Embracing a Mindset Free from Stereotypes in Education
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Our Judgments
As I reflect on my journey, I recognize how judgmental I was during my youth, particularly regarding education.
Photo by Craig Adderley via Pexels
I strive to avoid self-criticism, realizing that judgment is not innate but rather a behavior learned from our surroundings. I like to think of myself as a kind person, yet I now see that I had more toxic tendencies than I initially believed.
Section 1.1: Stereotypes in the Educational System
In my experience, schools often divided students into three distinct groups, even if unintentionally.
The Three Tiers of Student Groups:
- Top Tier: The academically gifted students.
- Middle Tier: Those with average grades.
- Lower Tier: Students who struggled academically and often faced negative stereotypes, such as being part of the "wrong crowd." Activities like smoking were more commonly associated with this group, although they occurred across all tiers.
Did you have a similar experience in your educational journey?
After completing middle or secondary school, students typically followed one of three educational paths:
- Secondary Institutions: These schools admit the top 20% of students, featuring a rigorous curriculum condensed into just two years, covering subjects like Biology and History in greater depth.
- Polytechnics: Some high-achieving students opt for this route, which offers more flexibility and independence, focusing on industry-specific courses such as computer science or nursing.
- The ‘Lower Tier’: Often perceived as the last resort, this pathway caters to students with lower grades who wish to study fields like Filmmaking or Games Art and Design.
Interestingly, I had to research this tier myself. Having attended an institution perceived as 'higher tier,' I realize how ignorant I was about the broader educational landscape and the students within it.
What’s particularly troubling is that I formed opinions about these lower-tier institutions without ever engaging with their students. Even within high-tier schools, a hierarchy exists, fostering fierce competition where satisfaction often hinges on achieving the highest status.
Section 1.2: A Transformative Experience
My perspective shifted after meeting some truly remarkable individuals at a gym I've recently joined. After two months of training together, I've found them to be inspiring and genuinely kind.
However, I was surprised to learn that some of my favorite gym companions came from lower-tier educational backgrounds.
Isn't that surprising?
Not really! Their academic history does not define their character.
It was superficial of me to attach certain stereotypes to individuals based solely on their educational experiences during my youth. I know I’m not alone; many students internalize this mindset, influenced by the structure of the education system.
Ultimately, it's not about blaming anyone—the system has its flaws. Instead, it's our responsibility to evolve beyond outdated mentalities.
For the first time, I encountered individuals from "lower-tier institutions," and they were nothing like I had envisioned.
Was I naive enough to assume that all students from lower-tier schools were troublemakers who disliked studying and exhibited negative behaviors? Absolutely.
We all possess unique strengths, some of which may be overlooked due to the rigid framework of the educational system. Others may take longer to emerge, which is perfectly acceptable. Grades alone cannot define our capabilities!
It’s vital that we refrain from judging ourselves and others based on superficial criteria.
Imagine how many intriguing people you may have missed connecting with due to preconceived notions!
What stereotypes do you hold about others?
"Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t." — Bill Nye
Keep an open mind! You never know who might enrich your life.
Thank you for reading!
Marila
Chapter 2: Insights from the Journey
In the video "Living with Less Judgement," Davidji discusses the importance of shedding judgmental attitudes and embracing a more compassionate perspective toward others. This aligns perfectly with the themes explored in my reflections.
Fr. Mike Schmitz's video, "The Lesser-Known Last Judgment," further delves into the consequences of our judgments and the significance of understanding before forming opinions. This perspective is crucial as we navigate our relationships and interactions with others.