Imagine a life without any technology. That means no computers for school, no cell phones for personal use, and not having the ability to type your papers in order to go back and edit them. If our school system didn’t allow us to use these tools everyday then our schooling would be an extremely different environment. Not to mention not nearly as convenient. Judging off of the typical American complaint of what our school system lacks, it is my assumption that not many people would be pleased with not having the technology that we do. Some countries, such as Italy, lack modernization and technology in nearly every school, limiting the student’s world awareness and opportunities to excel. Opportunities that most American students have at there finger tips. Since we were young, our parents always told us to be grateful for what we have, but how often do we truly practice what we preach?
America has always prided itself on being a leader in technology, a key component of the 21st century school system that the US has implemented. Jurgen Herbst discusses what a 21st century school should look like and how the students should be taught. His perspective is of an older generation but much of it can be seen as being extremely accurate and as beneficial as he predicted.
Nearly every American classroom has the new “Smart boards” in them, modern furniture, and bright colored motivational posters, all aspects of the modern school system that our government is trying to establish throughout the country today. The problem at hand is, do we, as students in the American School System, truly appreciate the smallest of privileges we receive, such as the technology and educated teachers that are provided to us so easily. Something that is so simple to us opens up so many doors that other students do not have. Margaret Hilton is a strong advocate of the American way. In her more recent book, written in 2010, she discusses the benefits that American students are presented with. The National Research Council held a workshop for students with different stations that covered various skills to prepare you for life, such as adaptability and basic communication skills. This workshop proved that while there are still some issues to be worked out, for the most part the scientific proficiency in students has increased. These types of social and business skills are essential in any work place. They are life skills.
On the other end of the spectrum is the vastly different Italian culture and their school system. The Italians pride themselves on being traditional and cultural people. With culture and traditions comes a hold on the past, including teaching methods. This mindset applies to all aspects of their lives. Many traditions are practiced both at home and school. Such as Reposso, the two to three hour lunch break that students are given to enjoy a nice larger meal and break in the middle of the day. Unlike Americans, Italians are not in a rush to keep up with technologically advanced countries like the United States. The culture is content moving at a pace that is considered to be slow by other countries standards. Again, showing their intent of staying “traditional.” Maintaining as much traditional culture within all italian generations is one of the most important goals.
Chalkboards are used in place of whiteboards, old wooden desks are used in place of modern plastic desks, and the students stay in one classroom while the teachers more around to them. If you were to walk into an Italian school building it would look like you went back in time. Even the textbooks used are old versions by a significant number of years. At a young age students are presented with a test that will determine each individuals path in life. Some students will test at a level that places them on a path for college and higher paying jobs, while others test in a lower percentile that puts them on track to learn a trade and never attend college. A child’s life is pre determined at a young age before they have any idea what interests them. It is not possible to imagine something like this being accepted in the United States, a “equal opportunity” country.
As stated before one of the top priorities when educating young students in Italy tradition is the main mindset holding them back. Italian Early Education, and Early Education in Italy are two articles that give a further view into this mindset that may seem different to those of us reading. Both articles, while biased, justify the belief that cultural influence runs the schools. The educators want students to truly embrace their culture fully, while still providing an education for their students. Parental involvement by the ECEC (The ministry of Education in Italy) makes sure that this is implemented in their students learning. (Musatti) Even this system, while flawed, is not a third world school. It is still considered to be a strong and fairly competent system. Where does this place the United States, with all of its technology and opportunities? It places the USA above and beyond the Italian system.
Using both the sources and my own personal experiences I have seen the benefits that the American school system provides its students with that not all students around the world receive. Rather than being confined to what outdated information is in books, the United States has the technology to look at information that is changing daily, all at the click of a button. Yet rather than realizing what opportunities are before us, students and parents alike complain about the most insignificant details of the education system.
This is not saying that the Italian system has nothing to offer and is completely incompetent. Yes, they hold strong to the belief that students should not only be educated on school material but also on their culture in school. Yes, their students have their paths in life chosen a young age but this system still works for them within their own country but would not be accepted in America.
Those facts alone do not make a school system bad. This system offers a calming and open environment that very few classrooms have in the United States, due in part to the students staying and teachers moving. This breeds more class discussion because of a open and safe feeling environment and less cut throat competition. At the same time this competitive mindset is what has allowed many American students and graduates to get ahead. Different does not mean it is worthless. The American system simply does not limit a student’s learning path based on a test and uses state of the art technologies to present students with the best opportunities.
There comes a point where holding on to the past and traditions to much begins to hinder rather than benefit those partaking. This is not saying that tradition is a bad thing. I personally enjoy traditions, especially being at a school such as VMI, where the entire culture is traditional. However there is a way to incorporate tradition while keeping with modern times, and the Italians along with other countries have not yet mastered this. The case in point with all of this information is not that American is the number one system in the entire world, but that compared to another system, such as the Italians, we Americans do not have much to complain about.
American schools provide the top technology to connect students to the world, allow students to choose their own paths in life, and are always looking forward to the future. As a student I see no point in complaining in a system that has already moved forward so drastically compared to certain competitors. America is a top contender in the world, and that is in large part due to the education that those in our workforce have received. Moral of the story, appreciate what we have that others do not. American teaches both life skills as well as the social and technological skills necessary to compete. The grass is not always greener on the other side, and this is something more students need to take into consideration.