The less-homework revolution?

[Khadra]

Originally Posted by Grizabella

I think there needs to be more emphasis on interesting children in what they are learning. I can study a topic that I have no interest in for hours, and by the next day I won't remember any of it. Because I don't really want to. Similarly, in classes that I'm only taking because they're compulsory, I can manage to memorize the information long enough to write the test and then be perfectly content to forget it all. But with classes I'm actually interested in, I learn so much more quickly. I see it all the time with the children I tutor.

I think parents should teach their children to value education and intelligence. Teachers already do a decent job of making classes interesting. Students need to take more of an initiatve. If you look at your education as an opportuniy, rather than a chore, it can be a great thing to learn even subjects you hate. Instead of looking at math and saying "what a boring useless subject!", people should be saying "it might be difficult but think how much smarter i'll be when i apply myself and actually learn the material!". It's important to take some classes you would not likely choose for yourself because it helps you become well-rounded and gives you a better grasp of the world.

[Grizabella]

Originally Posted by Khadra

I think parents should teach their children to value education and intelligence. Teachers already do a decent job of making classes interesting. Students need to take more of an initiatve. If you look at your education as an opportuniy, rather than a chore, it can be a great thing to learn even subjects you hate. Instead of looking at math and saying "what a boring useless subject!", people should be saying "it might be difficult but think how much smarter i'll be when i apply myself and actually learn the material!". It's important to take some classes you would not likely choose for yourself because it helps you become well-rounded and gives you a better grasp of the world.

Very true, for high school and university students. But have you ever tried to explain to a five year old how valuable their education is?

[Khadra]

Originally Posted by Grizabella

Very true, for high school and university students. But have you ever tried to explain to a five year old how valuable their education is?

Five year olds are already quite curious by nature and take to learning things. You also don't have to explain it to a child that age. You lead by example. If you take an interest in your child's education they will more than likely take an interest in it too, since at that age they idolize the adults in their life.

[Grizabella]

I think that's a bit over simplistic. My sister's and I take a very active role and are very interested in my nieces' educations, and yet we still can't keep them interested in math for very long.

Teachers already do a decent job of making classes interesting

Some teachers do a decent job of making classes interesting. I did have some wonderful teachers in elementary school who tried very hard to interest all of us. And then I had some who would just stand at the front of the room and dryly lecture us. I think it needs to be emphasized to all teachers.