A few days ago, I found myself in a deep and reflective conversation with my son, who is about to step into Year 10. With a mix of curiosity and a hint of skepticism, he asked me a question that struck a chord: “Why do people even bother to go to school?” His words lingered in the air, challenging the very foundation of what many of us have been taught to believe. It was more than just a question; it was a doorway into a broader discussion about life, success, and the evolving role of education. As a parent, I felt an overwhelming responsibility to guide him through this, knowing that the world he’s growing up in is vastly different from the one I knew.
The Societal Expectation of Schooling
First and foremost, I explained to my son that going to school is a societal requirement and expectation. For centuries, formal education has been viewed as the primary path to acquiring knowledge, building character, and preparing for the workforce. Society has constructed an entire system around the idea that school is the gateway to a successful life.
From an early age, children are taught that attending school, studying hard, and getting good grades are essential steps toward achieving their goals. This societal expectation is deeply ingrained in our culture, and for many, it is the only path they know. However, this traditional view of education—focused primarily on schooling—is being challenged in many ways.
Schooling vs. Education: Understanding the Difference
Before diving deeper, it’s important to establish the fundamental differences between schooling and education. Schooling refers to the formal, structured learning that takes place in schools—it’s the classroom environment, the curriculum, the exams, and the grades. Education, on the other hand, is a much broader concept. It encompasses all forms of learning, including the lessons we learn from our experiences, the knowledge we gain outside of formal settings, and the personal growth that comes from exploring our passions and interests.
Schooling is just one piece of the larger educational puzzle. While it provides a foundation, it is not the entirety of what it means to be educated. True education is about equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to navigate life’s challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Limitations of Schooling and the Myth of Brilliance
It’s also crucial to understand that schooling is not a true test of brilliance or intelligence. The traditional schooling system, with its focus on standardized testing and rigid curriculums, often fails to capture the full spectrum of human intelligence. Intelligence is multi-faceted, encompassing creativity, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and practical skills—qualities that are not always measured by grades and exams.
Countless individuals who struggled with traditional schooling have gone on to achieve extraordinary success in various fields. Innovators like Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, and Oprah Winfrey are prime examples of people who did not fit the traditional mold of academic success yet made indelible marks on the world. Their stories serve as powerful reminders that academic performance is not the sole indicator of one’s potential or worth.
Schooling has its limitations, and it’s important that these limitations do not define how we see ourselves or our capabilities. A poor performance in school does not equate to a lack of intelligence or potential. Each individual has unique talents and strengths that may not be fully recognized in a traditional classroom setting. Understanding this is crucial for developing a healthy self-image and pursuing success in ways that resonate with one’s true abilities and passions.
What Schooling Teaches Us—and What It Doesn’t
School undoubtedly plays a crucial role in providing foundational knowledge in subjects like math, science, history, and language. It helps develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work with others—skills that are invaluable in any profession. Additionally, school provides a structured environment where children can learn discipline, time management, and social skills.
However, it’s also true that many of the skills needed to succeed in life are not taught in school. Financial literacy, emotional intelligence, communication skills, and practical life skills like cooking, budgeting, and understanding taxes are often overlooked in traditional curricula. As a result, many young adults leave school with a wealth of academic knowledge but feel unprepared for the realities of the world.
This is where I see my role as a father coming into play. I’ve made it a priority to teach my son what school might not be equipped to cover—lessons on discovering his passion, managing money wisely, understanding the value of hard work, and learning how to navigate the complexities of relationships. These are life skills that will serve him long after he’s left the classroom, and I believe it’s my duty to prepare him for the challenges that school may not address.
Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancement has changed the skills landscape dramatically. Jobs that didn’t exist a decade ago are now in high demand, and the skills required for these jobs are often not covered in traditional school settings. Coding, digital marketing, data analysis, and other tech-related skills are increasingly important in today’s job market, yet many schools have not fully adapted to teach these competencies.
The Rise of Alternative Learning Paths
In response to the gaps in traditional education, alternative learning paths have emerged. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Wontum, and Khan Academy offer courses in a wide range of subjects, often taught by industry experts. These platforms provide flexibility, allowing learners to study at their own pace and focus on the skills most relevant to their careers.
Wontum, in particular, stands out as a platform dedicated to democratizing access to knowledge, offering courses that cater to the diverse needs of learners across the globe. Whether it’s mastering a new language, learning to code, or understanding the intricacies of digital marketing, these platforms provide a more targeted and practical approach to education.
Additionally, vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and coding boot camps have gained popularity as they offer hands-on experience and practical skills that are directly applicable to the workforce. These alternatives to traditional schooling challenge the notion that a formal school education is the only path to success.
The Importance of Lifelong Learning
While the traditional school system has its limitations, the concept of lifelong learning is more relevant than ever. The world is changing rapidly, and the ability to adapt, learn new skills, and stay curious is crucial for success in today’s environment. Whether through formal education, online courses, self-study, or on-the-job training, learning should not stop at graduation.
Schooling provides a foundation, but it is just the beginning of the educational journey. As my son progresses through his schooling, I hope he understands that while school is relevant, it is not the end-all and be-all of education. The most successful individuals are often those who continue to seek knowledge, challenge themselves, and grow throughout their lives. And as his father, I will continue to guide him in areas where the classroom may fall short, ensuring he is well-rounded and prepared for whatever life throws his way.
The Evolving Role of Schooling and Education
So, is school still relevant? The answer is yes—but with a caveat. Schooling is relevant, but it is not sufficient on its own. The traditional education system provides a necessary foundation, but it must evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. Moreover, individuals must recognize that education does not stop when they leave the classroom. Lifelong learning, adaptability, and the pursuit of skills beyond what is taught in school are essential for navigating the complexities of modern life.
As I told my son, schooling is a significant part of his journey, but it is only one part. The world is full of opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed, both inside and outside the classroom. The question is not just about whether school is relevant, but how we can complement it with other forms of education to prepare ourselves and our children for the future.
