by Denise Wydra
This scene from the movie “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” has been pivotal for me. I believe so strongly that education can–and must be–more than job training. Or more than the indoctrination and “intrusion” that Brodie talks about here.
Education (certainly, “liberal education”) is about the “leading out” of the best in a person so that she or he can engage with the world on smarter, better terms. The cultivation of an active, critical mind, well equipped to work with others to solve important problems.
Yes, we all need job skills. We need training–whether it’s on the job or in a degree program. That can’t be overlooked. But research suggests today’s students will have 10-14 jobs by the time they are 38. Using 4 years to train someone for a single job is a losing proposition.
There’s got to be more.