Education is about developing the mind’s capacity for thought, not just learning facts.
Sadly, our educational system frequently fails to encourage students’ creativity or allow them to think creatively.
The following story is just a joke that usually makes you laugh, but it also says a lot about the qualities that should characterize education: curiosity, creativity, and the occasional laugh.
A first grader named Johnny wasn’t interested in the lesson so his teacher asked him what the problem was.
The boy replied: “I’m too smart for first grade. My sister, who is in third grade, is less intelligent than me. I think I’m in the wrong class.”
The teacher then took Johnny to the principal’s office.
While Johnny waited in the hallway outside, the teacher informed the principal of the situation.
“The boy would take a test,” the headmaster informed the instructor, “and if he didn’t do well, he would be sent back to first grade to learn appropriate behavior.”
Continue…
Johnny decided to take part in the test after being brought in and informed of its specifications.
“What is 3 + 3?” you ask the student.
Johnny: “6”
The teacher asked again, “How much is 6 x 6?”
Johnny: “36”
The student was tested on everything the principal thought a third-grader should know.
After glancing at the teacher, the principal declared, “I think Johnny can go to third grade.”
“Can I ask him a few questions?” the teacher asked.
“What does a cow have four of and I only have two?”
After a short pause, Johnny said, “Legs.”
“What do you have in your pants and I don’t?” continued the teacher.
The teacher’s eyes widened noticeably, but Johnny replied, “Pockets”.
“What does a dog do when a person steps on it?” continued the lecturer.
Johnny: “Pants”
“What has the letters F and K in it and means great excitement,” asked the teacher.
Johnny: “Fire truck.”
“Put Johnny in fifth grade,” the principal told the instructor, “I missed the last four questions myself.”
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