The Value of Education
Key capabilities that must be embraced
Education is so much more than grades, tests and lessons at school. It is about learning for life, gaining important competences for future societies, and developing own interests and self-confidence. The goal of education is to improve the children´s capabilities and not to let them grow as a product of capitalism. This is where problems evolve and inequalities happen. School could be a very enriching environment for children but sadly we are not using all the resources that are available for free. Including the natural environment to make children less detached from nature should be considered as well. Making collaborations between various subjects, learning through different channels, and let the children explore what they really want to explore. Educating has to lead towards independence, individuality, creativity and critical thinking. Especially thinking in systems and accepting other´s voices should be engaged more as a capability that children need to change the rotten systems that are all over the world. Taking advice from home educated families, not only during a pandemic but also during a “normal” daily business is already one step towards collaboration between different societies. And to keep the motivation of learning alive. Don´t let children be afraid of school, of punishment for not understanding something or being distracted by something. “Kids at school never get time to sit and daydream. But it’s a shame of the education system.” (CP10, Interview by Valentina Auer, 2020) Give them the time and space they need, but with a certain kind of structure and mentoring. Children need support but not drill and as they are naturally curious, they want to learn and get taught by people who are more mature than themselves. May it be older pupils, teacher, parents or any other person in the community. Let them be part of the community and develop their own interests and ideas about the world. With that spirit they will be successful in their own professionality and will therefore life an impactful and hopefully fulfilled life.
