As a 10-year-old, I would hurry home from school, grab my bike from the garage, and pedal across town to my grandparents’ house. With a handful of sugar cookies from the old depression glass cookie jar, I would join Grandpa Ralph in the living room, where he sat beside his oxygen tank, watching westerns on TV.
“Hi, Jackie,” he would greet me. “What did you learn in school today?”
Despite a brain aneurysm that had affected his ability to speak and call me by the wrong name, Grandpa Ralph was genuinely interested in my school lessons. He valued education, even though he himself had only finished eighth grade and struggled with reading and writing due to the aneurysm. Yet, he was always observant, always ready with practical advice on gardening, fishing, and staying hydrated.
Ralph’s educational background was typical of his era, where only 40% of Americans had a high school diploma in 1960. Today, over 90% of the population has a high school diploma, but the quality of education hasn’t seen significant improvement.
While math and reading scores have risen over the years, the gains in middle and high school levels have been limited compared to elementary grades. Factors like nutrition and environment may have contributed to the improvements outside of the educational system.
International assessments like the Programme for International Student Assessment show that the US ranks below other advanced industrial nations in math, reading, and science. There has been a growing percentage of students struggling with basic math skills, coinciding with a global decline in educational outcomes since 2012 due to factors like increased anxiety and depression in adolescents linked to smartphone and social media usage.
Research has shown that excessive use of digital devices can lead to distractions and lower academic performance, especially in math. Furthermore, the lack of social interactions due to spending time with devices instead of people can hinder overall education and personal development.
The importance of social relationships in education is evident in countries with high PISA scores, as they prioritize recess and social interactions over digital distractions in school. Building meaningful relationships outside of structured activities is essential for healthy, happy, and wise growth in children.
Ultimately, wisdom is nurtured through genuine interest in the world and meaningful relationships. Children who spend time with loved ones and engage socially will develop a deeper appreciation for life, leading to true wisdom.
