A school is a place where students and teachers meet to learn. Schools teach different subjects, including history, math, and literature. They also give students assignments and tests.
Many parents and students complain that school does not prepare them for the real world. But they must remember that schools have a duty to pass down the treasury of knowledge.
Educational Purpose
Schooling should foster a lifelong love of learning and teach students to engage with the world. It should also provide students with skills that they will use for the rest of their lives, including creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional development. It should prepare them for the complex issues they will face in the future.
Schooling also plays a role in cultural transmission, providing a platform for passing on values and traditions from one generation to the next. It is an important part of the cultural heritage of a nation, and can contribute to its economic growth and cultural stability.
Many schools are already incorporating educational purpose into their curriculum. Malin offers examples of student-centered schools such as the Reggio Emilia model, and project-based programs that allow students to generate their curricular focus; for example, a science class on the properties of water might examine the political and power structures that prevent people from accessing clean drinking water.
Types of Schools
When it comes to selecting a school, parents have many choices. There are traditional public schools, magnet schools and charter schools. Additionally, private schools are available that require tuition payments and can be coed or single-gender.
Some of these schools focus on certain types of subjects, such as academies and international studies. Others are designed for gifted children. These schools often feature smaller classrooms and curriculum that allow students to move at a faster pace.
Another growing type of school is microschools, which offer a more personalized education. Class sizes are much smaller than what is seen at most public or private schools, and students often learn in mixed age groups. Some of these schools are based on the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes preschool and primary school teaching methods. The educational philosophy centers around fostering creativity and a sense of community. This is a great way to help children feel like they belong in a nurturing environment that supports their extracurricular passions!
Learning Styles
Every person absorbs information in different ways. Learning styles investigate these preferences and help teachers understand how to best teach their students.
There’s some debate about how many learning styles exist, with theories ranging from four to seven. However, most agree that people tend to favor one or more of the following styles:
Visual learners prefer charts, maps, diagrams and other visual aids in place of written words. They’re better able to comprehend new information when it’s presented visually, so incorporating images into lessons is a helpful way for teachers to reach this type of student.
Auditory learners absorb new information through listening. They’re better able to grasp concepts when they hear explanations and discussions, so teaching methods that include lectures and group activities are important for this student population.
Kinesthetic learners are happiest when they can move around and interact with materials. Using hands-on educational tools like programmable robots and STEM kits is an effective way to appeal to this style of learning.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities offer a wide variety of benefits for the student, from personal enrichment to a more holistic and balanced learning experience. They also add to a student’s resume and can give college admission officers insight into their passions, talents, interests, and abilities.
Whether students are hamming it up on stage, debating with fellow members of their club, or volunteering in their local community, these activities provide valuable skills that can be transferred to academic environments. They can even demonstrate a student’s ability to work as part of a team, set and stick to goals, and prioritize their time.
These types of activities are usually organised by educational institutions, meaning that access to them will depend on the policies and practices of the school. However, students may choose to participate in extracurricular activities outside of their school that are arranged independently, such as sports clubs, music groups, and volunteer opportunities. These activities can still help them develop their talents and interests, or even become a lifelong passion.