An Argument for A More Individualized Education System by Oluwatodimu

An Argument for A More Individualized Education System by Oluwatodimu - July 2022 Scholarship Essay

The traditional education system has sapped the joy of learning for many students. This system necessitates that students are taught a subject for a short period and assessed on the knowledge and skills they retain. Though this seems to be an effective system at first glance, what results is a culture that promotes “learning for the test” or memorizing facts taught in class only to answer questions on the final assessments. Such systems of learning discourage the development of critical thinking and creativity, two crucial mental skills necessary for professionals at the cutting-edge of technology and innovation. In addition, many students in the traditional education system are often left clueless about their plans for employment after high school simply because they are denied the necessary time and freedom to explore their passions. For these reasons, I believe a shift towards a self-paced, interest-based education system would be a great start in improving the education system for future generations.

In this new education system, children will have more freedom early on to investigate topics that intrigue them. There will be less emphasis on traditional assessments and more on project-based learning. The system would require that students reach proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematical skills. There are no additional requirements unless the topic or discipline the student desires to explore requires other skills. In a case like this, the student receives support in developing prerequisite knowledge or expertise.

Around the middle school age, when students have selected a few disciplines and areas of interest, the system will expose their potential careers in their desired fields. The projects the students undertake will become more and more akin to the types of things professionals would be tasked to accomplish.

In high school, there will be an even greater emphasis on career planning and real-world projects that will give the students an authentic taste of the work they will complete in the professional world. In addition, students will also become familiarized with the job application process, which students taught in the traditional system are with which they are often unfamiliar.

This interest-based system will create high school graduates with several years of expertise in the field they are passionate about and a solid career plan. Most importantly, students graduate from the system with their curiosity and love of learning still intact, two things that will propel us forward as a society. Though implementing a system like this would require an overhaul to the education system that seems implausible now, enacting even parts of this new system could drastically enhance the students’ experiences in school and their careers.