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Education System: The biggest Scam Industry of all Time?

“The Educational Revolution, Challenging the Status Quo and Redefining Learning”

By Daniel Mabaya JrPublished 6 months ago 6 min read
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Education System: The biggest Scam Industry of all Time?
Photo by Kanchanara on Unsplash

Overview

The origins of formal education and schools can be traced back to ancient civilizations where the need for imparting knowledge and skills became evident. The evolution of education is a complex tapestry woven over centuries, shaped by cultural, social, and economic factors. Here’s a historical introduction on how and why schools and education started:

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In the Cradle of Civilization: Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt

The roots of formal education can be found in the cradle of civilization, Mesopotamia, and Ancient Egypt. Around 3500 BCE, these societies recognized the importance of transmitting knowledge, particularly in the realms of agriculture, governance, and writing. Scribes were among the first professionals responsible for recording information and maintaining societal order. In Egypt, the construction of the Great Library of Alexandria in the 3rd century BCE marked a significant milestone, becoming a beacon of intellectual exchange and learning.

The Greek Legacy: Philosophy and Academia

Ancient Greece contributed immensely to the concept of education. The word “school” itself finds its etymological roots in the Greek word “skhole,” meaning leisure. Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle emphasized the importance of education in molding virtuous citizens. The Academy, founded by Plato in 387 BCE, and Aristotle’s Lyceum, established in 336 BCE, were influential centers of learning, focusing on a wide range of subjects from mathematics and science to ethics and politics.

The Renaissance and the Birth of Universities

The Renaissance marked a revival of interest in classical learning, leading to the establishment of universities across Europe. Institutions like the University of Bologna (1088) and the University of Paris (1150) became hubs for higher education, introducing a structured curriculum and degrees.

What Has Changed Nowadays?

Commercialization of Education

In some modern educational systems, there is a growing trend of commercialization. The pursuit of profit can compromise the integrity of education, with institutions sometimes prioritizing financial gain over the genuine intellectual and moral development of students.

Disconnect from Real-World Application

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Ancient education often had a practical orientation, aiming to prepare individuals for active participation in society. In some modern systems, there is criticism that the curriculum is too disconnected from real-world applications, leading to a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for professional and personal success.

In an era dominated by standardized testing, commercial interests, and a one-size-fits-all approach, the contemporary educational system stands accused of transforming into a colossal scam industry. This thesis aims to unravel the intricate web of factors contributing to the perception that schools, once revered as bastions of knowledge and personal growth, may now be, arguably, the biggest scam industry of all time, compromising the authentic pursuit of education for the sake of profit-driven motives and systemic shortcomings.

Two Undisputable Facts

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First

In the modern educational landscape, a pervasive issue emerges as students increasingly find themselves being taught by professors who possess extensive theoretical knowledge but lack practical skills relevant to the real-world application of the subjects they teach. This imbalance not only undermines the effectiveness of education but also hinders students’ ability to bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of professional life. The traditional emphasis on academic qualifications often overshadows the crucial need for educators to embody practical expertise, leaving students ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of their chosen fields upon graduation

Examples

The Theoretical Economist

Imagine a professor of economics who is well-versed in economic theories, historical economic models, and mathematical principles but lacks practical experience in the business world or policy implementation. This professor might excel in teaching economic theories but may struggle to provide real-world examples or insights into the day-to-day challenges faced by professionals in the field. Students, therefore, may find it challenging to connect theoretical concepts to practical applications in the dynamic landscape of economics.

The Theoretical Computer Scientist

Consider a computer science professor with a deep understanding of algorithms, programming languages, and theoretical computer science concepts. However, this professor may have limited hands-on experience with real-world software development, industry tools, or collaborative coding projects. While they can teach the theoretical aspects effectively, students might miss out on the practical skills and insights needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technology sector, where application and adaptability are paramount.

Second

In the contemporary world, a concerning trend unfolds as students embark on their careers seemingly well-equipped, armed with degrees and qualifications, only to find themselves facing financial challenges that leave most of them economically poorer when they retire, hindering them from realizing the initial promise of prosperity associated with higher education. This argument posits that the modern educational paradigm and the blinding and veiling promises of retirement plan and social security money, contribute to a paradox where students start their careers with intellectual wealth but often end up financially impoverished, struggling to navigate the financial complexities of the post-graduation landscape.

Save The Modern World Education System and Idealism

Let’s Talk Solutions

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In order to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, the modern world education system should prioritize the recruitment of professors who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills and substantial real-life experience in the careers they are preparing students to enter. Professors with hands-on experience bring a valuable dimension to education, offering insights into the dynamic challenges, industry practices, and evolving trends that textbooks alone cannot capture.

By being exposed to educators with practical skills, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of their chosen fields, enabling them to not only excel in their immediate career paths but also to strategically navigate the complexities of the professional world. As a result, students are better positioned to transition from being financially stable in their early careers to achieving sustained financial success and prosperity throughout their lives, breaking free from the cycle of starting rich and ending poor that plagues those who lack the practical skills essential for thriving in the ever-changing landscape of the modern workforce.

In conclusion, rescuing the modern world education system from the brink of becoming the biggest scam in history requires a concerted effort to refocus on its core mission: fostering genuine learning and personal growth. Reforms should prioritize hiring educators with a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that students are equipped not just with academic qualifications but also with the abilities needed to thrive in real-world scenarios.

Embracing a more flexible and innovative curriculum, encouraging critical thinking over rote memorization, and addressing the escalating financial burden on students are essential steps. Moreover, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within educational institutions is crucial to rebuilding trust. By valuing the authentic pursuit of knowledge and adapting to the evolving needs of the workforce, we can redirect the trajectory of modern education, ensuring it remains a beacon of enlightenment rather than succumbing to the shadows of a potential historical scam.

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About the Creator

Daniel Mabaya Jr

Critical Thinker, Problem Solver, Decision Making.

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