Why are So Many Children Anxious about Learning?
Starting from life with blank brains, children learn a lot throughout their early years. This learning process is filled with gaps and questions. Once children understand the depths of learning, they begin to grasp not just what, but also why, how, when, and where. However, when something unfamiliar emerges, a new 'what' arises, presenting both challenges and opportunities for their growth.
Curiosity is a powerful tool in helping children explore the world around them. Yet, this curiosity can sometimes lead to dangerous situations as children may explore things by themselves rather than asking for guidance. This can lead to anxiety, which can hinder their learning process.
The Root Causes: Idiocy and Politics
The problems in education stem from a combination of misguided priorities and political pressures. Schools are criticized for their failure to provide meaningful education in the initial years of a child's learning journey. Teachers and governments often exalt the importance of these early years, believing that every minute spent in school is essential for a child's education. However, reality paints a different picture.
Children spend months in primary school classes without receiving any substantial learning. On average, they may only receive a mere five minutes of actual education a day, and their one-on-one interaction with teachers is typically less than a minute per day. This is in stark contrast to the belief that children are learning intensely, preparing for tests that could brand them as failures if they do not perform well.
The focus on memorization and test preparation, especially remembering names and classifications, often diverts attention from truly essential skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Many grammatical categories are unnecessarily complicated and require major reform, yet children are still being forced to memorize distinctions that are artificial and misassigned. This approach is not only ineffective but also counterproductive.
The Damage Done by Ineffective Schools
The damage inflicted by ineffective educational systems on children is significant. Schools often prioritize test results and traditional methods of learning over real, hands-on, and meaningful education. Instead of focusing on essential skills, children are often engaged in activities that are not beneficial for their long-term development. This not only wastes precious time but also uses resources that could be better spent on more effective teaching methods.
Many children should be well beyond basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills within two years of starting school. However, 95% of their time is spent on activities that are largely unnecessary and could be learned through normal life experiences and TV watching. Enforcing this rigid and ineffective educational framework is harmful to children and does not serve their best interests.
Finding a Solution
To address childhood anxiety and the problems in education, a fundamental shift is needed. Emphasis should be placed on real learning, where children are engaged in activities that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills. Reading, writing, and arithmetic should be taught effectively, and memorization exercises that do not enhance understanding should be minimized.
Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to reform the educational system. They should advocate for an education that prioritizes real learning and the holistic development of children. By doing so, we can ensure that children enter a world where learning is a joyful and meaningful experience, free from anxiety and unnecessary pressure.
Children's anxiety about learning can be averted by focusing on the right aspects of education. Let us strive to create an educational environment where every child can thrive and develop to their full potential.