One of the reasons I decided to pursue a degree in psychology is because outsiders interpret each action, word spoken, or idea differently, which interests me. Why should the education of other topics be any different? Creativity and individuality are a part of intelligence, but I have been conditioned throughout my schooling years to believe that those assets are not as important as the ability to memorize.
I once asked a teacher, “Is it better to make good grades or actually learn?" She had no response for me. Making good grades, of course, means a higher grade point average. A higher grade point average means the student is considered "very intelligent" and has a greater chance of attending a more prestigious and respected university and of making a larger sum of money in later life. This does not mean, however, that the student has actually learned anything. Some particular students are very efficient containers, depositing the information and spitting it back out when that precise question is asked by an educator.
These educators do most of the thinking, which in turn, keeps the student from actually learning. What information should they present to the students? How should they present it? What would make the information easy to memorize and easy to understand? Not in one of those questions do I see the student's thoughts on the material valued or appreciated.
My generation of students has developed the belief that a good GPA is more important than actually learning the information being taught. We have come to conduct ourselves as empty minds, waiting for information to be deposited but not to actively seek it out. Teachers recount information to students, who in return, have no opportunity to create a response or reaction. The material is saved and duplicated in their minds for memorization to be forgotten later on when that material is no longer actively needed.
What does this mean for our future?
