I am sure you are all aware of the push toward the STEM studies (Science, Technology, Engineering studies, Math) these days... If you have older students, you are probably feeling some stress regarding academic choices. I have had many conversations lately about this with teachers who follow the educational philosophy and methodology of Charlotte Mason - lots more on CM education here if you are wondering what that looks like ;-).
I have asked my colleague and experienced CM educator, Vanessa, to share about CM and STEM...
Am I setting my
children up for failure by choosing a liberal arts education in 2015 and not
STEM?
This question has been raised lately among many parents –
even some who follow Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy because we are
raising our kids in 2015 and we are told that STEM is it. We have been inundated with information all
around us from ‘news’ articles, well-meaning friends and family members, and
even some Government officials telling us that a STEM education is necessary
for success; my local library has STEM activities geared towards first graders. STEM
is important and has its place but it needs to stay there (in its place) and
allow for balance in our children’s lives.
Why don’t I have my children focusing on STEM classes in
preparation for career? In Volume 6, A
Philosophy of Education, page 235 Mason writes, “I don't need to convince my readers that a generous, liberal education
is the natural birthright of every child, like justice, freedom of religion,
liberty, or fresh air.” That sounds
good but do we believe it? Vol 6 page 3:
As a matter of fact, it is the man who
has read and thought on many subjects who is, with the necessary training, the most capable whether in handling tools, drawing plans or keeping
books. Following Mason’s method I am
providing my children “unequalled mental
training…for any study or calling under the sun — the powers of attention, of
discrimination, of patient pursuit, growing with his growth, what will they not
fit him for?” Vol. 1, p. 61. Mason
believed, and there are those today who believe, that a person could be trained
for any career – even a STEM career and would succeed because of (not in spite
of) the liberal arts background.
I do not believe a STEM focus is necessary for success,
especially not in high school. It
appears as though I am not alone. Forbes
Magazine Online John Ebersole writes, “What is clear, however, is that a
STEM degree is not necessarily a requirement to work in these fields and that
having a technical degree isn’t a predictor of lifetime employment in
engineering and scientific positions.” A recent survey conducted for Northeastern
University showed that “despite the recent focus on STEM degrees, most
Americans and particularly business leaders say it is more important for
graduates to be well-rounded and possess broader capabilities such as problem
solving and communication skills.” Wesleyan
University states on their website that “Medical schools welcome students
with a liberal arts background. A liberal arts education does not exclude the
scientific and quantitative knowledge required for medical school. Rather, it includes such courses within a larger
intellectual context. Wesleyan graduates are able to analyze and integrate
new material precisely because they are already familiar with more than one
field of learning.” The Association of
American Medical Colleges has made a strong statement about the value of a
liberal arts education: "The
medical profession needs individuals from diverse educational backgrounds who
bring to the profession a variety of talents and interests...All [medical
schools] recognize the desirability of a broad education: a strong foundation
in the natural sciences, highly developed communication skills, and a solid
background in the social sciences and humanities." Steve Jobs said “it’s
in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough – that it’s technology
married with liberal arts, married with humanities, that yields us the result
that makes our hearts sing”. Andrew Benett wrote that “what
I have found is that people with degrees in subjects such as history and
literature—and, yes, even philosophy—tend to possess many of the qualities,
skill sets, and aptitudes that are in highest demand in my own industry
(marketing communications) and in others that rely on creative thinking and
foresight. Do we need more
convincing?
Stay tuned for Part II of CM & STEM by Vanessa...
