[droid151]

(I totally fail at choosing majors)

If It's any consolation, I totally failed high school.

The older I am the less I see that as a downside. I used to tutor and do school projects for others and it became increasingly apparent that academic system just doesn't cut it for the real world. Students are expected to the things in a certain way and creative solutions are usually frowned upon. I don't say that's the case for every school/uni just ones I had a contact with (which are mainly in Europe). I just think that people who learned their craft on real-life projects tend to have a better grasp at the subject, then the ones who aced them in school.

[mothered]

The older I am the less I see that as a downside. I used to tutor and do school projects for others and it became increasingly apparent that academic system just doesn't cut it for the real world. Students are expected to the things in a certain way and creative solutions are usually frowned upon. I don't say that's the case for every school/uni just ones I had a contact with (which are mainly in Europe). I just think that people who learned their craft on real-life projects tend to have a better grasp at the subject, then the ones who aced them in school.

Well said.

I found school to be extremely boring, hence I left via my own volition and have never looked back.

[droid151]

The older I am the less I see that as a downside. I used to tutor and do school projects for others and it became increasingly apparent that academic system just doesn't cut it for the real world. Students are expected to the things in a certain way and creative solutions are usually frowned upon. I don't say that's the case for every school/uni just ones I had a contact with (which are mainly in Europe). I just think that people who learned their craft on real-life projects tend to have a better grasp at the subject, then the ones who aced them in school.

Well said.

I found school to be extremely boring, hence I left via my own volition and have never looked back.

Exactly, what's even better is that, in IT at least, you can land a job without the education requirement if you have experience/knowlage to back it up. And with the advent of github that is not so hard to prove to employers.

[Boudica]

The older I am the less I see that as a downside. I used to tutor and do school projects for others and it became increasingly apparent that academic system just doesn't cut it for the real world. Students are expected to the things in a certain way and creative solutions are usually frowned upon. I don't say that's the case for every school/uni just ones I had a contact with (which are mainly in Europe). I just think that people who learned their craft on real-life projects tend to have a better grasp at the subject, then the ones who aced them in school.

Well said.

I found school to be extremely boring, hence I left via my own volition and have never looked back.

Exactly, what's even better is that, in IT at least, you can land a job without the education requirement if you have experience/knowlage to back it up. And with the advent of github that is not so hard to prove to employers.

I agree with what you've said. The problem with a lot of schooling is the ability to ensure it's "fair" and to regulate it. Both come at the cost of potential quality of education as educators have to adhere to standardisations, which limits their ability to tailor educational needs. However, I went to school in Europe and was lucky. A good portion of my schooling (not all) favoured the "hands on" approach wherever possible, critical thinking, creative solutions and real-world application. My teachers who were good at this are the ones whose teachings have stayed with me - I can pretty much pinpoint my life successes to things they taught me xD

[droid151]

I agree with what you've said. The problem with a lot of schooling is the ability to ensure it's "fair" and to regulate it. Both come at the cost of potential quality of education as educators have to adhere to standardisations, which limits their ability to tailor educational needs.

Yeah that standardization is kinda necessary evil, though I did wander what it is like in schools with smaller student/teacher ratio.

However, I went to school in Europe and was lucky. A good portion of my schooling (not all) favoured the "hands on" approach wherever possible, critical thinking, creative solutions and real-world application. My teachers who were good at this are the ones whose teachings have stayed with me - I can pretty much pinpoint my life successes to things they taught me xD

That sounds awesome. I honestly didn't know there are that kind of schools here in Europe. I've always put them on private schools in the US.

[Boudica]

I agree with what you've said. The problem with a lot of schooling is the ability to ensure it's "fair" and to regulate it. Both come at the cost of potential quality of education as educators have to adhere to standardisations, which limits their ability to tailor educational needs.

Yeah that standardization is kinda necessary evil, though I did wander what it is like in schools with smaller student/teacher ratio.

However, I went to school in Europe and was lucky. A good portion of my schooling (not all) favoured the "hands on" approach wherever possible, critical thinking, creative solutions and real-world application. My teachers who were good at this are the ones whose teachings have stayed with me - I can pretty much pinpoint my life successes to things they taught me xD

That sounds awesome. I honestly didn't know there are that kind of schools here in Europe. I've always put them on private schools in the US.

Student-teacher ratios are no joke. 30-35 kids vs one teacher... hmmmm xD

Both of my high schools were public schools. However, the second one I transferred to required a test to get into. That meant that the students at that school were all more inclined to enjoy learning, which changes the whole experience.

[droid151]

I agree with what you've said. The problem with a lot of schooling is the ability to ensure it's "fair" and to regulate it. Both come at the cost of potential quality of education as educators have to adhere to standardisations, which limits their ability to tailor educational needs.

Yeah that standardization is kinda necessary evil, though I did wander what it is like in schools with smaller student/teacher ratio.

However, I went to school in Europe and was lucky. A good portion of my schooling (not all) favoured the "hands on" approach wherever possible, critical thinking, creative solutions and real-world application. My teachers who were good at this are the ones whose teachings have stayed with me - I can pretty much pinpoint my life successes to things they taught me xD

That sounds awesome. I honestly didn't know there are that kind of schools here in Europe. I've always put them on private schools in the US.

Student-teacher ratios are no joke. 30-35 kids vs one teacher... hmmmm xD

Both of my high schools were public schools. However, the second one I transferred to required a test to get into. That meant that the students at that school were all more inclined to enjoy learning, which changes the whole experience.

I agree, incentive to work is different when you have to do something because you are expected to do it then it would be if it was your wish from the beginning.

[mothered]

what's even better is that, in IT at least, you can land a job without the education requirement if you have experience/knowlage to back it up. And with the advent of github that is not so hard to prove to employers.

I definitely agree, however many employers In my locality require certifications, Irrespective of one's skill set/knowledge.

They'd rather have someone who's just graduated without experience, than (for example) an Individual like myself who's been In the scene for 30+ years.

[droid151]

what's even better is that, in IT at least, you can land a job without the education requirement if you have experience/knowlage to back it up. And with the advent of github that is not so hard to prove to employers.

I definitely agree, however many employers In my locality require certifications, Irrespective of one's skill set/knowledge.

They'd rather have someone who's just graduated without experience, than (for example) an Individual like myself who's been In the scene for 30+ years.

You are right, I was generalizing. Again. I should really stop doing that.

[mothered]

what's even better is that, in IT at least, you can land a job without the education requirement if you have experience/knowlage to back it up. And with the advent of github that is not so hard to prove to employers.

I definitely agree, however many employers In my locality require certifications, Irrespective of one's skill set/knowledge.

They'd rather have someone who's just graduated without experience, than (for example) an Individual like myself who's been In the scene for 30+ years.

You are right, I was generalizing. Again. I should really stop doing that.

You're also absolutely correct.

There are many companies who prefer experience over certifications, but unfortunately, It's not the case where I reside.