Initial Internet Research on Schooling

Source 1-

"The meaning of education"

A. This article outlines different perspectives on the purpose or reason why people get educated. It starts by presenting the ancient Greek idea of education, and talks about Socrates' belief of education. In addition, it includes several quotes from different more modern day people. The most interesting part perhaps is the table towards the bottom, which shows the skills learned in school, and then relates them to a fundamental skill or societal function that must be preformed and mastered in order to sustain the society.

B. This article is a basic, easy read, and can prove to be useful for the background history of school (Socrates) as well as for the table, which makes it easy to relate tasks in school to "real" life or society outside the school institution.

Source 2-

"Beliefs about the purpose of education" -

A. This article also outlines the reasons we attend school, however this one provides what they propose to be the "true reason"so it is not objective like the last one. This one focuses on Bill Beattie, who claims that education is a tool that teaches us how to think, but not what to think. This is near impossible in my opinion, because by teaching one a method of thinking, they are also instilling in them certain belief systems, that will undoubtedly affect what the student comes to think and believe. Thoughts are a slippery slope, because it is hard to tell which ones are yours and which have been taught to you so many times that it seems to have become you.

B. This article is useful because it provides an idealized view of what modern day schooling is supposed to provide. It can help you see the flaws in the system and begin to question some of the outlined goals.

School Interviews

Part A:

Interview 1- Self

The basics-

Age: 17

Ethnicity: Greek

Education: Current High School senior

Q: Briefly describe your school experiences. Why are you currently pursuing a high school diploma?

A: I started school not speaking English. Being scolded by people in a language that I didn't understand intimidated me and I hated school as a result. When I finally learned English, I was a perpetual "trouble maker" and I always stood up for myself and defied the teachers. After transferring schools, I began to love school, because I was in a positive school environment. I went from "trouble maker/future juvenile delinquent" to top scoring goody too shoes. I remained a straight A student all the way up to 10th grade because I enjoyed the things we were learning, I never missed assignments, and I felt respected. Then in 11th grade, I came in contact with 2 teachers that I consider to have been bad ones. I really hated their classes, and I was too preoccupied with issues in my personal life to chase after them and squeeze information out of them; so I failed both of their classes. But I learned an important lesson through this, and it brought back my personality of being ok with defying authority and vouching for myself, which I had lost over time as a result of being such a "good" student. In the end I am glad this happened because now I'm not afraid of people who try to intimidate me anymore, or use their "authority" to try to make me feel poorly about myself. Granted, other events in my life have lead to this too, but this was one factor.

The reason I am perusing a high school diploma is because it never occurred to me not to. I think that it's not even an option, it's needed if you want to progress and have options in life, because in this day and age a high school diploma is just the bare minimum. I'm looking forward to college though, my schedule will be different and allow me to spend the necessary time studying, and also I will feel better about the environment than I do now.

Q: Why are we in school so long? Is it a waste of our youth?

I often think we shouldn't be in school so long. I mean, for several years we learn the same history, math & science over and over again. It's ridiculous. But then again, I think what if people were allowed to only have 9 years of school before attending college? The sad part is I don't think most people would be mature enough to handle that. Maybe school really is like daycare; it institutionalizes young people until we have reached emotional maturity.

Q: What would an alternative to school look like to you? Why?

I think an alternative to school would allow us to have more say in what we study, and not be in a confined building. I also think the vast majority of homework should be eliminated, because it makes students resent learning, instead of being eager to learn.

Q: Do you believe that there should be a basic set of knowledge that everyone should know?

I do think there should be a basic set of knowledge. I think elementary math is crucial, and the ability to read and write is also crucial. From there on out, I think it should be up to the student what they learn.

Q: Think of the institution of school as a way to shape our society. What "shape" do you believe they are trying to create?

People who are obedient, "civilized" and trained to obey orders. And people who do not ask a lot of questions. The less we question, the easier it is for those in control to bend us into the different societal roles they need fulfilled. Essentially, the school system is a systematic way to determine what kind of societal role you can potentially fill, and then make sure you do so, even if it's not one that is desirable to you.

Q: Do you believe school provides freedom, or traps youth?

I think it does both. Let's not kid ourselves, without any education there is very little that you can do, and unfortunately, people will not want to give you opportunities in life. This is obviously not freedom, because then you are a slave to your lack of education. So in this way, getting an education can defiantly open doors for you. However, it traps you in the sense that school is always trying to determine where you fit, and if you fit somewhere you don't want to, then it's simply too bad, because everyone will view you as such.

Q: How does school fit into your life? What are some things that you get to do, or not get to do that you feel are related to how long you were in school?

School takes up a lot of my time, just being there everyday. I haven't really experienced things that I get to do or not get to do because of my education level, since I'm still in school.

Interview 2- Christothea (mom)

The basics-

Age: 41

Ethnicity: Greek

Education: Undergrad degree Polytechnic University of Athens, Grad degree Columbia University

Q: Briefly describe your school experiences. Why did you persue a college degree in both Greece and the United States?

A: Because in my country you could only be a lawyer, a doctor, or an engineer to have an decent job and reputation. And out of those I liked engineering. Also, it was considered the most difficult school to get into, so enjoyed that too. In order to get in you have to take a very competitive test,and only the top scoring students were accepted. I scored the highest in the country that year, so I was in all the newspapers as the number 1 student for engineering. It made my family proud. And so it made me happy. I am very lucky also that I happen to really like what I studied, so working hard was fine by me. And since I entered college early, when I was 16, I graduated at 20, coming in as the top student in the university. I got engaged right after, and next thing you know was moving to US with my fiancee visa. I applied to Columbia University, because it was the best in New York City, ivy league school, and everyone back home knows it by name. It was the only school I applied to, and I was accepted. I did my masters in just a year, I worked so hard, and I graduated at the top of my class again. At first I did not see any of my work pay off, and I would spend many nights crying, stressed. But now I see it has paid off. I have a job I love, and I have many offers always for other jobs, so I am excited that I have a good career- very different from just a job.

Q: Why are we in school so long? Is it a waste of our youth?

A: Yes. I think the right thing would have been nine to 10 years the most. I'm bored of seeing you do the same things year after year. I think it's a waste of time. It seems like some things they want drilled in your head, enough is enough. I think school can defiantly be condensed and still be effective. Or do how it is in other countries, and move on already. When one concept is learned, keep progressing, instead of repetition.

Q: What would an alternative to school look like to you? Why?

A: I think visits in libraries, museums, work sites, nature, and it would be flexible in schedule. And getting rid of homework that is not needed. Why are you in school for 8 hours if its not to learn the material? If this is not enough time then God help us. I understand the idea behind it, but in practice it's not working. It's abused, not handled correctly. And so it becomes negative effect.

Q: Do you believe that there should be a basic set of knowledge that everyone should know?

A: Yes, there is a basic set. To read and write. To do functional math. To know the countries on a map. And to follow with what happens in the world.

Q: Think of the institution of school as a way to shape our society. What "shape" do you believe they are trying to create?

A: One where people know to follow instructions, and one that has less tolerance for free thinking. This is because many times work performance is based on standardized skills that have no representation of individualism. So it becomes unnecessary in the running of society. No one needs to be an individual. When something is not needed, it has tendency to go away. This I believe is the goal. To eliminate the unnecessary: individual personality.

Q: Do you believe school provides freedom, or traps youth?

A: It is organized in a way that forms a trap. But to not have it is worst. I suggest everyone tries the best to get it; the best way to free yourself from a system you don't want is from inside.

Q: How does school fit into your life? What are some things that you get to do, or not get to do that you feel are related to how long you were in school?

A: I get to do the first few things we learned in elementary school. And what I learned in college. Only these two help me in life, everything in between was not as relevant. In terms of level of eduction, being a graduate of polytechnic and Columbia university is a big help, people have respect immediately in a job setting.

Q: Comparing the US system to the system you were schooled in, what are the major differences? What impact does this lead to?

A: The Greek system is very strict, has high performance standards, separates citizens into the intelligent and the nobodies. Either you are highly educated or not educated at all. Once you are in, you go and are associated with the best, for those though who don't make it, that's it. Your opportunity is gone. This is the only benefit of the US system, they give chances many times.

Interview 3- Ioannis (dad)

The basics-

Age: 56

Ethnicity: Greek

Education: Incomplete elementary school (3rd grade)

Q: Briefly describe your school experiences. Why didn't you finish elementary school?

A: My family needed me to work, so when I was 8 I began to work as an apprentice to a shoemaker. Education was not a consideration, and back then in Greece it wasn't required.

Q: Why are we in school so long? Is it a waste of our youth?

A: No. it's the most important thing. That shapes up your whole life.

Q: What would an alternative to school look like to you? Why?

A: You can go into specilazed trade. You become a better person, when your educated. Its not only job but lifesyle choices.

Q: Do you believe that there should be a basic set of knowledge that everyone should know? If so, why does it seem that certain necessities go obsolete?

A: It is important, because they explore your understanding and your mind.

Q: Think of the institution of school as a way to shape our society. What "shape" do you believe they are trying to create?

A: The better people you have the better country. You live longer, healthier, happier.

Q: Do you believe school provides freedom, or traps youth into a systematic control system to fulfil all the societal characters?

a: It's supposed to liberate you. How much you understand.

Q: How does school fit into your life? What are some things that you get to do, or not get to do that you feel are related to how long you were in school?

A: Just about everything. Eduction makes you.

Q: Comparing the US system to the system you were schooled in, what are the major differences? What impact does this lead to?

a: Over there, even if you have the capacity to learn you can not. Its like luck. Here its better.

Updated Art Project Cool

* Sorry it's late, but we finally got it to work*

My group for this art project was Carol and Moe. We were all hanging out on a Saturday, and decided we were going to film our project then. We came up with the idea of making a list of "8 rules to be cool". We were then going to act out each rule. When we started filming though, nothing really worked out because it wasn't coming across the way we wanted to (watch the bloopers to see what I mean). We decided to take a break, and started having random conversations. I realized that the conversations might actually be good to use in the video, so I subtly sneaked off and brought the camera. Of course they all noticed, so I admitted I was going to film them, but not tell them when. So for the first 10 min I just sat there listening, not recording. As the conversation picked up, I turned the camera on and started recording. No one noticed, which was good because I feel like the conversation at least came out authentic. Watching it back, it's defiantly a typical convo.

The insight from the video is basically comparing different lifestyles, and seeing the difference between what Moe's cultural map tells him is cool, and what Cindy's cultural map tells her is cool. Moe's map tells him that he shouldn't spend time partying or drinking because it's immoral, while Cindy sees having her friends drop $1,000 a night in liquor she gets to drink and party in the club with as living a fun, cool life. The part where Moe questions her about it, and she shrugs it off shows that our cultural maps are hard if not impossible to change. As a side note, Kayla (the girl who was on her phone the entire time) wasn't a part of the conversation because she doesn't speak english.

I think that making art is cool, because it allows others to get a glimpse into one's perspective; into their cultural map. If it's well done, we can even understand them, and it can help us see why they are who they are. It can also help us understand the reason behind someone's pose, find a little of ourselves in it, and see how everyone is connected simply by humanity. I wouldn't include our video in that category though, what is shown is just an unscripted, random conversation amongst friends.

First School Assignment

Part A:

Questions:

1) What alternatives exist to institutionalized learning? What alternatives could/should exist in the future?

2) Who decides what students learn, and for how long/how frequently they must attend school? Why don't parents get to decide all of this, if they are the ones with custody of their children?

3) Why does the United States rank so poorly in education, in comparison with it's financial status? If schools are supposed to give us the tools to change the world, why is more money being spent on war and weapons? I remember learning about the arms race, but not the education race...

Ideas:

1) School is a primer to being a "good" American worker, but not a leader or a revolutionary.

2) Homework is a way to build up work stamina. It gets the student used to working long hours, and thinking about their assignments even during hours when they are not present in the institution. This directly translates to the work skill of being productive during long work hours, and using time outside the job to think about or even work on the job, getting the employer the most bang for their buck.

3) People bitch too much about school. Yea, this whole post is bitching, but I think under it all, school was started with good intentions; to make sure that an entire population understands concepts in the same general areas, so that there is a basic mutual understanding. Kind of like the need for national languages. Granted, it became a lot more complicated and corrupted than that, but the initial idea was not an evil one.

Experiences:

1) I was a straight A student up until the 10th grade. If you want to know "what happened?", it's several factors that played into it. But I don't regret anything, I actually believe that as a result of my experiences I now have the guts to put in order the kind of life I want. I found my own personal goals, and I know what is and is not important to me.

2) My dad never got past elementary school, and my mom graduated at the top of her class in Colombia University.

3) Teachers have so much to learn from their students, but they rarely do. Teachers often enjoy going on some kind of power trip, where their sole goal is to prove that they are less insignificant than you the student. They kind of get this crazed drive, and look hungry for that validation. Which is weird, because honestly just like how teachers tell unmotivated students to find another place to hang out, these teachers should find another place to release their physiological traumas/ personal inferiority complexes.

Part B:

I wanted to continue writing about idea 1: "School is a primer to being a "good" American worker, but not a leader or a revolutionary."

Ali Jo asked in class today why is it that children attend school so young, and she suggested it's to keep them from rebelling against the system, and forming organized resistance. I agree with that completely, and that school is set up so that all students become used to linear power structures.

Then the few who are both exceptionally obedient, and exceptionally bright are the only ones who can really excel, and become "somebodies" in society. At that point, they are an asset to corporate America, because they have the mind that can be used, and the submissiveness to do all work without resistance.

If one is not bright, but is obedient, they will probably get a working class job, because their unresistive nature combined with lack of deeper thinking skills will guarantee their employers a life long worker; therefore they are also an asset to corporate America.

If one is however just bright, but not obedient, their success in society becomes a gamble, because even though their mind is an asset to corporate America, their willingness to resist is something to be wary of. These people can even be considered a threat to the capitalist society...."dangerous" because they might spread their thoughts to others and cause some type of movement, or at least disturbance. So these people can either become big somebodies or big nobodies.

And lastly if one is neither bright or obedient, they are a "deviant" and usually end up in poverty due to the lack of jobs available to them. This can be frustrating, and it's no wonder many turn to drugs or violence as an outlet.

All this suggests that in order to produce assets to the work force, one must either be obedient-bright or obedient-not so bright. Maybe this is why our school systems often seem to leave intelligence out of the equation; of course it is an added benefit, but if it is not there, there is no need to develop it. As long as obedience is instilled, the student can become a sucesfull member of capitalist society. Maybe this is also why school doesn't seem to actually prepare students to "change the world"...because that's not the goal at all, the signle most important skill that can be aquired is obidence. Probably followed up by work stamina, conditioned by homework (see ideas).

Art Project Cool

**My group is having difficulties uploading our video project. We are trying to work through it, but if we cannot successfully upload it by Wednesday afternoon, I will have a substitute art project up by Wednesday night.