“I never let schooling interfere with my education.” – Mark Twain
Follow this link to read about a Common School Movement
Why do we have schooling in America? The function of schools can be divided into four major themes:
Intellectual: Schools provide intellectual growth.
Political & Civic: Land of the Free, Home of the Brave — this doesn’t transcend from one generation to the next automatically.
Economic: Do you want to grow the GDP?
Social: Probably one of the most undervalued, yet critically important to life-long success — can you work on a team or be a leader? These skills are honed in the K12 classroom.
As you think about the four basic purposes of school:academic (intellectual), political and civic purposes, socialization, and economic purposes, what do you think? Which one (or more) do you find as primary purposes of schooling in your own personal philosophy?
What is a school? What is a school for?
Often, I have students who use the terms “schooling” and “education” interchangeably, but as you can discern from this reading, they have different meanings.What is the difference?
Often educators enter the teaching fieldbecause they have a wish to educate others, but then their philosophies are transformed as they begin to pay particular attention to the network of personalities and ideas surrounding the particular schools in which they teach. No longer does the desire to teach others hold paramount importance, but instead, they become invested in schooling–quizzes, tests, detention and such. This can cause them to lose their focus on larger issues of education.
In the following video John Gatto makes the case that self knowledge is the cornerstone of future success belief on education vs. schooling. If the video does not show up below you can view it on YouTube by clicking this link.
As a passionate advocate for education, with years of hands-on experience in both formal and informal learning environments, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion about the purpose and function of schools in America. My journey includes active involvement in educational initiatives, collaboration with educators, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in pedagogy and educational philosophy.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article and explore the multifaceted purposes of schooling:
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Intellectual Growth (Academic Purpose): Schools serve as crucibles for intellectual growth. They are designed to impart knowledge, foster critical thinking, and cultivate a love for learning. The curriculum, classroom activities, and assessments are tailored to stimulate intellectual development and prepare students for a lifetime of learning.
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Political and Civic Engagement: The article alludes to the idea that the transmission of patriotic ideals, such as "Land of the Free, Home of the Brave," doesn't happen automatically from one generation to the next. Schools play a crucial role in shaping informed and engaged citizens. Civic education, history classes, and extracurricular activities contribute to the development of individuals who understand their roles in a democratic society.
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Socialization: The social aspect of schooling is highlighted as one of the most undervalued yet vital components for lifelong success. The ability to work in a team, be a leader, and navigate social dynamics is honed in the K-12 classroom. Schools provide a microcosm of society where students learn interpersonal skills, empathy, and cooperation.
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Economic Purpose: The economic function of schools is touched upon with the question, "Do you want to grow the GDP?" Education is recognized as a driver of economic prosperity. Schools prepare individuals for the workforce, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for career success. This connection between education and economic growth is crucial in the globalized, knowledge-based economy.
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Education vs. Schooling: The article draws attention to the distinction between "education" and "schooling." While some may use these terms interchangeably, the author emphasizes that they carry different meanings. Education encompasses a broader concept of lifelong learning, personal growth, and self-discovery, while schooling refers to the formalized structure and processes within educational institutions.
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Philosophical Shifts in Education: The piece discusses a common phenomenon where educators initially enter the teaching field with a desire to educate but may shift their focus to the administrative aspects of schooling, such as quizzes, tests, and detention. This shift can lead to a loss of focus on the larger issues of education and the original passion for fostering learning.
In conclusion, the article prompts readers to reflect on their personal philosophy regarding the primary purposes of schooling. It challenges us to consider the intricate balance between intellectual development, civic engagement, socialization, and economic preparation in the educational landscape. The accompanying video by John Gatto further explores the dichotomy between self-knowledge and the traditional schooling system, adding depth to the ongoing conversation about the essence of education.
