Algebra, Quadratic Equations, Parabolas etc
I see so many people criticise schools and specific subjects.
“What’s the point?”
“I’m going to do this particular job so I don’t even need this?”
“All these years later, and I still haven’t needed this stupid (insert activity)”
When we are younger we all think school sucks (lol) and question everything as to why we have to do ‘this boring stuff’, yet over time my opinion changed when I realised just how important these skills are alongside critical thinking.
I still notice so many adults who have not come to appreciate how necessary these parts of the curriculum are. They may not seem ‘applicable’ to most people’s future career choices directly. However, what we need to realise is that it’s not just the actual content being taught that is of value, but the skills we develop when being exposed to and engaging in mental challenges, alongside the benefits of discipline of having to often do things in essential things in life that you may not always be motivated to do.
Now, while I completely agree we could enhance and add some other important areas of knowledge and development, especially around life skills and personal development (so needed right now), being exposed to these so called ‘random’ things are a really important part of our education.
When we are required to attempt activities we aren’t typically good at we have to learn new ways of applying our current knowledge, logic and reasoning. It challenges our minds to develop, process, and build on our critical thinking skills (which is disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence). It also requires us to be in uncomfortable positions which is so necessary for growth.
To develop resilience we need to be outside our comfort levels.
To develop confidence we need to try things we aren’t naturally good at.
To develop perseverance we need to experience new concepts and ideas.
To develop self-reliance we need to have the opportunity to overcome adversity.
To develop patience and problem solving skills we need to do things that take us time to understand.
To develop the ability to cope under pressure we need to do things that frustrate us.
To develop self-awareness we need to learn we need to be experience difficult situations.
To develop the courage we need to have moments where we are required to ask for help or push ourselves deeper to search for answers.
To develop strength of character we need to sometimes struggle.
Never be too quick to disregard any experience or in life.
There are so many circumstances in life that offer us incredible opportunities to evolve and flourish, even in what may seem the most irritating, senseless, unusual, disheartening, painful, uneasy, annoying, seemingly useless ways.