Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 26, 2010, at 15:21:15
In reply to Re: Need advice, posted by sigismund on August 25, 2010, at 22:24:03
>They get to be 20 and know bugger all, largely because of the way it is presented.
Well yeah, school is great for those who are interested in academic subjects. I did well at school. I'm not a practical person, but I was quite good at school subjects.
At the moment, we force all children through the same education system regardless of whether they are suited to such an environment. The result of this is that a lot of kids are reaching the age of 18....and they haven't learnt anything or done anything useful. For those who prefer physical and practical activities to reading and studying, school is bound to be a waste of time (beyond the age of say, 14). If a child prefers manual work, there's not a lot of point forcing them to study French. Why not get them into an environment where they can learn to be a builder, or something similar?
America is essentially diagnosing kids who are not suited to school as suffering from a mental health problem. A problem which is treated with amphetamines and similar controlled drugs. I do not understand how we have reached this situation. If school had been physical and practical, *I* would have found it a nightmare. Does this mean that I have a mental health problem? No, of course not, it simply means that the environment would not have been suitable.
I'm not saying that the ADHD diagnosis shouldn't be used - but any diagnosis which is used so frequently is suspect IMO.
Let's look at a few of the diagnostic criteria from ADHD.......· often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork,
work, or other activities;· often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, chores, or
duties in the work place (this failure is not due deliberately refusing to do it or not
understanding instructions);· often avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort;
· often loses things necessary for tasks or activities;
Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptoms· often fidgets with hands or squirms in seat;
· often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected;
· often talks excessively;
· often blurts out answers before questions have been completed;
· often has difficulty awaiting turn;
· often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)
Are these not 'symptoms' of a child who is not suited to academic study? A large number of the symptoms are directly related to the school environment.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:959607
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100821/msgs/959990.html