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Education or Indoctrination? Questioning the Purpose of Schooling

There's this guy named John Taylor Gatto. He wasn't your typical teacher. Nope, he was a rebel with a cause, speaking out against the very system he once worked for. Gatto believed that schools weren't designed to educate you or make you smarter. No, he thought they were factories, churning out obedient workers for the system. Depressing, right?

And then there's John Holt. He was all about freedom, man. Holt said that schools crush your natural curiosity and desire to learn by forcing you to follow someone else's agenda. He believed that true education happens when you're free to explore, question, and discover on your own terms. Sounds pretty liberating, doesn't it? Too bad schools don't see it that way.

But wait, there's more. Enter Peter Gray. This dude is all about play. Yep, you heard me right. He says that play is not just for fun—it's essential for learning and development. And you know what? He's onto something. When you're allowed to play, you're also allowed to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them without fear of judgment. Imagine if school was like that.

It's no wonder you hate school. You're not alone in feeling this way, though it might seem like it sometimes.

So, let's talk alternatives, my fellow survivors. Peter Gray isn't just about pointing out what's wrong; he's also about finding solutions. One alternative he champions is something called "unschooling." It's like homeschooling, but with a twist. Instead of following a curriculum, unschooling lets you learn whatever, whenever, and however you want. It's all about taking back control of your education and letting your curiosity be your guide. Imagine spending your days exploring the world around you, pursuing your passions, and actually enjoying learning for once. Sounds pretty cool, right? And hey, if that's not your cup of tea, there are other options out there too. The key is finding what works best for you and sticking to your guns. You deserve an education that's as unique and awesome as you are.

But, we know that as teens, we might not have all the legal power or the ability to pack our bags and peace out of school without parental permission. It's a tough reality to swallow, but here's the deal: just because we can't change our circumstances overnight doesn't mean we're powerless.

We've got something even more potent than legal documents or permission slips: we've got the power of self-kindness, resilience, and standing up for ourselves as much as we can within the system. It's about recognizing that we deserve better and refusing to settle for anything less. It's about finding small ways to assert our autonomy, whether it's speaking up in class, seeking support from understanding adults, or carving out moments of self-care amidst the chaos.

So yeah, we might not be able to overhaul the entire education system single-handedly (yet), but we can still make a difference in our own lives. And hey, who knows? Maybe by advocating for ourselves and showing others what's possible, we'll inspire some real change down the line. Until then, let's keep fighting the good fight and showing ourselves the love and respect we deserve.

Just because you don't fit into the mold they've created doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. It means there's something wrong with the system. So keep questioning, keep resisting, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself. You're stronger than you know, and you can survive this madness called school.

Posted in: Blog on March 21, 2024 @ 3:04 PM

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