So what is the right route, well maybe the students of today will not have an option, they cannot vote and their voices are relatively unheard and maybe their lack of education proves there knowledge of matters. But then again as a teenager why would you care, its one of the hardest times in your life, battling your parents, freedom, anger, sexuality and puberty.
What I notice from working in the industry is that education only works in one that - the teacher inspires and entertains the student, nothing else works. You can try and be tough or you can be relaxed but these will subsequently not provide the person you want to be or the person you want to employ. Students quickly tire of the monotony of education, the lack of hands on experience, sitting, listening, thinking of other things. So being tough is great but does it help all abilities, it may help the average student work, but what about those already gifted or those who struggle? Clearly choices would help students individualise their learning to their needs and interest, it is far more useful in life to do the things we enjoy and are good at. Some people are suited to the arts, of music or drama, some are scientific and become programmers, some are leaders, some are fighters, everyone has some talent and school should help you prepare for this. Whether this means BTEC's or something more in line with apprenticeships, I believe a change is required. These students need to learn using practical skills, tease their intellect, provide interaction, work with other students and peers, gain experience and more than anything work hard. You cannot possibly sit there, listen and take in everything everyday for all your school life, you will become bored, lose concentration, act up and even get in to trouble. Let the students get their hands dirty and learn real life skills, show them how you use things, then discuss why, or do this together.
So what am I rambling for, well I believe even after my academic experiment with university that a vocational education prepares you for the real world. The academic route provides an excellent experience that is not comparable to training and learning on the job. Take training over certification, take real life over theory, take a paid income over debt! I am not condoning everything should follow this advise, I more than anyone I know enjoyed my university experience and would have loved to have carried on further to a masters, but would I do this straight from school and college???
Their is a Chinese that goes "Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand." Makes you think????................
