exam results is what everyone is chasing. Getting an A in Maths is more important than core values. Kids are taught a fixed way of solving problems.
Not creativity are stifle. The attitude of taking risk has also been shifted. Failures is a big thing. It's better to follow rules and be safe than to be creative and risk failing.
Most risk takers are school drop outs, or school haters. They are the ones who create change to the world.
School is designed to make us followers and workers. What a sad state of affairs! :(
taught to be broke and wrongly diagnosed with ADHD.
Here is a a great presentation about 'Changing Education Paradigms' http://youtu.be/zDZFcDGpL4U
Thanks Randy for bringing that up
Randy,
First off, I entirely agree with your post.
I wanted to comment on your portion about "what to think" and "how to think".
My sociology professor who I would consider almost your exact opposite, tried to teach that we were all products of our society and that all impoverished have no choice and so on.
One of the things she would say when making an excuse for spreading her doctrine to other countries or people that might have been resistant to this mentality is "We're not telling people what to think, we're only trying to teach them how."
Also maybe coincidence or maybe not but a teacher in one of my favorite Sci-fi movies "Serenity" says this same thing right before she stabs her pupil in the eye with a writing utensil.
Thanks a lot for the post, Randy! I can't stop thinking. I'm an English teacher in Ukrainian school and I wonder why things in education are the same in the whole world. Why do we need 80% of slaves everywhere? It's almost impossible and even becomes dangerous to think differently at school but I'm not afraid. Every time I inspire my students with words, poems, songs. They know my dreams and want to copy me. We're in love with each other but most teachers consider me to be "from the other world". But still I will create everything, everywhere and every time. Thank you Randy and everybody who support (or not...)
Randy,
You knocked it out of the park on this one. I'm convinced that the schools do a great job teaching the classics like reading, writing, and arithmetic. I think they should stop right there and allow kids to grow into their creative skins. I don't care about Shakespeare, but I love reading about my chosen field. The point is, let me study the history of the fields I will work in. Let me read the classics in the field I will work in. Let me learn the specific math and science of my desired field. Teach me to become the expert ~ Teach me the true economics of life rather than the public school's idea of economics.
Thank you for this lesson in opening our creative minds for abundance!
Joshua Christensen |
Hey Randy
schools today educate our kids to prepare themselves Most of
to live life of routine, banal, boring and tedious.
instead of teaching how to think independent and genuine originaly.
Our kids became used to behave like as they are in herd.
Kids have to learn by heart many facts like historical facts,
Mathematical and physics formulas , rules and so on.
This system of teaching is
sabotage their creativity thinking and so their motivation to be
successful and good entrepreneurs in business.
Great post Randy. I think one of the most important ways that we teach our children is by our own example. As parents and educators, we should consistently and openly exercise our own creativity. When children see this (they will just think it's normal), their natural creativity will be more likely to flourish.
I would also say that the purpose of the public education system is not to teach children to be successful, but exactly the opposite - to program them for mediocrity.
Attending the public school system today is like getting assimilated by the Borg.
Creativity comes in many forms. Some through formal education like becoming a Medical Doctor--If I had brain cancer and I need to be operated on--I would like the best surgeon. That means,that she went to 4 years of college,3 years of Medicines and 2 years studying the brain.
And she probably went to a public schoool.
The focus of my work for those two decades has been to discover why people sabotage their own opportunities for success. What are the limiting beliefs that cause them to do this? And how do they replace those beliefs with empowering ones?
Well,Sucess might different things to different people. I can see a kindergarnen teacher been succesful because he loves what he does even though the top paid after 25 years of teaching might by $50,000. I have met such people. They are amazing.
And been an entrepreneur is another way of been creative.
The most important thing is to follow your hearts and it might lead to a lot wealth or not.
I agree Enrique.
Hi Randy,
I always wonder where ideas come from. The school system is not fit for a world in upheaval. It keeps kids out of reality and starves their brains. If you look at the brain as a mill with multiple feeding channels, how can it be productive if it is fed outdated and unconnected facts in a straight line manner? I think if I could see my mathematics teacher when
I was 12, I will call him "idiot". He didn't understand what he was teaching.
Thank you for the lesson, Randy.
Reflecting objectively on my education years I now feel robbed. The rigidity and push to conformance is obvious in retrospect. After 16 years of homeschooling my daughter I am almost giddy with excitement about how motivated, creative and prepared to take on the world the open and creative environment in which she grew up has allowed her to become. I cannot overstate how strongly I feel that parents must bring the responsibility to educate their children back under their own control. The public school system teaches cynicism and misinformation from the beginning. It truly is an indoctrination program for laborers. Brian Tracy wrote a good short but to the point blog post yesterday called "5 reasons why most people don't become wealthy". The fifth reason describes why it is import to see the long view. If you are not wealthy and don't come from wealth but would like to break that chain, then start with your kids. You will learn from teaching and you will all end up better of. Thanks Randy for the great post!
The test is not really relevant, Randy. What's important is that the "broke artist" sees creativity as the orgasm, while the successful entrepreneur sees it as a divine tool for seduction and domination in the marketplace.
I totally agree with Randy. I graduated as a Mathematician and all I ever did was to use Isaac Newton's formula to solve a mathematical equation etc. I began to wonder how that was going to make me stay afloat poverty. Even lecturers here in Nigeria tend to use a lecture note they used 20 years ago to train us. We were not allowed to change anything. They dont want to a newer method, just the one they taught us and I thank God that I refuse to follow that line. I was just looking for an opportunity where I can put my brain to good use and am happy I found it.
Ever see the Paper Chase? Great movie about first year law school at Harvard and what a meat grinder it is.. some poor guy gets ground up because he can remember facts but can't interpret them in legalese...
One other point I read recently - they always say Gates, Zuckerberg, etc didn't graduate - but don't kind yourself - Gates was like one credit shy, almost every big success went to a big U and a lot of other heavy hitters graduated as well.. there must be something there...
Randy, Education is not an easy portfolio to hold. Anyway, I for one never studied when young. I played more and just made it.
Not being a properly trained chef I wa appointed by The Mandarin Hotel as a private contractor to provide 2 ethnic dishes at mos of their major functions and sserved them well for some years.
Then I decided to go into Aromatherapy and managed to conduct a workshop at NUSS (National University of Singapore Society) on the subject with practical steps on how to use the oil and massage.
Have 2 glowing testimonials to prove.
In between I went through a real estate course but failed twice (even the retake) but managed to close very premium properties and within 4 months earned 14,000 S dollars. In 1989 that was a lot. After 4 months I left the property scene as I was techno challenged.
Randy, I am no book person but I think of all crazy ideas, some work and some may not work but it has been a fun-filled journey, Thanks vm and enjoy Syd.
Randy Gage - YOU are absolutely fantastic at doing what you do - Please don't EVER stop... I have exciting news for you - I will soon be hosting a brand new - International - internet based - RADIO show titled "Your Sovereign Man in Panama!
Randy Gage YOU are definitely a Sovereign Man - Want to appear as a featured CELEBRITY GUEST on one of my Shows? Please advise. Thank YOU!
I'm pretty booked for the next six months, but we can discuss it later. thanks for thinking of me. RG
Randy.. Great topic and I agree with your position in all respects. Having grown up with an extremely creative Father, who of course, had friendships with other very creative people (all of whom were not huge successes), there's a commonality in the 'fraternity'. And anyone that thinks a Bill Gates or Larry Ellison aren't creative, but instead, have mastered "The Art of War" as business people are direly mistaken.
Vision requires you're creative and by birth, we ALL have creative ability. It's just some of us live it, while others keep it in check. Of course, some people are more left brained than right, since it's where they're most comfortable, but without the right brained people there would be no Warren Buffets or Charles Shaw's around!
As for myself, I'm much like you where education is concerned. I completely agree the public education system is in need of help. For one, education does NOT have to be so boring. The schools are putting students to sleep rather than inspiring them towards greatness by keeping them engaged in the experience of learning. This is an area I feel very strongly about and my start-up is focused on making a difference for adults in this arena. Enough said there.
I think it's incredibly important we use our innate creativity in all ways possible. Some write, others play music or paint, while others create amazing strategies or product ideas. We simply need to keep our creative 'bone' stimulated by using it. Thanks for posting and the great reminders!
I went to a Catholic elementary school, and a private high school. Neither of them were elite schools however. (At the time I attended the high school, tuition was not very expensive, and affordable to all but the poorest families.
Now due to the "everyone must attend a good private University or they're a failure" mentality, the price has skyrocketed.)
While there certainly was more emphasis on people being well rounded, the goal wasn't to be independent, but rather to impress college admissions boards, and possibly build a career after college graduation.
As such, the same issues still applied. Free thinking was not valued, as much as sorting people into "elite school, decent private school, well regarded state school, state school, community college, not college material."
I was labelled "not college material" due to many difficulties I faced, and felt inadequate for a long time.
The school system needs to change yes, but when a parent thinks that it isn't their job to actively ensure their child's success and that it's the job of authority figures, we have huge problems, like I had.
A "good" school means nothing if the support network isn't there.
I made an error in this post.
I was labelled "not college material". (Didn't help my father put "learning a trade" or government work above what "normal" people want for their kids).
I did take some courses at the local community college, but they were of low quality and I was learning stuff I had either learned on my own or in high school.
I couldn't agree more. Recently my daughter got in some trouble that was ..well far from her "normal behavior". In dealing with consequences I wanted to ensure that she would actually have to think about what she had done and not just "serve her time" and be done with it.
The schools set children in a room for a day or two depending on the "bad behavior" isolated from friends and regular schedules. Ummm.. They actually like it because they can catch up, complete homework and be unattached and mindless for the day. Unexceptable to me as a mother.
First every behavior shouldn't have the same consequence . We must have it aligned in some manner. Did what they did match the consequences. A severe crime does not equate to stealing bubble gum in the real world. Just as standing up to a bully does not equate to becoming a violent person in the real world. It is crazy indeed.
So as a consequence for my 17 daughter who is otherwise a typical teenager and a great kid I decided to give her something that would make her think. I made her write letter of apology, write a 3 page essay with empirical support of why this staement is true: Poor and less educated people are easily controled and left voiceless". I wanted her to think how this vicious cycle of behavior or not thinking can damage her if she doesn't think!! I hope that her consequence will be her reward for her future. I promote my children to challenge (in a respectful manner ) their teachers knowledge . My daughter proved a teacher wrong on shizophrenia, My son debated against the disease model of alcoholism and earned something much more than what that teacher was teaching. Confidence in their views, permission to think different, to question and challenge the institution of public teahing in a way they are being heard. I admit I teach my children to walk the line , challenge and think. I also teach them respect for self and others so they always have respect but don't be afraid to step on the line and when they feel passionate over it! Schools teach black and white when they should show them the gray cause there is A LOT more than just the ends of a spectrum!
Bravo for you.
-RG
Hi Randy,
thanks for touching this subject that goes very dear to my heart because we have to two kids and we are living in a country with one of the most rigid school systems in the world, after China and North Korea.
It's not only about killing creativity, it's about sorting out kids at a very early age without mercy.
We are talking about Germany - where parents can go to jail when they insist on homeschooling their children, based on laws from the 3rd reich. Isn't that interesting.
Where are the countries that teach their children how to think ? We'd be faster there than you might think...
It is insance to expect that our kids become a Richard Branson or Bill Gates of their kind after they went through this severe brainwashing system, it's not gonna happen. It's not gonna happen.
Be blessed
Oliver
I totally agree.
We do not value free thinking; in fact grades and standardized testing merely show how good a child is at rote memorization and doing what they are told rather than intelligence and capability, which is perfect for a mindless drone who does what someone else wishes.
We stil continue to label people with active minds as OCD/ADD/ADHD and other "disabilities". Sir Richard Branson is dyslexic by the way. More than likely because he processes information differently from most people, he sees things the vast majority do not.
I myself have trouble thinking totally logically or in a linear progression or on just one thing. I interconnect things. Can't really think or solve anything unless I do. Makes me horrible at math, but math in context I understand.
The problem is, school compartmentalizes everything. It doesn't connect everything together as a whole.
Don't learn in the way the teacher teaches, or the teacher doesn't understand you? Well, you're flawed.
I will say, very rarely are the children of highly paid professionals and the wealthy labelled with such problems.
A lot of parents blindly go along for the ride, believing that a "good job" is the one reason to exist, and if their child thinks for themselves they are labelled as "bad".
Randy,
Great article. I only recently realized how the US education is based on a Prussian system designed to produce factory workers. What is even a more troubling aspect is that with this primary and secondary education system, we push people who really have no business into higher ed where they rack up tremendous personal debt. Given the poor education they have already received they don't have a chance to graduate and end up with no degree and a lot of debt. It's almost criminal.
As a recent college grad, I can definitely say that the majority of classes I've had throughout my schooling have been absolutely mind numbing.
Randy, you're definitely correct in saying that the education system doesn't promote creativity and I believe it's flawed.
Thinking back on classes that I've taken in the past, I spent the majority of the time either learning facts and figures (to memorize for no reason except to get a grade) or doodling in my notebook because I was bored at of my mind.
The only classes that I actually got something out of were the one's that made creativity a focal point; fusing creative with learning makes for a great learning experience in my opinion.
It might not be the same for everyone, but I'm a person that enjoys being creative; I work better that way.
I believe there's two categories that people fall under. The society mindset and the entrepreneurial mindset.
The society mindset is exactly how it sounds. Conforming to society and losing touch with your creative, uniqueness, etc.
The entrepreneurial mindset is just the opposite. Allowing your creative, uniqueness, etc, to work for you in a way that brings prosperity.
It's a shame that (some) schools tend to hold kids back rather than help their true talents shine.
Great post Randy and great discussion all!
Stay motivated!
~Jeremy
Conformity was well taught in school and our society. Don't rock the boat, just get married, have 2.5 kids, get a good job with a solid company that will take care of you after 40 years. The only thing certain is change, and with our improved mindset, we're better able to either process or create that change. Thank you Randy for keeping us focused on and excited about our dreams!
We pulled our daughter out of public school 2 years ago. She attends a university model school and it is the best thing we ever could have done for her. She, nor my 4 yr old, lack any creativity! Public school did not encourage it, or even know how to teach to it. She was bored silly and starting to hate school. We moved her to an environment were she could think, be challenged, and be creative.. and she loves it!
I have several family members who taught or still teach in public schools. They think we are crazy for pulling her. We know we saved her academic career and her future. In an environment where she is now thriving, she feels she can do or be anything! And at 9, that's a pretty good place to be! :)
The education system is a crime against humanity.
I graduated high school and put my college education on hold to pursue and acting career. When I did make it back to school in my early 30's I was hoping to move up in the corporate world. But the more I studied, the more I realized that I needed to think for myself and allow all my creative juices to flow. My degree in business came at a big price of around $20K which I am still paying for. I still haven't used my degree at all. It sits on a mantle hidden somewhere with dust. My father who has a degree in psychology told me that he hasn't ever shown his degree. So I really wonder how valuable a formal education really is unless you're pursuing a field like medicine or legal where you have to have it.
Well, Randy, didn't you study in same U.S. school and all these titans like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs? But still you and they are creative people.
Randy, PS I think you are kinda of being a doodoo head for not giving out at least one thermo nuculear creativiy inspirirer(is that a word? I don't know). Anyway, it is Christmas, so maybe you could be less Scroogy. :)
I had so many teachers give up on me because they didn't understand how to teach me. There was maybe one teacher out of my whole education who took the time to help me and that was my mother. I had a learning curve. I learned through vision and action. Sitting me down with a book left me board and restless. My mind often wandered into my imagination which then I would be punished for not paying attention. Yes onwards and upwards and no blame game, just a lesson learned. My husband and I have made the decision to school our children at home and teach them to be creative and to use their imaginations yet apply themselves accordingly. I was home schooled from grade 9 to 12 and that is when I flourished. Because my mother took the time to really teach me. I made more solid friends during those years than I ever did at school. Creativity is a wonderful gift from God and should never be suppressed.
Randy, here is what I think. Creativity comes from your soul as well as your brain.
Creativity is a way of expressing what is in your soul of changing the world through your own personal uniqueness. We are all special, we were all made with gifts of creativity to share. The creativity can shine through in art or math or science or business or home economics child rearing, anything. The possibilities are limitless, as is the uniqueness of our souls.
I think we get creatively blocked because we are afraid to share our souls, that which makes us different and also that which ultimately connects us to everyone else in the universe. When we don't share our creativity it is out of fear, fear that our uniqueness won't be accepted.
It happens in school this fear, but it happens everywhere else too. Sometimes, there are teachers in schools that help kids to see the specialness that they are. Schools need to change some things, I don't know if they teach kids to be broke, and I don't know if they teach them to be wealthy either. They should teach some different things like mentioned above, and also child rearing, how to buy a home, how to use a credit card. But, I digress.
Anyway, everyone is special, everyone is creative. We get afraid to show our souls to the world. Because, we are afraid our uniqueness will be frowned upon. Let the creativity rain!
Also, I am sure their is link between wealth and creativity. However, your Guy James Allen was not wealthy. So, I wouldn't use that as a critierion for the depth of someone's creativity.
Annie,
interesting...
About the fear, that our uniqueness won’t be accepted. But by who? I think firstly ourselves... Everything starts here.. So if I don´t accept that I am unique... I will fear that others won´t accept.
When that child/adult don´t doubt about his/her uniqueness.. there is no fear to express it.
And how to support it? I think watching what the child really love.. and then not only watch, but as a parent involve ourselve to these activity and let the children teach us in their passion... Then they will expressing and searching the ways how to better show you, what they have inside...
Marketa, Yes! Very well said. Also, so sorry to hear about Vaclav Havel, he will be remembered by me as one of my favorite heroes.:)
I have some very good friends that are Czech, really love Czech Republic. Dobre Rano. Is that good morning? I really wanted to say good day, but I don't remember...:)
Annie,
thank you... Yes Vaclav was man with a beautiful character ... I loved how the human seemed to me, how beautiful his heart was and knew how to show it. It's amazing simplicity of being ... and yet so humble .... He was a man with a big M..
Really? Did you visited Czech Republic?
Yes, Dobré ráno means Good morning..
And Dobrý den means Good day and Good evening is Dobrý večer. So I am pleased to give you short Czech lesson :o)
Actually I am learning more English, because I decided to move to the US. :o)
Marketa, I have visited the Czech Republic, it is a beautiful country. It was in the late '90's. Havel was still Prime Minister, and democracy still fairly new.
Thank you for the Czech lesson! Dobry vecer. By the way, you are doing very well with your english. :)
Yes it happens lots of places, but I think school is the biggest culprit for kids.
-RG
Yes, definitely.
I am not looking for a culprit, it is a process ... what "was good" earlier today does not ... It's evolution ...
I'm just saying that it must start in the family. Be aware.. and spread this vision of changing system.
Have started private schools, which is an entirely different system of teaching and I believe that we are close to major transformation.
Really, the biggest culprit keeping people broke? Maybe, I don't know.
Overall, our education system here in America is lacking in many areas.
If you are saying it squelches creativity, I would say it does not promote it. It would be an interesting study. You have an interesting hypothesis Mr. Gage.
I am not saying to keep people broke... Right opposite... I am saying about conscious choice... And let's be honest, a lot of people still live unconsciously .. So how can change the system, when not even aware that they can?
So the mother who wants her child to be taught the essentials find a way to enforce this vision in the system. Amazing thing is that if you make more families at a time .. The system breaks down and gives rise to new. Yes, we all here know that does not work .. Therefore, it is important to make education everywhere, the individual Beginning. Our children deserve to be encouraged to express their full potential .. This whole thing going, about the developments.
"Get good grades, go to college, get a good job (which is usually one which is "safe", but kills you on the inside), possibly go to grad school, save money, work 80 hours a week, somehow raise your children to repeat the process, retire at 65+, attempt to do things you should have done while young, but can't because your body gave out, die."
That's the path our society considers to be wonderful and good, and deviating from that is considered a recipe for poverty. I think it CREATES more poverty and unfairness than it solves.
I had trouble in school, because well, I didn't like learning at a slow pace, and school does teach people they are stupid and incapable if they aren't a straight A student and get perfect SAT scores. Didn't help matters that I had very negative controlling parents on top.
@Randy Luckily there are musicians who have an entrepreneurial side to them. May not have the youth on my side any more (30), but still young enough to compete.
There was an article in Time magazine about electronic music and it's explosion, and it stated that the music mattered more than the age of the performer.
Scared as hell, but given that I hate "normal" and will never succeed at the "normal" path, and will never catch up with someone who was a straight A student and went to a Top 20 school, I might as well be creative.
Hey Thomas,
Yeah,I agree about schools, in a way. I think they are typically structured to teach in a way that isn't right for all the ways children need to learn.
However, I do think that there is more and more research and information on how to educate in ways that can reach all different kinds of learners. Also, some schools are changing the way they grade students.
I hope these changes continue. For instance, not that long ago children with various learning problems were not even integrated into the classroom. I think change is always possible.
It is good that we keep the conversation about education, going. So I am glad Randy likes to talk about education and how we train our children. It is possibly the most important factor in the success of our little future beings. :)
Sorry school didn't sound like much fun for you. Thanks for sharing that. That took some guts.
I love to learn.
I am not against formal education. It does have its place. I am against an outdated model, and the idea that it is the only way to succeed.
I sometimes feel very ashamed because of it, but I wouldn't be the first person who managed to continue to learn and grow and even succeed in spite of the perceived deficiency of not attending a prestigious institution.
You ask, "How do you feel when I say that the education system is training kids to be broke?" Here's how I feel: Well, duh.
and also
Why waste any time playing the blame-game?
Personally, the school system taught me that I am creative. It used several teachers to do that. Thanks, s'system, for exposing me to some awesome people.
Let's go with Onwards & Upwards! rather than Look Back & Blame.
Lovingly submitted, Mrs. H&P
Agreed and that's where we're going. But like I said, this could easily be a book and I have to set the stage first, then build from there each post. Thanks, RG
There is a book about this.
http://www.deliberatedumbingdown.com/
I've read the book and watched some video material.
I do think this is happening, however the book/video recordings does seem to be a bit conspiracy theorist.
It's worth reading, but be skeptical.
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[...] Randy Gage Okay two days ago, we took your Creativity IQ. Yesterday we looked at how the education system is programming kids to be poor. We looked at the link between creativity and success. Now let’s look at some ways to [...]