In this 3 minute TED Talk, Malcolm London performs a poem he wrote about being in high school called "High School Training Ground." He discusses the culture of school and the disconnect between what is learned in schools and what is needed outside the school walls. He reminds us that "bubbling in a scantron doesn't stop bullets from bursting." He also states, "I hear education systems are failing. But I believe they are succeeding at what they were built to do: to train you, to keep you on track, to track down an American Dream that has failed so many of us all."
Malcolm London boldly reminds us that our education system attempts to teach students about academics, but often leaves out many of the practical and necessary skills needed to survive in the world today and that the "American Dream" isn't the reality anymore. Do you think there is truth that can be found in Malcolm London's statements? Is the education system pointing people toward an "American Dream" they will likely be unable to attain? And if so, how do we rethink the education system so that we are preparing our young people differently?
I thought this was really thought provoking, thank you for sharing. I think the idea of an American Dream has vastly changed and now, for many, is an idea far from reality. When one lives in a neighborhood where there is no safe place at home, no community united, and a lack of investment from politicians who are supposed to represent the community to make it better, how can you have time to dream when you're fighting to survive? The education system, schools, are supposed to be a safe place for kids to learn and explore new ideas. Too often, it is a place where they are told they aren't good enough, that they are just a number that is being pushed through. Children and adolescents and teenagers are treated as things to deal with instead of valued for their potential and praised for their uniqueness. We need to appreciate and support instead of "handle" or "deal with" kids in schools.
ReplyDeleteI almost posted this video. I love the way this student artistically conveys his thoughts about the school system!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! Very interesting and very true. Our school system in the U.S. is lacking in teaching students life skills needed to succeed in our world.
ReplyDeleteThis video is very powerful! We hear a lot about how our educational system is improving, but Malcolm London boldly reminds us that our education system only attempts to teach students about academics, but often leaves out many of the practical and necessary skills needed to survive in the world today and that the "American Dream" isn't the reality anymore, which is an issue that needs more attention.
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