Some argue that the goal of education is to produce a well-rounded individual with a desirable personality. Others believe that education allows you to learn for yourself, whereas others believe that education is the acquisition of knowledge and skills to prepare a person for work in society. All of those goals, in my opinion, should be included in education.
Literacy (reading, writing, vocabulary) and math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) are skills taught in our educational system that are useful in work, life, and planning. The better your skills in these two areas of learning, the more opportunities you will have in life. I’m always amazed at how many people can’t read a book, write a letter, or balance a checkbook (math).
If you pay attention to these topics, your life will improve. Education also includes socialization and activities that help people deal with others, groups, and experiences. All of these abilities are required for being an adult and taking on responsibility in life.
Every student understands that their education prepares them for the workforce. Learning languages such as English and Chinese Language means preparing myself to communicate more effectively in the workplace, both orally and in writing. In this world that is increasingly shaped by technological forces, knowledge of technical subjects such as Engineering Drawing, and science subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology is required.
For boys like me, our educators have wisely included the study of Living Skills. This, I believe, will be useful because cooking and housekeeping skills will be important when I become an adult and establish my new home. Our research is becoming more multidisciplinary. History and geography knowledge are useful not only for providing students with general knowledge, but also for understanding the sensitivities of other cultures and countries.
Our education system is stressful with examinations, tests, projects, and co-curricular activities. An average student needs to be disciplined to undergo and complete these. In the case of my school, teachers have taught us to focus on our goals and realize our objectives. The discipline I acquire and the values I imbibe forgoing present pleasures for future gains will help me in adult life when these character qualities will stand me in good stead.
The new education system differs from the old one in that there was an undue emphasis on content assessment in examinations. Students got by on rote learning, fact regurgitation, and learning model answers. The new system promotes critical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork.
As a result, students like us are taught to work in groups on projects, give presentations, and develop critical thinking skills. This will prepare us for the future workplace, where change is irreversible and we must constantly learn and relearn.
However, education is not limited to academic work for students like me. We participate in extracurricular activities. I assist in the Computer Club and have learned some computer and projector skills. These will be useful to me later in life, as I intend to pursue a career in sales. Then I’ll have to give presentations. Aside from Computer Club, I am also a member of the athletic team. Employers will be impressed by my school record in the future because they know that athletes have the qualities that employers seek in employees. Sports have given me a more well-rounded education.
Finally, when I think of my education, I think of the love and concern of my teachers. Their hard work also encourage me. Some teachers are my role models when I step into the adult world. Hence, these are the aspects of education which I think will be useful for me in adult life.
