How Schools Train, not Teach Students
My theory is that the current method of test-taking and applying for universities trains students to be educational and workplace people pleasers. They try to do what the teacher, university, or their boss wants, in order to be “successful”.
To be fair, from all my years of education I did learn a lot. I can conjugate verbs, I have learned history, I know about the quadratic equation. But I think that schools can sometimes slip into the habit of wanting regular feedback which creates a mental binge and purge cycle for students. It teaches them how to ace tests and hit desired metrics in the short-term, but not develop a propensity for life-long learning.
I know for me, there were several courses that I would “cram” for and then completely forget what I just learned when that particular course was over. I am sure that information is in my mind somewhere, but before I could understand it deeply, I was on to the next task. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to learn. I was just overstimulated and getting burnt out.
One Speed Fits All? Why Learning Isn’t a Race
It was a learning treadmill that just got faster and faster. There was always something else to do. I worked really hard for years only to take years off because of burnout. It would have been healthier and ultimately more productive for me to take a more measured approach.
Everyone learns at different speeds, though. And for some, the pace worked perfectly for them. My argument with my own example is to normalize the ebbs and flows of lifelong learning instead of forcing everyone to be on the same schedule.
The people who learn the fastest are not necessarily the smartest, sometimes they are the sloppiest or are focusing on metrics not understanding. Also, the colleagues that I know who fit well with the schedule did not always have the same roadblocks that other colleagues had (such as losing a parent during their schooling, for example). I hope we can get rid of the idea that there is one “right” path and that all other paths lead to failure. And just because something feels like the right path for you now does not mean it will always be. And that is perfectly normal.
Silent in the System: The Struggles of Being Young, Female, and in STEM
One thing that would have helped me with this is if I would have done my master’s degree at a more appropriate age. I began it when I was 22. Although that might be a good age for some people, that was a little young for me. My brain and opinions were not fully formed and so I turned into a people pleaser in my studies. I relied too heavily on the opinions of my teachers and peers because I was not yet confident in my own. I took their word for it and didn’t stand up for my own ideas.
I also struggled with the social side of education. Being a woman in STEM and 22, I did not feel that I could speak up about any issues that were occurring. So I just let them happen and never complained. They seemed “normal” because I didn’t have enough context yet to know that they weren’t. I would have been a better student if I were older.
No More Gold Stars: The Disorienting Freedom of Adulthood
I am really happy to be outside of that environment now but I was also really lost without regular feedback. I had gotten used to people telling me if I was right or wrong even if I didn’t agree with the answer. It at least gave structure. Adulthood can feel like a vast ocean when you have had someone watching your every academic and creative move for so long.
Although this is scary, it is also freeing. One of the reasons that I started this blog is to have a creative place where no one can tell me what to do. I can’t fail here. I can say what I really feel. I think that is really healthy to have.
Beyond the Classroom: Learning as a Way of Life
Another reason that I am doing this blog is to normalize learning outside of a classroom. I think right now, learning is sort of only considered to happen at school. And so students enjoy “turning their brain off” when they leave class for the day. But to me these don’t have to be such discrete states. Learning should happen all the time and the student should not be so burnt out that they can’t enjoy this learning. It can be fun, self-directed, and fulfilling.
You can find your niche. Learning happens all the time, whether you are in a classroom or not. A kid might learn a new video game move, a young person might learn a new makeup technique, etc. Even just being around friends helps children develop social skills. There are toxic ways to learn (or toxic things to learn) but there is a lot of fun to be had learning outside of traditional education. Knowledge is everywhere.
Messy Bun Book Lover
(Originally posted on June 14, 2025)