As an educator at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC), my passion lies with teaching others. That work is always evolving and, in recent years, technology has taken center stage. But, is that a good thing or are we in danger of losing the basics that help us gain the groundwork that allow us to be our best selves? Is school still a place for the three R’s (reading, writing and arithmetic)? Can it be both a focus on those three and a focus on technology?
While clearly today’s student needs to be technologically savvy, the basics are a need that are the foundation of all learning and need to stay an integral part of the class curriculum.
According to the Delph Academy of Boston, “Education has always gone beyond the basics of ‘reading, writing, and arithmetic.’ However, the ‘Three Rs’ are tools with which a student can gain more knowledge in any subject. If a student can read and write, he or she can complete a research project and learn to type. If a student understands the basics of arithmetic, he or she can learn to program complex algorithms or study science. For more information from the Delph Academy of Boston, visit their homepage at http://delphiboston.org/are-the-three-rs-still-the-most-important-points-in-education-today/.
At SKYCTC, there is a SKYScholars program that focuses on a group of students who have a lower than ideal reading score that focuses on reading strategies and how learning takes place. It limits the number of college classes that those students take the first semester of college. While to some that might sound a little harsh, those who have completed the two core classes that are focused on reading strategies and first year expectations, have become far more successful later in college and have a much greater chance of successfully completing a degree. Clearly, in this case, reading is a skill that is the foundation of all learning.
English is my specialty and I can attest that writing is important to all facets of life, and the ability to share thoughts is imperative to all jobs and in life in general. I often have students who are in programs like Welding, Industrial Maintenance, or Automotive Technology who are unhappy to have to take writing classes and wonder why. While it is more obvious why a four-year degree program like English, business, nursing or teaching would require far more writing of papers and assignments, being able to read instructions, write instructions, read manuals, follow safety protocols, talk to customers, do paperwork for repairs, order parts, be a supervisor, write reports, or anything else that requires reading and writing is equally important.
As for math, I had an interesting conversation with one of SKYCTC’s math instructors, Christina Florence, recently about Statistics. I mentioned that students often groan when they have to take an upper level class for their program, specifically Statistics. I also mentioned that while they groan before taking the class, I do not have a lot of complaints after they take it. Christina gave me perspective on that by saying that while many math concepts are used in real life, far more than most people realize, Statistics is one that shows how they are used is real life and why they are relevant. Understanding why math is so important makes learning it much more enjoyable.
While my level is college and those basics start early, there are some simple and fun things that can be immeasurably helpful for the foundation for children and adults alike. The Delph Academy is a K-8 institution and shares the following list for some practical ways to give our little ones a step up in preparing for the future (that can challenge mom and dad, too):
As a parent, you can help your child learn the Three Rs of education and improve his or her life. Here are a few things you can do to help your child learn these important educational basics.
*Read to and/or with your child each night.
*Cook with your child, following a recipe.
*Write your child handwritten notes, and ask him or her to do so back.
*Encourage your child to use a dictionary to help him or her spell words and look up the meanings of words.
*Build something with your child, using a plan that defines the length and width of objects.
*Help your child set up a lemonade stand, bake sale, or garage sale. He or she can make the signs, sell items, and give correct change to customers.
*Include your child when writing holiday and birthday cards.
*Ask your child to keep a journal of questions he or she has asked to which you do not know the answer. On the weekend, take your child to the library to discover the answers. Alternatively, show your child how to research the answer to such questions on the internet – while avoiding dubious websites.
*When planning a trip or vacation, include your child in calculating distances, mapping where you need to go, and writing the overall itinerary. (Delph Academy)
So, is there room for reading, writing and arithmetic in the educational system today? Is it all about technology now and those three have gone away like the pay phone and lawn darts? It seems that both have a place and both are needed for a solid education. Spend some time reading, spend some time writing, spend some time doing math and spend some time online – all are part of life and all make better learners. Get out there and enjoy!