Everett Reimer’s book, “School is Dead: Alternatives in Education,” published in 1971, is a scathing critique of the traditional school system. Reimer argues that schools, as they are currently structured, are incapable of providing a meaningful education and, in fact, perpetuate social inequality.
Here are some of the key points of Reimer’s critique:
- Schools are standardized and bureaucratic, which stifles creativity and critical thinking.
- Schools are age-segregated, which isolates children from the real world and prevents them from learning from adults and other children of different ages.
- Schools are based on competition and grading, which creates a pressure-cooker environment that is harmful to children’s emotional and intellectual development.
- Schools reinforce social class by sorting children into tracks based on their perceived ability, which limits their opportunities and perpetuates social inequality.
Reimer does not simply criticize the traditional school system; he also proposes a number of alternatives, including:
- Deschooling, which would involve eliminating compulsory schooling and allowing children to learn at their own pace in a variety of settings.
- Individualized learning, which would provide tailored instruction to meet the needs of each child.
- Community-based education, which would connect children to their communities and allow them to learn through real-world experiences.
It is important to note that Reimer’s book was published in 1971, and some of his views may seem radical or outdated. However, his critique of the traditional school system remains relevant today, and his ideas about alternative forms of education continue to inspire educators and parents around the world.
Published in 1971, “School is Dead” is a scathing critique of the traditional education system, arguing that it is incapable of fostering true learning and反而阻碍了个人和社会的进步. Reimer contends that schools, by their very nature, are authoritarian institutions that stifle creativity and critical thinking. They reinforce social inequalities and prepare students for a world that no longer exists.
Reimer’s book is divided into three parts. The first part, “The Pathology of Schooling,” examines the inherent flaws of the traditional education system.
Here are some of the key arguments that Reimer makes in “School is Dead”:
- Schools are authoritarian institutions that stifle creativity and critical thinking. They impose a rigid curriculum and grading system that discourages students from asking questions and exploring their own interests.
- Schools reinforce social inequalities. Students from wealthier families are more likely to succeed in school than students from poorer families. This is because schools are designed to benefit the ruling class.
- Schools prepare students for a world that no longer exists. The skills that schools teach are often outdated and irrelevant to the needs of the modern economy.
Reimer’s book is a challenging read, but it is an important one. It forces us to question our assumptions about education and to consider alternative ways of learning.
Published in 1971, “School is Dead” is a scathing critique of the traditional school system, arguing that it is an outdated and ineffective institution that stifles creativity, reinforces social inequality, and fails to prepare students for the real world. Reimer argues that schools are not necessary for learning, and that in fact, they often hinder it. He proposes a number of alternative educational models, such as apprenticeships, self-directed learning, and community-based education.
The book was controversial when it was first published, but it has since become a classic work of educational criticism. It has been praised for its insights into the problems of schooling, and for its provocative call for radical change.
Here are some of the key points of Reimer’s argument:
- Schools are not necessary for learning. People can learn just as well, if not better, outside of school.
- Schools reinforce social inequality. They sort students into different tracks based on their ability and background, and this leads to unequal opportunities in later life.
- Schools stifle creativity. They focus on rote memorization and standardized testing, which leaves no room for creativity or independent thinking.
- Schools fail to prepare students for the real world. They teach students things that they will never need to know, and they fail to teach them the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy.
Reimer’s book is a thought-provoking read that will challenge your assumptions about education. Whether you agree with his conclusions or not, it is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in thinking about how we can improve education for all.
It is important to note that Reimer’s book was written in 1971, and some of his criticisms of the school system may not be as relevant today. However, his core argument that schools are not necessary for learning and that they can actually hinder it remains relevant today.
about Everett Reimer
