I dread being given book work and fill-in the blank notes at school. This isn’t because I hate doing assignments, it’s because I prefer doing work that I can actually get something out of. I want to be involved in more thought provoking discussions and hands-on problem solving at school so I can learn to think for myself.

Maybe copying answers from a book and memorizing a series of facts ensures success in school, but not in the real world. By not teaching problem-solving techniques and innovation, students will be forced into nine to five jobs that require no originality or special talent. We can say goodbye to a more sustainable energy source, better world economy and diverse society if we don’t begin making changes now.

These changes can start small. Math teachers can teach the reasoning behind the Pythagorean Theorem instead of just telling students that a2+b2=c2. When students copy history definitions, teachers can spare two extra minutes to look up examples that show how a certain practice is implemented in real life.

A generation ago, education didn’t need to be as innovative. However, in today’s world where problems pop up overnight and need to be solved just as quickly, students should be taught to approach problems creatively and effectively.
To prevent a lost and ignorant generation from leading the cities, regions and nations of the world, it’s imperative to challenge our educational institutions to provide a freethinking, creative and problem-solving atmosphere.