Reading #4 - Life's Challenges

Ken Robinson stated, “We are educating people out of their creativity.” I agree with Ken Robinson. Our schools are not allowing students to think for themselves or build their own reasoning skills. We are forced to follow a strict curriculum, which most students do not intend to ever use in the future. I understand our education needs to be diverse and well rounded; however there is a lot of wasted time and subjects within the school system. I believe more time could be spent outside to widen the student’s horizon.

I have always been a kinesthetic learner, and I have never known a teacher other than science teachers to use this type of teaching. I am now a nursing major, and I believe my way of learning is the major reason why I am pursuing my career in nursing. Teachers should try using a variety of methods for students. It may also help students pay attention better.

I believe if my school would have permitted field trips I would appreciate nature and the environment more. In school we were never taken outside therefore I was not able to be hands on with nature, and the only hands on time I received was at home with my family. Since I moved to Florida I have found myself constantly going to school and working. I have never really appreciated the beauty of the environment down here. However, since I started nursing school here at Florida Gulf Coast University I have noticed myself going outside again like I used to when I was little and lived up north. Being outside in nature makes me relaxed and it helps me to focus on my tasks at hand.

“By bolstering children’s attention resources, green spaces may enable children to think more clearly and cope more effectively with life stress,” writes Nancy Wells. Even as a nursing student I was unaware of the ability nature has on children with ADHD. I can appreciate this because I notice what nature has done for me and my studies. Even though children think they are only going outside to play they are really learning something new about nature or the environment every time they go outside. I intend to further appreciate the environment to help me stay focused and relaxed through stressful times.