Do we have to know this for the test?

As my time here within US higher education is coming to an end, I feel it’s only fitting to talk about my perceptions of it as a system and ultimately what I’ve taken away from the experience. I know that before I came out here, my brother had always said he wished he’d come to school here and in remembering this, I’d have to kind of agree and disagree.

What I’ve really enjoyed here is the non-specialised nature of learning. That’s not to say that’s how I think every school or university should teach, but it definitely offers a fresh approach for students. For instance, here in the US, first and second year students take general education classes on pretty much anything the university offers. After two years of a wide-ranging choice of subjects, these students then decide their major or the subject their degree will be classified through. I don’t know about you, but when I was 17, I didn’t know what I wanted to study for the next three years. I feel that pushing this age up and specialising later is much more accommodating solution.

That’s not to say I agree with it entirely however. One thing I’ve noticed in my time here is the extent to which students are really involved in their learning. Many of my classes for instance, are merely assessed through multiple-choice tests, which is definitely something I have never agreed with as a means of recognising achievement. To me, you shouldn’t be in any university of college environment if you ask the question ‘is this going to be on the test?’ or worse, ‘do we have to know this for the test?’

I got even more frustrated when for an essay, we were told to base our research on a select few academic journals. Now, I don’t know if this says as much about the professor or his/her trust in his/her students. On so many occasions I have felt spoon fed; the concept of a study guide to me, completely defeats the whole point of learning. Does it not just become regurgitation of facts?
Regardless of this, whatever environment I learn in, I’m always going to have quibbles with. I just think at 21, people should know how to write a paper and actually do some independent research, or they shouldn’t be in school…

Other than that, I watched Evil Dead II for the umpteenth time last night and again realised how good a movie it is in every single way. As for my travelling plans, I have decided to head up to Seattle and Portland next week and just see where the wind takes me… Las Vegas after that should be interesting too.

Jonty x