Do Students Feel Like School is Meaningful?

What does the word “meaningful” mean to you? Oxford Dictionary defines it as “serious, important or worthwhile.” So is school meaningful?

There are two sides to this controversy. Some people believe that school is important because it is one of the building blocks of life needed to mature and grow up. On the other hand, others believe that school can be a waste of time and doesn’t necessarily provide a bright future. For example, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs both don’t have college degrees. They both dropped out, however they are still very successful.

School is important because it teaches us basic life skills, such as reading and writing that which you cannot succeed in life without. Imagine being on the streets and not being able to read any signs. Other than improving your education, school impacts good habits, such as being responsible, organized, respectful and many more. For example, students are given tasks that are due on certain dates. One must stay organized and manage his or her time well in order to complete the project. In addition, attending school can help you develop social skills. Andy H stated, “I remember when I was small I was too shy to even talk in a small group, but now I can give a speech in front of the full grade and not be nervous. Over the years, I was encouraged to speak up and share my ideas, which developed my social skills over time. Also, as my social skills improved, it made it easier to communicate and make friends.” Social skills are very important for your future. They can impact your job or even help you make friends.

Many believe that you can gain knowledge on the internet and not need to go to school. They believe it’s more efficient because you have more time to go out in the real world. Some believe that learning in the real world is more effective than in a classroom. A former AISG student, David S. said, “Being ‘book smart’ is important, but being ‘street smart’ is just as important or maybe even more. ‘Street smart’ means that you have common sense ( knowing who you can trust or reading their intentions) and can stay out of trouble.” Although this may be true, school helps develop other crucial skills that the real world can’t, for example being respectful and organized.

What do AISG students think? According to senior Michael L., “School is meaningful because it teaches valuable skills for the future, for example, it prepares students to be responsible and organized, which will be crucial for their future, as these skills are important towards one’s job.” On the other side, according to sophomore Bryan S., “The idea of school is important and meaningful, but there are many subjects that students are forced to take that won’t impact their future.” Classes that tend to be considered “useless” are music and language. In middle school, one is required to take music class for all 3 years. There are many studies that have shown that music can benefit your brain. Although this is true, many students believe that they deserve a say in what classes they must attend.

There can be alternatives to school that might be developed in the future, like where students do some studying online, some in classrooms, and some out in real-world settings. This idea is unrealistic, but who knows, one day the system might change.

Since we’re stuck with this model of having to go to school for the time being, what can students do to make school more meaningful? Maybe teachers can make learning more hands-on when possible, like field trips. If students feel more engaged, they might feel like school is more meaningful. Do any of you have any suggestions?