I feel that reasoning skills should be taught in primary schools. Why, well I think of my favorite educational experiences from grade school- Current Events and Science. The first encompassed reading the newspaper (adult activity) therein I ‘got’ to, do my own research (encyclopedia Britannica), ask my parents their opinions then sit down and think things through, putting my own opinion into words. The second, Science, also encouraged research and interaction with others before putting together my own experiment. The structure of these exercises still influence my actions and decisions today. Although these activities really stood out for me I still learned the fundamentals of reading, writing, math… I believe incorporating reasoning skills in today’s primary schooling would prove extremely advantageous in the lives of our young people.
How can we go wrong by allowing children to develop a more critical awareness of the skills that constitute higher forms of thinking? As advantageous as the plethora of information, games, creativity and communication offered by technology today is, the idea of reasoning is not very present in these activities. People need people. We learn from each other, we grow through this knowledge of sharing information and, we do not learn to hold proper social skills without others. The concern that teaching reasoning would detract from traditional subjects is more like a worry and worry is well, just worry. We advanced into the world of technology which has proven vastly beneficial, let that be a lesson that although change is uncomfortable it is also inevitable and ultimately quite beneficial. There were many who scoffed when the Wright brothers talked of building a machine that would fly, many of whom thought nothing of it years later as airplanes took flight. . Teaching reasoning in primary school can only serve to compliment traditional subjects/structure in the classroom. My 5 nephews and 1 niece, from the ages of 4-13 each have their own computers that are used with great efficiency. Two of them play virtual chess with youngsters their own age. Reasoning skills already apply to video games as well as chess via technology and I feel can only serve to expound on one’s desire to learn other subjects.
The idea is not to erase or even inhibit ‘impulsivity’ which is necessary in some situations. I believe strongly in the idea that “every medium has it’s strengths and weaknesses” like technology, and every medium assists in developing cognitive skills.
Knowledge with reasoning skills is power. With the combined knowledge of tradition/history, ever growing technology, and reasoning/critical thinking we would be developing generations of leaders, teacher, entrepreneurs and athletes’ via ingenuity and open-mindedness beyond the scope of today. Putting aside the recent headlines, it is true that Tiger Woods was raised with reasoning skills from a very young age. I do not know his education in traditional subjects but feel it is pretty obvious that the reasoning he was taught to put into his golf game has proved beneficial. Same goes for other successful people whose focus in one area, developing reasoning, making well though out choices, has been key.
Learning reasoning in primary school can encourage greater participation in one’s own health and well-being therefore contributing to a child’s self-esteem and well-being. This is priceless. The development of a healthy curiosity into understanding other points of view with respect and dignity fosters positive relations all around- professional, personal and social. Thinking ‘creatively’ engenders a feeling of having control over your life. A primary school student may not know this outright but that feeling will be present. Personal choices will be made as opposed to choices led by peer pressure or emotions. Consequential thinking can also be developed via reasoning skills.
An adolescent’s brain well-developed, matures with age and experience and can have a hugely beneficial effect for their learning other subjects. I feel reasoning skills encourage not hinder, literacy by creating enthusiasm not only for learning but also for interacting with others, perhaps at times even enjoying interactions with those of differing opinions more than those with like-minded opinions.
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