To be an educated person it is important have learned through both self teaching methods and also formal education. To have learned from one’s personal experiences aids one in their ability to relate to an idea and have first hand examples of it instead of strictly having it memorized or knowing something based only on what has been learned in the classroom. For example, when a student is learns that procrastination on a project results in them rushing to get their work done at the last minute, which in turn results in them creating a poorly done project that receives an equally poor grade, they will hopefully learn from this experience and apply what they have learned for the next assignment that they are given. Although it is important to have these experiences so that one has relatable knowledge, it is also important to have structured knowledge on a particular subject matter. One cannot learn everything by experience. History, for example, is an area in which formal education is helpful and necessary. Through history, one is taught about specific events that have occurred and specific time periods, knowledge that cannot be gained through experiences. Furthermore, since history tends to repeat itself, learning about past events through formal education helps an individual to be better prepared for life in the world around them. Everyone needs basic background knowledge to be productive in society, and many times background knowledge is learned through formal education. Possessing both experience and formal education is a crucial part of our definition of an educated person.
Another component of an educated person is their ability to understand human relationships and character. This is a major portion of what our students should learn in school. Not only should they be learning about particular subjects, they should also be building human relationships. If one does not know how to relate to their peers in a positive way, it does not matter how much they know about a given subject. Learning how to function together in school helps students learn how to function cooperatively as adults. As educators, we should aid our students in becoming prepared for necessary human interaction in the real world. A useful way of working on human interaction skills is through group work and giving students time to work with their peers on specific assignments. Though many do not like group work assignments, the process and experience is invaluable to their human relationship skills and experiences. It is important to know how to learn and work with an array of different individuals, the educated person has sufficient knowledge on how to do so.
Below is a video of Kagan Structure cooperative learning, this program allows students to work together and participate in an active learning process:
The educated individual must have the ability to form their own knowledge and not simply receive knowledge. The educated person must be able to create their own ideas and opinions, and not be confined by the constricting limitations that are placed in front of them telling them what and how to think. If they learn how to be active and independent thinkers in school, they will be able to thrive as adults. Creative projects and problem solving assignments are an excellent way to promote this type of thinking in the school setting. For example, if a student is given an open-ended task that asks them to find a way to help twenty people in some way without using monetary resources, they can go in any direction that they choose. They can be allowed to be creative and formulate their own ideas, opinions, and questions that relate to the society in which they live. Active thinking is the key to the definition of the educated person, to have the ability to formulate one’s own ideas and opinions is an essential component to our definition of the educated person.
Below is a link to video of a school that supports independent thinking and inquiry based learning for students. Teachers provide education and guidance, but these young students become engaged in the lessons through formulating their own questions and ideas and holding their own experiments.
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