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Debate Score:15
Arguments:9
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 Schools should teach us skills we would use in the real world . . . (9)

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matthill2008(175) pic



Schools should teach us skills we would use in the real world . . .

I think schools nowadays are all about exam results. I appreciate this is what will help you stand out when applying for college or a job in later life, but do schools teach us skills we use in real life?

Trigonometry? Algebra? WWII? Volcanoes? Cloud formation? Frog disections?

Has anyone actually ever used these in the outside world? I think schools need to find the right mix of academic knowledge and real world knowledge.

Any ideas of what real world skills they could teach?

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3 points

I would challenge you to ask this question in a place like Germany and see what your answer is. I had the good fortune to live in Germany during most of my high school years, and was able to interact with a great number of Germans. What was interesting to me was the difference in school systems they have there. In Germany students are given a choice, study hard and get good grades, or get practical training. At the end of sixth grade they take a test that will effectively determine what options are open to them for the rest of their lives. There are three types of high schools, college-prep, technical, and apprenticeship.

This at first seemed like a good system to me and it wasn't until I had a conversation with a German gentleman who worked at my school as a janitor that a realized just how limiting this was. He remarked to me that it was really great that all American children have the same education. Even as I prepared a rebuttal to this statement I came to realize that he was correct. I do not mean any disrespect for Germany or its people, their system works for them. Yet when I think back to myself in sixth grade I can hardly imagine planning my entire education career.

Every student at every school in America have the same opportunity as any other student in their area. As a military brat I, more than many, recognize that there is anything but parity among schools in the US. However every student who goes to a school has the same opportunity to get an education. Has the same teachers to help bolster them, or in all too many cases to be overcome. Every student has the same (or close to the same) share of the school's budget.

Think about that for a moment. Throughout human history education has been reserved for the elite, the powerful, the rich. Throughout human history you were limited by the education and wealth of your parents, just as they had been limited by their parents. Every person should pursue the greatest education that they can, we should not be content with skills that we will use in our jobs, but should pursue knowledge for the sake of the pursuit of knowledge. One never knows when a fact may be of use.

Frankly I find it surprising that anyone would come to a site centered around debate without an appreciation for the pursuit of knowledge, for the subtly of thought. You have your whole life to learn the skills you'll need in your job, but there is a small window of time where you can take advantage of a "free" education. Once high school is over, you either shell out a significant sum of money or you teach yourself. Every student should want to take advantage of the time they have with knowledgeable experts.

Side: take advantage of it while you can
1 point

Great argument Private!

Side: take advantage of it while you can

I think they need to find the right mix.

I would rather know something like how to get a mortgage then triganometry. I say this because I am almost certain to get out a mortgage in my life and almost certainly not likely to every use triganometry. If someone wanted a job which entails trigonometry then I think it should be taken on in further education.

Side: mix of academic and real world skills
pvtNobody(645) Disputed
2 points

I use trigonometry and algebra everyday, but then again I'm an engineer. I use history every day, but then again I love to debate. I'd certainly want to know as much about volcanoes as I could find if I were living in Alaska right about now. A basic understanding of economics would help you make that decision about your mortgage. Even a construction worker would benefit from a basic understanding of "advanced" maths. You'd be surprised how often a little knowledge about the most random things will give you some advantage in all sorts of odd situations.

You may think that the skills and facts that are taught in more academic courses are useless in the "real" world but that doesn't change the fact that humanity very rarely invents something without a practical purpose. Take "practical" classes as electives but schools should require more academics rather than fewer. If high schools taught more academics universities could spend more time on teaching students information that is more specific to their majors while giving everyone a better foundation in academics.

Side: take advantage of it while you can
2 points

They do teach a few classes that involve the real world. currently I am in accounting I and that is definately a skill that is good to have when you are balancing your checkbook. Also English helps you learn how to write. You always want to sound intellegent when writing an application for a job and writing may be a prodigious amount of whatever job you choose. The need for jobs is aggradizing and school does teach you some essentials that are good to have for the real world.

Side: They already teach some
1 point

One subject matter that I think is ignored in secondary schools that should be mandatory is Financial Education. All high school students should graduate with a general understanding of how budgeting, savings, credit, loans, etc all work. I volunteer in our community by teaching Financial Education to children, teenagers, and adults and it never ceases to amaze me the complete lack of knowledge that many people have on even basics like creating a budget.

This lack of knowledge has really surfaced lately with the whole economic meltdown as much of it has been caused by people not understanding what type of mortgage they were getting themselves into, not realizing they wouldn't be able to afford the payments when the rate adjusted, and ultimately resulting in foreclosure / bankruptcy that has permeated throughout the economy. A basic understanding of financial concepts would go along way in preventing massive credit card debt, increased savings, and more responsible borrowing practices on the part of consumers.

Side: Financial Education
pvtNobody(645) Disputed
2 points

I agree that this is an important skill that is often overlooked in one's education but this should not take precedence over more fundamental topics. One can learn financial responsibility from their parents, assuming their parents are worth half a cent. But often times one's parents cannot provide the same educational insights that a teacher can.

Side: take advantage of it while you can
1 point

yeah. instead of algebra, i mean come on.. who's really gunna use that??? about 1% of us.

Side: take advantage of it while you can

I would like to see a course that teaches students how to fill out an income tax form with all of the loopholes that they can use.

Side: take advantage of it while you can