The Value of Education
Students need to believe that education is valuable in order to make it worth their while to dedicate the time and energy it takes to be successful as scholars. It seems odd to parents and teachers that all students don’t see what should be obvious—education is invaluable.
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani girl who was shot for going to school when she was fourteen years old. She is famous because she had shared her diary with the BBC during the Taliban occupation of her community. The Taliban claimed they were justified in trying to kill her because she had committed the sin of promoting secularism by trying to get an education. Seriously injured, she managed to survive. She plans to return to Pakistan and to return to school despite her injuries and despite the brutal deaths of other girls who insisted on attending school. In another part of the world, there are children in Africa who literally walk barefoot for miles to attend school, sometimes through areas of military conflict. They may have few materials when they arrive at school, but, for these stalwart children, it is still worth the effort and the risk.
Why are there children who are willing to put their lives on the line to get the education some of our students scoff at even though it is made as convenient for them as possible? How did education become so taken for granted by our students?
As parents, we need to assure that we help our students see the value of education from many levels. Yes, the old adage about the importance of getting an education to get a good job holds true. But, it is an insufficient argument to reach most kids at the emotional level necessary for the commitment we seek.
Think about what education has done for you. How has it helped you succeed? What competitive edges have you gained through education?
How has it enriched your life? What perspectives have opened for you through education? Is your understanding and appreciation of people different because of education? How about your understanding and appreciation of art? Science? Different cultures? Travel? Literature? History? Has your ability to accomplish important things been enhanced through education? Are you better able to have an impact on people’s lives because of education? When do (or will) you talk about education in this way with your child?
Make sure you do not focus on grades and behavior marks when you talk to your child about education. Ask her about what she is learning, what skills she is acquiring, and the insights she is gaining. Show interest in the topics she is studying, take note of skill acquisition across a grading period, a semester and a year. Go beyond facts and scores. Explore the depths of education—for that is where its true value lies.
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani girl who was shot for going to school when she was fourteen years old. She is famous because she had shared her diary with the BBC during the Taliban occupation of her community. The Taliban claimed they were justified in trying to kill her because she had committed the sin of promoting secularism by trying to get an education. Seriously injured, she managed to survive. She plans to return to Pakistan and to return to school despite her injuries and despite the brutal deaths of other girls who insisted on attending school. In another part of the world, there are children in Africa who literally walk barefoot for miles to attend school, sometimes through areas of military conflict. They may have few materials when they arrive at school, but, for these stalwart children, it is still worth the effort and the risk.
Why are there children who are willing to put their lives on the line to get the education some of our students scoff at even though it is made as convenient for them as possible? How did education become so taken for granted by our students?
As parents, we need to assure that we help our students see the value of education from many levels. Yes, the old adage about the importance of getting an education to get a good job holds true. But, it is an insufficient argument to reach most kids at the emotional level necessary for the commitment we seek.
Think about what education has done for you. How has it helped you succeed? What competitive edges have you gained through education?
How has it enriched your life? What perspectives have opened for you through education? Is your understanding and appreciation of people different because of education? How about your understanding and appreciation of art? Science? Different cultures? Travel? Literature? History? Has your ability to accomplish important things been enhanced through education? Are you better able to have an impact on people’s lives because of education? When do (or will) you talk about education in this way with your child?
Make sure you do not focus on grades and behavior marks when you talk to your child about education. Ask her about what she is learning, what skills she is acquiring, and the insights she is gaining. Show interest in the topics she is studying, take note of skill acquisition across a grading period, a semester and a year. Go beyond facts and scores. Explore the depths of education—for that is where its true value lies.
Malala Yousafzai on the Value of Education
This link connects you to the Youtube video of the Malala Yousafzai interview by John Stewart. It reveals both her humanity and her remarkable courage as she continues so advocate for educations for girls despite being shot by the Taliban in an effort to punish her for her efforts. Her powerful story communicates the value of education eloquently and compassionately. We recommend that parents and students watch this video together and then take time to share their impressions.
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Middle School Student Reactions to Malala Yousafzai Video
The Value of Education video was developed and presented by middle school students at Kemps Landing/Old Donation school a few days after they viewed the Malala Yousafzai video. They each felt a powerful reaction and found different ways in their commentary to express how it impacted them.
We recommend that you view this video with your child after you both watch the Malala Yousafzai interview. You and your child could use the responses of these students as a basis to hold a conversation about similarities or differences in your own interpretations and reactions. |
Stories of accomplishment
The Academy of Achievement provides narratives and videos from accomplished people in the areas of the arts, business, public service, science and exploration, and sports. This academy describes its mission as bringing, "...students face-to-face with the extraordinary leaders, the visionaries, and the pioneers who have helped shape our world." It is an excellent site to hear the stories of people who dedicated themselves to accomplishments of quality and became leaders who effected truly remarkable changes.
Join the discussion among parents and educators about student accomplishment by using the link below.