Comments on: Compulsory school is bad for life http://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/ Things that matter Tue, 22 May 2012 15:16:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Titus-Armandhttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-438 Titus-Armand Sun, 23 Sep 2007 09:15:47 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-438 Mark Twain, what a great mind!Here are some other witty quotes about education from the same man: "Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned." "Ideally a book would have no order to it, and the reader would have to discover his own." "It's no wonder that truth (about school in this case) is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense."<strong>School is a necessary evil that must be avoided</strong> (adapted from "work is a necessary evil to be avoided"). Mark Twain, what a great mind!

Here are some other witty quotes about education from the same man:
“Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned.”
“Ideally a book would have no order to it, and the reader would have to discover his own.”
“It’s no wonder that truth (about school in this case) is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense.”

School is a necessary evil that must be avoided (adapted from “work is a necessary evil to be avoided”).

]]> By: Titus-Armandhttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-53991 Titus-Armand Sun, 23 Sep 2007 06:15:00 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-53991 Mark Twain, what a great mind!Here are some other witty quotes about education from the same man: "Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned." "Ideally a book would have no order to it, and the reader would have to discover his own." "It's no wonder that truth (about school in this case) is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense."<strong>School is a necessary evil that must be avoided</strong> (adapted from "work is a necessary evil to be avoided"). Mark Twain, what a great mind!

Here are some other witty quotes about education from the same man:
“Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned.”
“Ideally a book would have no order to it, and the reader would have to discover his own.”
“It’s no wonder that truth (about school in this case) is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense.”

School is a necessary evil that must be avoided (adapted from “work is a necessary evil to be avoided”).

]]> By: @Stephenhttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-436 @Stephen Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:49:08 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-436 "Don't let schooling interfere with your education."Right on. “Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.”

Right on.

]]> By: @Stephenhttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-53990 @Stephen Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:49:00 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-53990 "Don't let schooling interfere with your education."Right on. “Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.”

Right on.

]]> By: Titus-Armandhttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-395 Titus-Armand Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:11:08 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-395 It seems to me that the things you say would happen without school are already happening: "most would get into trouble and learn little if nothing"."The many valuable things that you mention are to be learned at home, church or by yourself in addition to the formal education you get at school." It's possible in theory, but here's some math done by John Taylor Gatto:"Out of the 168 hours in each week, my children sleep 56. That leaves them 112 hours a week out of which to fashion a self. My children watch 55 hours of television a week according to recent reports. That leaves them 57 hours a week in which to grow up. My children attend school 30 hours a week, use about 6 hours getting ready, going and coming home, and spend an average of 7 hours a week in homework - a total of 45 hours. During that time, they are under constant surveillance, have no private time or private space, and are disciplined if they try to assert individuality in the use of time or space. That leaves 12 hours a week out of which to create a unique consciousness. Of course, my kids eat, and that takes some time - not much, because they've lost the tradition of family dining, but if we allot 3 hours a week to evening meals, we arrive at a net amount of private time for each child of 9 hours."9 hours (raw time) *per week* to gain the most useful knowledge for life... not too much time is it? Other than that, it's not a secret that schools are intended to produce predictable (and controllable) individuals. Robot people: good at work, useless in life. Of course that there are exceptions who thrive in the school enviroment, but the vast majority of children (which is the main target of compulsory school) aren't.The main and most important downside of the compulsory school system is that it doesn't educate - at all.There are plenty of other not-so-good facts that I could tell you about school (a few positive ones too), but you're free to believe whatever suits you best. I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything here! :) It seems to me that the things you say would happen without school are already happening: “most would get into trouble and learn little if nothing”.

“The many valuable things that you mention are to be learned at home, church or by yourself in addition to the formal education you get at school.” It’s possible in theory, but here’s some math done by John Taylor Gatto:

“Out of the 168 hours in each week, my children sleep 56. That leaves them 112 hours a week out of which to fashion a self.
My children watch 55 hours of television a week according to recent reports. That leaves them 57 hours a week in which to grow up.
My children attend school 30 hours a week, use about 6 hours getting ready, going and coming home, and spend an average of 7 hours a week in homework – a total of 45 hours. During that time, they are under constant surveillance, have no private time or private space, and are disciplined if they try to assert individuality in the use of time or space. That leaves 12 hours a week out of which to create a unique consciousness. Of course, my kids eat, and that takes some time – not much, because they’ve lost the tradition of family dining, but if we allot 3 hours a week to evening meals, we arrive at a net amount of private time for each child of 9 hours.”

9 hours (raw time) *per week* to gain the most useful knowledge for life… not too much time is it? Other than that, it’s not a secret that schools are intended to produce predictable (and controllable) individuals. Robot people: good at work, useless in life. Of course that there are exceptions who thrive in the school enviroment, but the vast majority of children (which is the main target of compulsory school) aren’t.

The main and most important downside of the compulsory school system is that it doesn’t educate – at all.

There are plenty of other not-so-good facts that I could tell you about school (a few positive ones too), but you’re free to believe whatever suits you best. I’m not trying to convince anyone of anything here! :)

]]> By: Titus-Armandhttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-53988 Titus-Armand Tue, 11 Sep 2007 05:11:00 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-53988 It seems to me that the things you say would happen without school are already happening: "most would get into trouble and learn little if nothing"."The many valuable things that you mention are to be learned at home, church or by yourself in addition to the formal education you get at school." It's possible in theory, but here's some math done by John Taylor Gatto:"Out of the 168 hours in each week, my children sleep 56. That leaves them 112 hours a week out of which to fashion a self. My children watch 55 hours of television a week according to recent reports. That leaves them 57 hours a week in which to grow up. My children attend school 30 hours a week, use about 6 hours getting ready, going and coming home, and spend an average of 7 hours a week in homework - a total of 45 hours. During that time, they are under constant surveillance, have no private time or private space, and are disciplined if they try to assert individuality in the use of time or space. That leaves 12 hours a week out of which to create a unique consciousness. Of course, my kids eat, and that takes some time - not much, because they've lost the tradition of family dining, but if we allot 3 hours a week to evening meals, we arrive at a net amount of private time for each child of 9 hours."9 hours (raw time) *per week* to gain the most useful knowledge for life... not too much time is it? Other than that, it's not a secret that schools are intended to produce predictable (and controllable) individuals. Robot people: good at work, useless in life. Of course that there are exceptions who thrive in the school enviroment, but the vast majority of children (which is the main target of compulsory school) aren't.The main and most important downside of the compulsory school system is that it doesn't educate - at all.There are plenty of other not-so-good facts that I could tell you about school (a few positive ones too), but you're free to believe whatever suits you best. I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything here! :) It seems to me that the things you say would happen without school are already happening: “most would get into trouble and learn little if nothing”.

“The many valuable things that you mention are to be learned at home, church or by yourself in addition to the formal education you get at school.” It’s possible in theory, but here’s some math done by John Taylor Gatto:

“Out of the 168 hours in each week, my children sleep 56. That leaves them 112 hours a week out of which to fashion a self.
My children watch 55 hours of television a week according to recent reports. That leaves them 57 hours a week in which to grow up.
My children attend school 30 hours a week, use about 6 hours getting ready, going and coming home, and spend an average of 7 hours a week in homework – a total of 45 hours. During that time, they are under constant surveillance, have no private time or private space, and are disciplined if they try to assert individuality in the use of time or space. That leaves 12 hours a week out of which to create a unique consciousness. Of course, my kids eat, and that takes some time – not much, because they’ve lost the tradition of family dining, but if we allot 3 hours a week to evening meals, we arrive at a net amount of private time for each child of 9 hours.”

9 hours (raw time) *per week* to gain the most useful knowledge for life… not too much time is it? Other than that, it’s not a secret that schools are intended to produce predictable (and controllable) individuals. Robot people: good at work, useless in life. Of course that there are exceptions who thrive in the school enviroment, but the vast majority of children (which is the main target of compulsory school) aren’t.

The main and most important downside of the compulsory school system is that it doesn’t educate – at all.

There are plenty of other not-so-good facts that I could tell you about school (a few positive ones too), but you’re free to believe whatever suits you best. I’m not trying to convince anyone of anything here! :)

]]> By: Melissahttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-396 Melissa Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:35:10 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-396 I have to admit that when I was first thinking about unschooling my daughter, my first thought was that if she didn't go to school she would just do nothing and get into trouble. Then I realized that everyday she goes to a place filled with violence, has to pass through metal detectors, isn't allowed even a backpack because it might contain a weapon or something and after she got suspended for bringing 2 advil to school in her pocket. (she didn't want to have to bring in a doctors note to the nurse for cramps) This is the reality for kids across America. Kids are being shot, beat up and bullied and the teachers are forced to be referees, surrogate parents, social workers as well as teach. So, after taking her out of school, she spent a couple months doing nothing. Staying up late, sleeping in, chatting with friends on the internet etc. After almost 3 months, she got tired of doing nothing, and started to look for things to do. I started to understand that the things we do are how we learn. I asked myself what would I do if suddenly I didn't have to work. Not if I were rich, but if suddenly I didn't have to worry about rent or bills. I would be so lazy for a few months, and then I would look for things to do with my time. I would develop more hobbies, devote time to voluntering, rent old movies and have classic movie marathons, visit museums and so on. I would learn a lot doing this sort of thing, and this is exactly what she started doing. The basic purpose of high school is to teach certain things, to prepare for college and give student a love for learning. All of these things can be done better at home. For example, high schoolers learn Shakespeare by the teaching saying "ok, we are going to learn Macbeth, it is hard, there will be a test." While at home, we rent all the movies like Romeo and Juliet and Othello. You can get a better feel of the writing through the movie, because Shakespeare was, in fact, a playwright. Not only that, you can learn to appreciate his writings without the idea that this is hard and there is an exam. Every week, my daughter goes to an art class at a local museum. We live outside of the city, so she has to take the subway. She gets time to be alone, to realize that she can get where she needs to go, to explore independently and to learn art at the museum. It is a good deal, and yes I am afraid she might get hurt out by herself, but odds are higher of getting beat up or shot at public high school. It is a personal choice, but one I think that needs a lot more conversation about. Once we get past the knee jerk reaction of "all kids must attend school" and start looking at the reasons why, we can make a more informed choice based on what is right for the individual. I have to admit that when I was first thinking about unschooling my daughter, my first thought was that if she didn’t go to school she would just do nothing and get into trouble. Then I realized that everyday she goes to a place filled with violence, has to pass through metal detectors, isn’t allowed even a backpack because it might contain a weapon or something and after she got suspended for bringing 2 advil to school in her pocket. (she didn’t want to have to bring in a doctors note to the nurse for cramps) This is the reality for kids across America. Kids are being shot, beat up and bullied and the teachers are forced to be referees, surrogate parents, social workers as well as teach.
So, after taking her out of school, she spent a couple months doing nothing. Staying up late, sleeping in, chatting with friends on the internet etc. After almost 3 months, she got tired of doing nothing, and started to look for things to do. I started to understand that the things we do are how we learn. I asked myself what would I do if suddenly I didn’t have to work. Not if I were rich, but if suddenly I didn’t have to worry about rent or bills. I would be so lazy for a few months, and then I would look for things to do with my time. I would develop more hobbies, devote time to voluntering, rent old movies and have classic movie marathons, visit museums and so on. I would learn a lot doing this sort of thing, and this is exactly what she started doing.
The basic purpose of high school is to teach certain things, to prepare for college and give student a love for learning. All of these things can be done better at home. For example, high schoolers learn Shakespeare by the teaching saying “ok, we are going to learn Macbeth, it is hard, there will be a test.” While at home, we rent all the movies like Romeo and Juliet and Othello. You can get a better feel of the writing through the movie, because Shakespeare was, in fact, a playwright. Not only that, you can learn to appreciate his writings without the idea that this is hard and there is an exam.
Every week, my daughter goes to an art class at a local museum. We live outside of the city, so she has to take the subway. She gets time to be alone, to realize that she can get where she needs to go, to explore independently and to learn art at the museum. It is a good deal, and yes I am afraid she might get hurt out by herself, but odds are higher of getting beat up or shot at public high school.
It is a personal choice, but one I think that needs a lot more conversation about. Once we get past the knee jerk reaction of “all kids must attend school” and start looking at the reasons why, we can make a more informed choice based on what is right for the individual.

]]> By: Melissahttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-53989 Melissa Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:35:00 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-53989 I have to admit that when I was first thinking about unschooling my daughter, my first thought was that if she didn't go to school she would just do nothing and get into trouble. Then I realized that everyday she goes to a place filled with violence, has to pass through metal detectors, isn't allowed even a backpack because it might contain a weapon or something and after she got suspended for bringing 2 advil to school in her pocket. (she didn't want to have to bring in a doctors note to the nurse for cramps) This is the reality for kids across America. Kids are being shot, beat up and bullied and the teachers are forced to be referees, surrogate parents, social workers as well as teach. So, after taking her out of school, she spent a couple months doing nothing. Staying up late, sleeping in, chatting with friends on the internet etc. After almost 3 months, she got tired of doing nothing, and started to look for things to do. I started to understand that the things we do are how we learn. I asked myself what would I do if suddenly I didn't have to work. Not if I were rich, but if suddenly I didn't have to worry about rent or bills. I would be so lazy for a few months, and then I would look for things to do with my time. I would develop more hobbies, devote time to voluntering, rent old movies and have classic movie marathons, visit museums and so on. I would learn a lot doing this sort of thing, and this is exactly what she started doing. The basic purpose of high school is to teach certain things, to prepare for college and give student a love for learning. All of these things can be done better at home. For example, high schoolers learn Shakespeare by the teaching saying "ok, we are going to learn Macbeth, it is hard, there will be a test." While at home, we rent all the movies like Romeo and Juliet and Othello. You can get a better feel of the writing through the movie, because Shakespeare was, in fact, a playwright. Not only that, you can learn to appreciate his writings without the idea that this is hard and there is an exam. Every week, my daughter goes to an art class at a local museum. We live outside of the city, so she has to take the subway. She gets time to be alone, to realize that she can get where she needs to go, to explore independently and to learn art at the museum. It is a good deal, and yes I am afraid she might get hurt out by herself, but odds are higher of getting beat up or shot at public high school. It is a personal choice, but one I think that needs a lot more conversation about. Once we get past the knee jerk reaction of "all kids must attend school" and start looking at the reasons why, we can make a more informed choice based on what is right for the individual. I have to admit that when I was first thinking about unschooling my daughter, my first thought was that if she didn’t go to school she would just do nothing and get into trouble. Then I realized that everyday she goes to a place filled with violence, has to pass through metal detectors, isn’t allowed even a backpack because it might contain a weapon or something and after she got suspended for bringing 2 advil to school in her pocket. (she didn’t want to have to bring in a doctors note to the nurse for cramps) This is the reality for kids across America. Kids are being shot, beat up and bullied and the teachers are forced to be referees, surrogate parents, social workers as well as teach.
So, after taking her out of school, she spent a couple months doing nothing. Staying up late, sleeping in, chatting with friends on the internet etc. After almost 3 months, she got tired of doing nothing, and started to look for things to do. I started to understand that the things we do are how we learn. I asked myself what would I do if suddenly I didn’t have to work. Not if I were rich, but if suddenly I didn’t have to worry about rent or bills. I would be so lazy for a few months, and then I would look for things to do with my time. I would develop more hobbies, devote time to voluntering, rent old movies and have classic movie marathons, visit museums and so on. I would learn a lot doing this sort of thing, and this is exactly what she started doing.
The basic purpose of high school is to teach certain things, to prepare for college and give student a love for learning. All of these things can be done better at home. For example, high schoolers learn Shakespeare by the teaching saying “ok, we are going to learn Macbeth, it is hard, there will be a test.” While at home, we rent all the movies like Romeo and Juliet and Othello. You can get a better feel of the writing through the movie, because Shakespeare was, in fact, a playwright. Not only that, you can learn to appreciate his writings without the idea that this is hard and there is an exam.
Every week, my daughter goes to an art class at a local museum. We live outside of the city, so she has to take the subway. She gets time to be alone, to realize that she can get where she needs to go, to explore independently and to learn art at the museum. It is a good deal, and yes I am afraid she might get hurt out by herself, but odds are higher of getting beat up or shot at public high school.
It is a personal choice, but one I think that needs a lot more conversation about. Once we get past the knee jerk reaction of “all kids must attend school” and start looking at the reasons why, we can make a more informed choice based on what is right for the individual.

]]> By: vulcan_alexhttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-381 vulcan_alex Sun, 09 Sep 2007 16:29:35 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-381 While school is difficult for some and if you have the right situation home schooling is a very good thing, for most they need to learn how to listen to their teachers and have respect. Without school most would get into trouble and learn little if nothing. The many valuable things that you mention are to be learned at home, church or by yourself in addition to the formal education you get at school. Sorry but I can't agree with you here!!!! While school is difficult for some and if you have the right situation home schooling is a very good thing, for most they need to learn how to listen to their teachers and have respect. Without school most would get into trouble and learn little if nothing. The many valuable things that you mention are to be learned at home, church or by yourself in addition to the formal education you get at school. Sorry but I can’t agree with you here!!!!

]]> By: vulcan_alexhttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-53987 vulcan_alex Sun, 09 Sep 2007 16:29:00 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-53987 While school is difficult for some and if you have the right situation home schooling is a very good thing, for most they need to learn how to listen to their teachers and have respect. Without school most would get into trouble and learn little if nothing. The many valuable things that you mention are to be learned at home, church or by yourself in addition to the formal education you get at school. Sorry but I can't agree with you here!!!! While school is difficult for some and if you have the right situation home schooling is a very good thing, for most they need to learn how to listen to their teachers and have respect. Without school most would get into trouble and learn little if nothing. The many valuable things that you mention are to be learned at home, church or by yourself in addition to the formal education you get at school. Sorry but I can’t agree with you here!!!!

]]> By: Titus-Armandhttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-373 Titus-Armand Sat, 08 Sep 2007 12:50:22 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-373 Hello Melissa, I really am glad to see that there are mothers who are on the same "wave-length" with me.A smart kid trapped in school is like a dolphin at an aquarium. He survives, he's applauded, but he doesn't live like it should and so his natural instincts fade away, he becomes dependent of the system and unable to manage his life on his own.But that's not all negativity and sadness. It forces people to find alternative solutions - such as homeschooling - and offers them the opportunity to strengthen their bonds! Hello Melissa, I really am glad to see that there are mothers who are on the same “wave-length” with me.

A smart kid trapped in school is like a dolphin at an aquarium. He survives, he’s applauded, but he doesn’t live like it should and so his natural instincts fade away, he becomes dependent of the system and unable to manage his life on his own.

But that’s not all negativity and sadness. It forces people to find alternative solutions – such as homeschooling – and offers them the opportunity to strengthen their bonds!

]]> By: Titus-Armandhttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-53986 Titus-Armand Sat, 08 Sep 2007 09:50:00 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-53986 Hello Melissa, I really am glad to see that there are mothers who are on the same "wave-length" with me.A smart kid trapped in school is like a dolphin at an aquarium. He survives, he's applauded, but he doesn't live like it should and so his natural instincts fade away, he becomes dependent of the system and unable to manage his life on his own.But that's not all negativity and sadness. It forces people to find alternative solutions - such as homeschooling - and offers them the opportunity to strengthen their bonds! Hello Melissa, I really am glad to see that there are mothers who are on the same “wave-length” with me.

A smart kid trapped in school is like a dolphin at an aquarium. He survives, he’s applauded, but he doesn’t live like it should and so his natural instincts fade away, he becomes dependent of the system and unable to manage his life on his own.

But that’s not all negativity and sadness. It forces people to find alternative solutions – such as homeschooling – and offers them the opportunity to strengthen their bonds!

]]> By: Melissahttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-371 Melissa Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:34:34 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-371 Thank you for echoing my sentiments. This is why I took my daughter out of school during middle school and have been homeschool/unschooling her. It gives her a chance to learn the things that she is interested in, to rediscover the fun of actual learning and to develop self confidence based on actual achievement rather than the letters on her report card. Being smart and confined to a school all day can be so damaging to a child. You don't get to work at your own pace, and are forced to just regurgitate facts rather than learning to ask why and how to find the answer to that question. Thank you for echoing my sentiments. This is why I took my daughter out of school during middle school and have been homeschool/unschooling her. It gives her a chance to learn the things that she is interested in, to rediscover the fun of actual learning and to develop self confidence based on actual achievement rather than the letters on her report card.
Being smart and confined to a school all day can be so damaging to a child. You don’t get to work at your own pace, and are forced to just regurgitate facts rather than learning to ask why and how to find the answer to that question.

]]> By: Melissahttp://armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html/comment-page-1/#comment-53985 Melissa Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:34:00 +0000 http://www.armannd.com/compulsory-school-is-bad-for-life.html#comment-53985 Thank you for echoing my sentiments. This is why I took my daughter out of school during middle school and have been homeschool/unschooling her. It gives her a chance to learn the things that she is interested in, to rediscover the fun of actual learning and to develop self confidence based on actual achievement rather than the letters on her report card. Being smart and confined to a school all day can be so damaging to a child. You don't get to work at your own pace, and are forced to just regurgitate facts rather than learning to ask why and how to find the answer to that question. Thank you for echoing my sentiments. This is why I took my daughter out of school during middle school and have been homeschool/unschooling her. It gives her a chance to learn the things that she is interested in, to rediscover the fun of actual learning and to develop self confidence based on actual achievement rather than the letters on her report card.
Being smart and confined to a school all day can be so damaging to a child. You don’t get to work at your own pace, and are forced to just regurgitate facts rather than learning to ask why and how to find the answer to that question.

]]>