The Core Issue in Our Education System and Possible Small-Scale Interventions
The current education system fundamentally rewards memorization and obedience. Obedient individuals are selected by the system, while those who do not conform are excluded and punished. This creates an environment where personal freedom is penalized. Historically, civilization was built on the backs of obedient individuals, but the purpose of education must evolve to focus on the individual. In today’s globally competitive society, obedience has become a liability, potentially paving the way for global stagnation. By prioritizing development over compliance, we can see the inclusion of vital areas such as law, economics, and health in education, instead of traditional disciplines like physics, mathematics, or literature.
Society’s Contradictory Impact on Education
Society serves as both the foundation of education and its greatest obstacle. A significant portion of the population, lost in political constructs and disconnected from the realities of life, fails to prepare their children for the challenges of the real world. Instead of encouraging their children to face dangers, parents often sacrifice their own lives for their children. Ideally, in adulthood, children should also serve the needs of adults in a balanced dynamic. Children should begin to experience life’s challenges alongside their families and eventually become independent. However, if the biological role of having children is not acknowledged and the role of children is romanticized, parents may become trapped in fictional ideals.
The Natural Tendencies of Individuals and Their Role in Education
Every individual comes into this world to achieve something. Children, in particular, want to feel that they have accomplished something, succeeded, and made their mark. The education process should meet their emotional and experiential expectations, making them feel like they “exist” through their achievements. To achieve this, educators must establish more personal communication with children, understanding their aspirations and ensuring they see that their progress is earned through effort.
Additionally, it is essential to remember that individuals primarily recall their emotions and the experiences tied to the present moment. Often, the mind is focused elsewhere, and the unique and interesting sensations of being present are overlooked. Education should guide individuals away from stereotypes and canned responses, helping them recognize the uniqueness of the environment they are in.
The Role of Myths in Education
Throughout history and even today, myths play a critical role in education. Whether it is a dogmatic or progressive myth, these temporary “stories” can be indispensable in creating a vision. To guide individuals, mythological constructs involving leadership figures or unknown goals may sometimes be employed. Humanity, as it progresses toward an uncertain future, essentially walks a path carved by myths.
The Direction and Goals of Education
The education system should transform from merely transferring information to equipping individuals with problem-solving and survival skills. Education must directly impact the lives of individuals, providing them with a pathway to contribute to humanity. In this process, individuals should engage in experiential learning with their teachers, shaped by the wisdom of these mentors.
Activities and Alternative Methods in Education
The education system should include activities that empower individuals and direct them toward contributing to humanity. Some of these activities could be:
- Problem Listing: Identifying personal and societal problems and exploring solutions.
- Utopia Creation: Designing ideal futures.
- Self-Understanding: Reflecting on personal preferences and the reasons behind them.
- Vision Building: Defining future goals and the paths to achieve them.
- Concept Development: Developing new concepts and ideas.
- Mapping Humanity’s Future: Creating projects that benefit society.
These activities enhance individuals’ critical thinking and problem-solving abilities while paving new paths for humanity.
Conclusion: A Process of Wisdom Between the Individual and the Teacher
Education should not be confined to the mere transfer of knowledge; it must be a transformative process between the individual and the teacher. Through this relationship, the teacher shares wisdom, fostering both emotional and intellectual growth in the individual. The ultimate goal of education should be to turn individuals into “carriers of wisdom” rather than mere “receivers of information.” This transformation occurs not through words alone but through shared experiences in the same environment.
By rewarding problem-solving instead of memorization, we can move from creating people stuck in the past to actively solving the challenges of our present and future.
