Students being given a chance to hold the ‘key’, aka, designing the high school curriculum
I’ve always heard the phrase, ‘Your life is your canvas and you are the masterpiece.’
Don’t you think this is applicable to education as well? It can be compared to a canvas, a canvas on which we paint the masterpiece of our future. But what if we handed the paintbrush to the artists themselves – the high school students? Just imagine the possibilities!
As a high school student with dreams of becoming a product designer, I’ve pondered over why I’m forced to choose from a limited set of subjects when my passion lies elsewhere.
High school is a crucial phase in a person’s journey of life. It not only provides them with foundational knowledge but also plays a pivotal role in shaping their interests, skills, and aspirations. But what if we told you that there’s a fun twist to this tale? Picture this: high school students getting together to design their own curriculum! Traditionally, curriculum design has been the exclusive domain of educators and administrators. However, in recent years, there has been a growing momentum to involve high school students in the process of shaping their own education.
So, through the lenses of an aspiring future product designer and a budding future lawyer, let’s dive into the realm of why high school students should be given the liberty to craft their own educational path.
Do I really want to study this?
Breaking Free from the Stream Trap
High school is notorious for confining students to specific “streams.” But what if your passion doesn’t fit neatly into the boxes of Science, Commerce, or Humanities? I, for one, aspire to be a product designer, and none of these streams seem to cater to my skills. Imagine being a budding musician or artist, facing the same dilemma. We should be encouraged to follow our passions, not limited by predetermined streams. I’m currently in my Junior year of school (Grade 11) and it’s safe to say that I’ve dabbled in subjects like Chemistry and Physics, and while they’re fascinating, they might not be the tools I need in my future toolbox. Chemistry won’t help me sketch prototypes, and Physics won’t aid me in creating user-friendly interfaces.
The three doors representing the predefined streams- Science, Commerce and Humanities
The Missing Life Blueprint
Imagine being handed a puzzle, the puzzle of your life. Each piece of this puzzle represents a critical aspect of your future, dreams and aspirations. Now of course in a utopian world, this puzzle should come together effortlessly, but for many high school students, myself included, this puzzle often arrives as a package with missing pieces.
For people like me, who dream of pursuing product design or for my co-author with desires of becoming a lawyer, these streams often feel like trying to fit square pegs into round holes.
There are usually two categories of high school students – the first one being extremely passionate about their future career and the other one being unsure of what they want to pursue. Either way, if your curriculum is saturated with advanced calculus or ancient history then you can expect frustration, doubt, wasted time or lack of direction.
It’s high time that we realize that education is not a one size fits all deal but rather should be tailored to meet each individual’s learning style, pace and motivation. Let’s not forget that every student is unique, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and interests!
Being in a confused and frustrated state
Mix and Match
Now.. I don’t know about you but I enjoy a buffet where I get to choose all my favorite dishes. High school education should be like that buffet – being able to pick and choose subjects that align with our goals. This mix-and-match approach not only nurtures creativity but also helps us discover our true passions.
In many schools following British or American curricula, students have the freedom to select subjects from a broad spectrum. They can delve into Design Media, Individuals and Societies, or even Home Economics – courses that foster creativity and practical skills. I personally feel like we can take inspiration from these and apply them to our very own education system.
Fostering Ownership of Learning
When students have a say in what they’re learning, they are more open to actually working hard since the goals are more manageable. This sense of ownership can lead to increased motivation, engagement, and a deeper commitment to their studies. When students have a say in what they learn, they are more likely to see the relevance of their education to their own lives and future goals. No more yawning through classes that don’t interest you!
Real World Application
High school students are acutely aware of the rapidly changing world around them. By involving them in the making of their curriculum, educators can ensure that the content remains relevant and aligned with the demands of the modern world. Students can offer valuable insights into emerging trends, technologies, and social issues which are relevant in modern day society thereby making it more responsive to current realities.
A Sense Of Agency
Incorporating student input in curriculum design sends a powerful message: students’ voices matter. It can also instill a lifelong habit of actively participating in decision-making processes. It teaches them about the value of participation, compromise, and working together to achieve common goals.
Conclusion
High school is meant to be a time of exploration and discovery, not a time of limitations and restrictions. It’s time to break free from the stream trap, say goodbye to irrelevant subjects, and embrace a curriculum customized to our dreams. High school is your time to shine, explore, and have a blast while learning. So, let’s spice up the curriculum, and make learning a thrilling adventure! Remember, it’s not just about what you learn but how you learn it. So let’s paint our educational canvas with the vibrant colors of our passions and skills because when students have a say, education becomes a masterpiece!
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