Education, what is it? Is it a system where we train our kids to be efficient units in a capitalist society so they can seek capitalist style "success"? Or perhaps it is a system where we train our kids to be obedient and submit to authority? Or is it a system where by we help our children become self sufficient, freethinking and caring individuals?
On reflection and what we know of the present education system I think we can score the latter of our list. Kids are regimented and are taught to respect an over riding authority. Hardly the formula for creating freethinking individuals, but an excellent system for making them subservient to authority, once they have left that "educating" institution.
I have heard of Summerhill School and the works of S. L. Neil, but sadly don't know very much about him and his theories, but found this video fascinating. It does state that it is based on a real case but fictionalised in the making of the film.
Is this the road for education, treating kids as equals, involving them in all decision making, and allowing them to be involved as they wish? I expect a load of criticism about this method, but we do have a load of criticisms of the present education system. So where does that leave us?
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