New Education Systems

I'm reading Pro's debate round and realizing how similar our ideas are in regards to studies... My system was based on three points: 1. Enabling students to apply what they learn to real life. 2. Encouraging independence in students. 3. Maximize time at school in order to learn efficiently. Pro seem to have at least some of those premises and that probably affects the similarity in our propositions. I'll write out my idea and we'll see if there are enough differences to have a proper debate. If Pro feels that the ideas are too much alike, I will happily forfeit this debate. Some of Pro's ideas are really intriguing.... :D Well, here goes nothing... Education Plan Part 1. i. Structure the education system based on age. A. Divide children into groups aged 4-6, 6-8, 8-12, 12-14, and 14-18 B. Each age group focuses on developing a specific attribute. C. Each age group encompasses that specific attribute in addition to the one/s already learned. D. The majority of studies listed should be taught in accordance with that specific attribute, although combining several or refreshing an older attribute is also not a problem. I. Ages 4-6 Focus: creativity and a love for learning 1. At this age, similar to preschool, there is no set curriculum. Learning the alphabet, numbers, deductive skills, and sources for common objects and events (ex: how honey is produced, the different seasons, color variations, etc.) will be the goal in regards to curriculum. 2. Many projects and trips should be utilized for the learning experience at this age. II. Ages 6-8 Focus: independence and responsibility 1. Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) 2. Reading and writing 3. Basic social studies, history and geography 4. Deductive skills in a scientific setting. (Teacher will bring numerous, age appropriate experiments, whether involving fossils, electricity, plants, etc. and involve students in deductive thinking.) III. Ages 8-12 Focus: individuality 1. Math skills (deductive reasoning, long division, multiplying larger numbers, percentages, decimals, etc.) 2. English (refining the writing process, communicating clearly, grammar, spelling, poetry, short stories, book reports, etc.) 3. Social studies, geography (each student will choose a specific country and/or culture and give a presentation on it in whichever way they feel suits their ideal mode of expression. This will be done at least once every semester.) 4. Basic biology 5. Other (explained below) IV. Ages 12-14 Focus: ability to learn and think for themselves 1. Pre-algebra, Algebra, Geometry 2. English (creative writing, persuasive essays, broader coverage of poetry, vocabulary expansion, etc.) 3. History (students will be asked to recreate historic periods, bringing realism to ancient times) 4. Biology and Human Anatomy 5. Other (explained below) 6. Aptitude test to help students find subjects they are good at and are of most interest to them in the coming years. V. Ages 14-18 Focus: culmination of all the above, manifesting into serious studies for life 1. At this point in learning, as long as a student received satisfactory grades in all their previous courses, no specific course is mandatory. However, if a student's grades are not satisfactory in math, for example, they will be required to take electives in math. 2. Schools will do their best to provide electives in as many subjects as possible. Subjects will be separated into general categories (for example, English, Math, Science, Languages, etc.) and each category will have several specific classes available (for example Science might offer chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy, etc.) 3. Students are not required to take all subjects in one general category, but rather can choose a multitude of studies that interest them. Part 2 - explaining aspects of electives and 'other'. I. Other A. This is not a specific subject, but rather a wide array of less academic and more hands-on studies, including but not limited to baking, sewing, woodworking, gardening, and sports. These do not constitute electives because they are specifically for the younger groups. B. These studies constitute one lesson everyday. II. Electives A. The electives account for college credit B. The accumulation of electives at the end of school will help a student determine where their interests lie and what profession they wish to pursue. C. Electives should include all forms of learning, whether academic or more technical. Part 3 - Teachers' assessment I. Every semester the teachers will be graded by their students to ensure that the instructors have optimum performance. II. A teacher who fails an assessment will be reassigned to a different classroom and required to do additional studies themselves. III. A teacher who fails three trimester's (one year) in a row of assessments will be fired. I think this is it..... But it's late and I have a feeling there's more. Oh well.... :D Sincerely looking forward to Pro's response.