Well Informed Learning 2.0

Educational systems have been around for centuries in one form or another. In the modern society for which we live in today, are we getting better? Are we progressing or digressing? These questions call attention to the specific goals of society, communities, and the individual. Before looking at the obvious factual and statistical evidence, there needs to be a focus on the purposes of education.

I grew up in a very standard place as far as education goes. Moving through the system and conforming to the standard. It wasn't until a year ago I heard of Montessori. Montessori is a undervalued form of education. It moves away from the typical mold of how to educate. Rather than forcing students to become comprehensive in many different subjects, it allows students to excel in a subject they naturally click with. Obviously, there is a foundation built for the different subjects but it highlights hands on learning.

As a country, the current system is in place to funnel students through elementary, middle school, high school, and then into an accredited university. For some, their dreams and aspirations do not fit this mold and consequently sentence them to occupational discrimination. People are not being judged according to their skill but rather to a diploma and the university for which it came from. According to the U.S. Department of Education, "Already, three-quarters of the fastest-growing occupations require education beyond a high school diploma, with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers prominent on the list". In short, people need a college degree if they want a good shot at "making it"; however, the phrase is specific to the individual.

If there is one appalling fact of higher education, it is the amount of money put into it and profited. The map above compares the richest universities to other countries with the same gross domestic product.

There is a case to be made for the progress of current educational systems. The Millennial Legacy, a privately owned website, states, "Thus far, Millennials are on track to become the most educated generation in American history". Because of the reformed structure in schools, it has caused an increase in college graduates. Although Millennials are still behind Generation X, they are projected to lead in this statistic. Pushing for higher education does instill competition. With students competing for spots at renowned universities, the qualifications and expectations are rising. There are new precedents being set every day and is a direct cause of the success reached by college graduates.

Our country does well and is progressing in the areas it wants. Education is a vast concept and reaches out to many different expertise, experience, and trades. The current educational system is limited and therefore becomes more stagnant. There is so much opportunity and potential that is not being utilized. Widening the range outside of the strict and orderly curriculum would greatly benefit the advancement in education.