Children get a better education outside the classroom?

Question

How do you think about that?

Answer 1

I think classroom learning is important, but what kids learn outside of the classroom can impact their classroom learning.  Students that come from a "rich home environment" have more to draw on than those who are ignored by their parents and caregivers, sit down in front of the T.V. for large portions of the day, etc.  By rich, I don't mean wealthy, I mean that they are exposed to language through parents/caregivers interacting and reading with them, they collect and classify leaves when they go for walks, they visit local historical and scientific sites, etc.  They don't just watch baseball with their parents, they are involved in discussions of strategy and cost and statistics.  They map out where the teams come from and know the history of the game.

If you simply mean, "Do you think street smarts are more important than book smarts?" Then, I think you need both.  If you can do advanced calculus, but forget to balance your checkbook and never pay your bills on time, then you're lacking in "outside" real world education.  On the other hand, if you know the best place to get a deal, but can't count out correct change, you're lacking in educational fundamentals.

Answer 2

I think that they learn in a different style and they learn different things but I dont think its neccessarily 'better' outside.

-if a child is out in the cold, or in the heat whats to say they would feel comfortable or be able to concermtrate-in a classroom there are heaters, you can open windows etc.

-Outside there are more noises and ope nspace-would child be able to concerntrate fully?

-What about the teacher? Is the teaching style appropraite? Surely the staff and role models plays a role in what education is 'better'.

These are just two things that spring to mind!

As much as fresh air is great, the open space encourages physical skills and children may show enthusiasm being outside the usual classroom layout I dont think we can correctly say which is better.

Answer 3

It depends on the subject, the child, the teacher and a whole host of other variables.

My daughter has benifited greatly from school and her teachers. She's learned alot and is making great progress.  

She's also learned alot through real world experiences. I've educated her to be an excellent comparison shopper. She knows how to look for the best deal on items we've needed.  She understands that coupons aren't always the best way to go.  She is learning a lot of other life skills as well, cooking, cleaning, saving and spending money.   Things that she will need to be independant when she's older.    

Both are important to being a well rounded individual.