Opinion Columnist Calls for Change in Education Process
This weekend, the Knoxville News Sentinel carried a column by Don Barkman, president of the Business Center, who opined that schools and parents need to work together to overhaul the way that the youth learn.
He notes that the success of the educational system has a direct impact on the economic/business system.
"Global competitiveness requires a competent work force. Employers are one of the customers of the education system whose product is an educated citizenry/work force. That system should produce citizens who know pertinent facts, apply fundamental skills (4Rs) and creative thinking to new experiences, achieve productive results and establish positive interpersonal relationships."
Barkman suggests that parents and educators of the youngest students need to establish successful learning habits for students to meet that level of competency as young adults.
"To solve a problem requires addressing the root cause. In this case, that involves the processes employed by the suppliers of the raw material (students) — parents and the elementary schools ... The root cause is a flawed educational process. Teachers at all levels find it difficult to draw students’ attention away from entertaining distractions to focus on the nitty-gritty skills of life."
Barkman recommends emphasizing practical skills and experience that students will need as adults rather than more abstract knowledge.
"Strip away the needless memorization of facts that never last into adulthood. Replace them with everyday skill sets like reading a loan application and planning a nutritious meal, and assessment makes more sense to everyone ... On the business side of the education equation, local firms can band together to become “foster firms” to schools to bring more support and real-life connections into the classroom."
Read 'State’s education process needs big changes to make graduates ready for workforce'
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