RodrigodLA

I want to reflect on the notion of education in a society where the majority of its members survive every single day.

The majority can be modelled by an average plus fluctuations. But the fluctuations are not small. In fact, they are so large that the idea of the model is just a convenient picture that hides cruel details of reality.

Suppose we think in terms of socioeconomic strata. Moreover, we assume three different levels or classes: high, middle, low. Then in each level or class, the idea of an average plus fluctuations can be applied. But globally, the picture does not capture relevant information.

Roughly this picture per class is implemented with the addition of the rule: «move up». In practice this is not an easy task and thus a more realistic rule can be followed: «if you cannot move up, pretend -to yourself and others- that you are».

The strategy is really powerful since it works!

In the short term, it does. «Why do I have to wait if we can have all right now? Later, we will deal with the consequences. But what it matters is now.»

This strategy has support from the society to the point that it becomes a basic norm. It has a direct impact on the notion of education.

What is the value of education under these conditions?

Education can be effectively reduced to a transactional action. «I pay (small or large amounts of money) then I have the right to obtain a piece of paper. I want this piece of paper because I need to move up». Of course this logic assumes that the piece of paper ensures that you move up.

Some will say: «no, it is up to the person to move up not the title». But in the instance that the tension between the investment and the time required for clients to pass a course is critical, the position changes. That is, «I do not have to make too much effort for a nonsense course since the monthly payment has been done». The educational company must align with the client.

Since the client is always right, after verifying that the fees are in order the approval is guaranteed.

What about knowledge that has no immediately financial impact? What about the joy of learning, creating knowledge and expand one’s horizons?

«Useless: long-term concepts are irrelevant or have no practical impact». Long-term concepts require effort and patience. Also a sense of wonder, struggle and joy. It defies the environment of a person that survive day by day.

Instead of theorizing political frameworks, what practical actions can a teacher (all academic levels) implement?

The constraint: the teacher also survives in the society.

(For the ones that have ensured a position, the answer is usually romantic and well known. The problem is to implement strategies today for a best outcome future scenario. It is like a Markov chain. Of course this picture is limited but provides a rough practical forecast.)