In recent months, many articles have been written about the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the Common Core Curriculum. Both ideologies start from American students underperforming, in some people’s minds, versus other nations and power people trying to reverse this trend. While STEM and Common Core focus on some of the building blocks for intelligent, well rounded citizens of the world, this over emphasis on these areas will actually lead to less creativity and ingenuity, without achieving the success they are designed to achieve.
With regard to STEM, let us start with the M. S, T and E begin with Mathematics. Why is this important? Mathematics was invented by Greek Philosophers. Realizing great ideas come from expansive thought, these individuals focused on logic, reasoning, writing and mathematics. Focusing on the mere technical components limits thought, only allowing the student to think and achieve within parameters set by the teacher and the curriculum.
Without creativity and expansive thought, S, T and E in America will first plateau and then decline. For this reason, most noted for Economics over the last 100 years, about a century ago the University of Chicago came out with the 100 books every intelligent person should read. The intent behind this list was to learn reasoning, logic and creativity. Another way to think about this topic, and to answer the common question of “why do I need to learn Algebra, I will never use it in real life” let’s rename some math subjects. Rather than Algebra, eighth and ninth graders can learn “The Study of Change”. Rather than Geometry, “Spatial Studies”. Rather than Calculus, “The Study of Change”. The true lesson in mathematics class are to learn logic, reasoning, relationships and change.
There is nothing wrong with the Core Curriculum per se, however the overemphasis takes away from key aspects of learning. Emphasising limited courses tells students, pass these subjects, the way they are being taught, and you will be an intelligent, successful adult. This completely ignores the idea students learn in different ways, from different media and at different paces. Students, parents and teachers have no responsibility, or accountability, for the students learning. When these students enter the adulthood and the workforce, rather than being lifelong learners that can adapt, they are hemmed into the box from which they came. Parents need to parent; teachers need to teach; and ultimately, students need to learn.
Through a thoughtful pursuit of knowledge, Socrates lead his students on a path to learning through the forest of not only STEM, but what we now call the humanities; a path the student needed to diligently pursue themselves to achieve. Over focus on STEM and the Common Core Curriculum ignores this simple truth he knew millennia ago.
