Why Life Skills Like Balancing a Checkbook, Changing a Tire, and Gardening Should Be Taught in School
Have you ever heard someone say that life skills like balancing a checkbook, changing a tire, and gardening should be taught in school? Many people believe this, but the reason behind their belief is often misunderstood. They are unaware of the history of schools and how the education system was initially designed for a specific purpose and demographic.
The Evolution of Schooling: From Ancient Rome to the Common School
The modern school system traces its roots back to medieval times, which further extend to the educational practices of Ancient Rome and Greece. In these early educational institutions, the primary objective was to educate the offspring of affluent families, preparing them for government positions or other high-ranking social roles. Peasant families, on the other hand, relied on their parents or tutors, and girls rarely attended school, learning domestic skills from their mothers instead.
Regarding religious and cultural changes, after Christianity became the state religion in the 4th century AD, schools started teaching reading, writing, arithmetic, and music. Over time, schools for the nobility emerged, focusing on academic and moral education to train future rulers and diplomats. These schools were not designed for the common peasant; while some peasant children did attend, it often came with commitments to monastic life.
The Purpose of Today's High School: Preparation for University or Vocational Education
Today, high school serves the purpose of preparing students for university or college. If your aspirations lie elsewhere, you can opt for a vocational school instead. In Estonia, for instance, vocational schools provide both secondary education and a trade. Historically, less affluent families sent their children to apprenticeships to learn trades that would support their livelihoods.
High schools are not designed to teach life skills crucial for day-to-day survival. Vocational schools, on the other hand, are specifically tailored to teach practical skills like bookkeeping, gardening, and car maintenance. If your career path involves further education, a high school might be more suitable. However, both high schools and vocational schools serve different purposes and can fulfill different needs for different individuals.
Where to Find Life Skills Training
If you have a particular skill in mind, such as balancing a checkbook, changing a tire, or gardening, there are specialized vocational schools that can provide the necessary training. For example, checkbook balancing is not taught in Estonia since the country does not use checks. Gardening, botany, and farming are taught in specialized vocational schools, and changing a tire is typically covered in driver's education courses or through vocational schools focusing on auto mechanics.
The common high school is not intended to provide vocational training. If you aim to learn a practical skill, you have two options: attend a hybrid high school that can send you to university and teach you a trade, or opt for a vocational school.
Conclusion
The current school system was never primarily designed to teach practical life skills. While some skills are taught in vocational schools, the prevailing structure is geared towards academic education and future university entry. By understanding the historical context and educational purposes, you can choose the right path for your career and personal development needs. Whether you opt for a hybrid approach or a vocational education, the key is to select the method that aligns with your goals.