Taking the Education Out of School
Written by Lori Calabria

      Let me do it on my own. Self-schooling can be an enriching and challenging experience. By facing these challenges on my own my education can be much more productive.
      I would be much more likely to actually do work. Taking one out of the classroom eliminates most of the problems that interfere with education- uninterested students, opinionated and underqualified teachers, and an inefficient environment for learning.
     The students in the school are generally much too casual about actually learning and enriching their lives educationally. Rather they are more involved with being force-fed a so-so education, passing the course, and earning enough credits to graduate. Students are also much too unconcerned about the sociality of school and personal matters. By removing this element from my education I am less distracted and less bored with school, and can focus on my education.
     While there are teachers in schools that do, in fact, enjoy teaching (and do a good job of it) and being involved with the kids, most view their jobs as just another paycheck. Even worse yet are the teachers that perceive a classroom as a forum to spout their opinions on most any topic. This not only takes up class time, but also can influence the students in a negative manner. I have concluded that most children at their age have not yet realized the differences between facts, truth, and opinions; most view things as truth. When a teacher assigns homework or some kind of project, both the teachers and the students don’t think to stop and question its merit. Teachers should not focus on merely giving assignments just for sake’s sake as busywork- they should assign things that would force the student to think and challenge the students. A challenge is not writing a ten-page report on a topic related to the class; a challenge is forcing the students to evaluate things independently and confidently. The greater challenge is to have a teacher that welcomes such individuality, and can allow the students their right to an opinion that differs from their own. I believe that teaching one’s self would indeed be a challenge, and would only be successful for a student who understands the differences between the three things  mentioned above. I feel I am quite ready for such a challenge, and do indeed understand the differences. I would also be more motivated to learn because of the freedom of this type of education. So many restraints are lifted when the teachers are out of the equation.
      Once you combine students and teachers you have an environment. The current environment of most schools is not conducive to learning. There are too many things that get in the way of education- time restraints, locality, sports, questionable teachers, and, most significantly problematic, the students themselves. Such an environment is a hindrance to education. By learning in a healthier and less interfering environment like home there is a better chance that education would be more successful.
      Teaching myself is therefore a valid possibility. Concerns about motivation, time, health, and distraction can be waived, as they are considerably lessened by removing school from education.    

“I never let schooling interfere with my education.” – Mark Twain