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Forums _ Debate _ Classes that should be taught in high school.
Posted by: manny-the-dino Feb 6 2009, 11:52 PM
I was going to put this in School but since it turned into a debate in my English class, I figured it would turn into one here as well.
My professor brought this up yesterday. He sent us some articles to read. One http://www.briankim.net/blog/2007/03/top-5-things-that-should-be-taught-in-every-school/ & the other http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/195126/classes_that_should_be_taught_in_high.html?cat=4. Those of you in high school, what do you think they should be teaching you? And those of you who are out of high school, what do you wish they taught you? A lot of people said finance for sure. And anything credit related as well. Social skills also came up. With texting & all that, some kids don't even know how to form complete sentences anymore. Some guy in my class said that he thinks our parents should be teach us these things instead of schools. I dk. I was going to say some other things but they slipped my mind :(
So, DEBATE!
Oh wait, here's a list of possibilites:
- Credit
- Finance
- Environmental
- Compositing
- Relationships
- Parenting
- CPR
- Meditation
- Social class
- How to read financial terminology / contracts
Posted by: hi-C Feb 7 2009, 01:12 AM
A basic level finance or economics class, definitely. So kids'll learn that money doesn't grow on trees. I'd also like to see PE mandatory all four years and perhaps a nutrition class (like for real, none of that stupid stuff you do in Health class). It'll help with adolescent obesity. When I was in school, we definitely didn't take finance and PE was only mandatory for one year. And every student should be required to take an arts class, especially music.
Posted by: Tsukuyomi-No-Mokoto Feb 7 2009, 03:57 AM
yeaaaa i def think PE should def be taught n noty jus some push over class where u can jus get a doctors note n u cool.
also yea financial classes should be taught n some other things as well to make sure kids know how to survive
Posted by: Joannnnnne Feb 7 2009, 04:03 AM
I know for a fact that a lot of people would hate this class, but it really would be extremely helpful. And even if schools don't provide these kinds of courses, English classes should require students to read Rich Dad, Poor Dad or something similar to it. I still have yet to read it, but my mom and sister's boyfriend keep bringing up how amazing it is.
My high school required PE for grades 8 to 10, and then we were required to take either a PE class in grade 11/12 or fulfill 80(?) hours of physical activity (a lot of people cheated on this, of course) in order to graduate. Even though it sometimes felt like a major pain, I'm glad we had that requirement; there are so many people who don't do any physical activity/exercise at all and this at least kind of gets people off their asses to some degree.
A lot of the possible courses Natalia listed seem helpful and all... but I think if those classes were available, not many people would sign up for them and they'll just get shut down. Or people would take them because they're 'easy As' and not really take them seriously. And how do you even grade people on things like relationships and meditation?
Posted by: WarMachine Feb 7 2009, 04:23 AM
It's imperative that seniors in high school learn about credit in a way that they can understand. We live in a nation of debt and bad credit. There should be no reason an 18 year old should have to begin life as an adult with a strike against him financially.
Posted by: Gigi Feb 7 2009, 04:32 AM
Definitely lower-level economics. Sometimes, during my econ classes, I'm shocked at the stuff that we learn that applies to everyday life. And I cringe to think of all the people who haven't ever taken econ and wouldn't know anything about it (unless they educated themselves).
And psychology too, only because it really broadens your understanding of human thinking and behaviour and the science behind how you behave can really open your mind to other things.
And a nutrition class. My friend is literally eating JUNK now that she is living by herself. We did take a nutrition class which was mandatory but she obviously didn't learn anything from it. I am actually worried she will get scurvy. She might read this and get mad at me but she already knows I'm worried, so...;)
Posted by: Tomates Feb 7 2009, 10:36 AM
Our school has an economics class that right now most sophmores are taking. Though i took it when i was a freshman. Its kinda screwy with how they changed the requirements and they bagged the class for a year and then brought it back.
We also have something like a parenting class only i want to say its a early childhood development class. I don't really know what its about but im guessing something on the same page?
Posted by: hypnotique Feb 7 2009, 10:55 AM
i think we need to focus on offering more vocational training programs for high schoolers like the way my school did it.In junior and senior year your had the option of going to this school called TCD and you did stuff that perked your interest (auto body technician,firefighter/paramedic sciences,culinary arts,child development, computer networking,graphic design shit like that.
Because lets face it not every kid is going to go off to some expensive ass university to get a degree. and not every kid is book savvy they are the hands on type and these programs really help it blossom out.
Posted by: Joannnnnne Feb 7 2009, 11:09 AM
She actually took a nutrition class again last semester. *sigh*
Posted by: shanaynay Feb 7 2009, 12:35 PM
Second languages other than french and spanish... I want some Japanese or German.
Posted by: karmakiller Feb 7 2009, 03:18 PM
Language courses that are offered depends a lot on the school, at my school you could take French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Japanese, or Latin.
From the sensei topic in the school forum:
I also think there should be a basic mechanic class. When I was in high school it was all boys that would take those classes, but those classes went in depth. They need a basic class that teaches kids how to change their oil, fix pipes around the house, etc. I know it sounds laughable, but I know a lot of clueless people.
Posted by: manny-the-dino Feb 7 2009, 03:59 PM
I totally agree with the mandatory PE & nutrition classes. At my high school we had to take 2 semesters of PE & 2 semesters of some type of health/nutrition class in order to graduate. And that's nothing, really. Sometimes the activities the teacher made us do didn't even break a sweat. I also agree about the art classes. They should add more classes, imo. Because when I was in high school, the art classes they offered were Art, Ceramics, & Schola Cantorum (choir). I think some more variety would make kids more interested.
Yeah. "/ Which is why they should be mandatory.
I really like your psychology suggestion. Didn't think of that one. I also think it would help us with critical thinking to help us think outside of the box, you know? Or actually put some thought into something instead of just stating the obvious.
Because lets face it not every kid is going to go off to some expensive ass university to get a degree. and not every kid is book savvy they are the hands on type and these programs really help it blossom out.
So true. The training would help a lot of kids out. Especially now that a lot of seniors in high school don't know what they want to do with their lives. I also think that a course in choosing a career would help a lot.
Yes. Because let's face it, spanish & french aren't the only languages in the world. I mean they may be the most common ones but some diversity wouldn't hurt.
Do you guys think our parents should be teaching us these things or schools?
Posted by: hi-C Feb 7 2009, 04:34 PM
I think when it comes to something like economics or finances that that should be the parents' responsibility. But the other things, I think parents get lazy and figure it's up to the school to teach their kids.
Posted by: JosephCohen123 Feb 7 2009, 05:21 PM
Computer class so people like me will have one class that they dont have to study for and get straight a's.
Posted by: brooklyneast05 Feb 7 2009, 05:42 PM
i took a class that was a "trial" class and it was called something like "building wealth" or something. we learned about everything from how to balance a check book, to how the stock market works, to having people who work at banks come and talk to us about credit and things like that.
i think everyone should have a class like that, and they need to make sure it's "hands on" in a sense. they should have real businessmen and women come and talk about stuff. they should have to balance an actual check book. also when we learned about the stock market we played a stock market simulation thing, where you would actually get a designated amount and invest in companies of your choice on this site online. then we had to keep up with it through out the whole semester, selling and buying as we saw fit and keeping up with the actual stock market to make our decisions off of.
Posted by: dosomethin888 Feb 7 2009, 05:57 PM
I think PE should be required for every one. And a class on how to respect your elders and stop being spoiled brats should be taught to every student also.
Posted by: brooklyneast05 Feb 7 2009, 05:58 PM
but what if their parents beat them every night and stuff
i always think about that. how much it would suck if someone told you respect your parents and you go home and your parents treat you like shit.
Posted by: shanaynay Feb 7 2009, 06:07 PM
I lost so much money the day the PS3 came out. Sony's stock just plummeted...
not actual money of course.
I had a few seperate classes that kind of added up to what you mentioned. We had a business class, most of the first semester was balancing finances. Our school has an economics class thats mandatory. If you want there is also an accounting class.
Posted by: hi-C Feb 7 2009, 06:09 PM
Posted by: brooklyneast05 Feb 7 2009, 06:14 PM
not actual money of course.
I had a few seperate classes that kind of added up to what you mentioned. We had a business class, most of the first semester was balancing finances. Our school has an economics class thats mandatory. If you want there is also an accounting class.
yeah i was invested in apple, and then they did some update of some kind and my money sky rocketed. i was like f*ck yeah i love the stock market. i ended up losing all that though.
Posted by: manny-the-dino Feb 7 2009, 06:17 PM
They already offer computer classes. At least at my high school they did. And it wasn't an easy A class. We had to do assignments in Word, Excel, & PowerPoint. If it were one of those easy A classes, then you really wouldn't be learning anything. It'd probably be one of those classes that if you show up everyday, you'd get an A.
Oh man this one would be good for my brother.
I remember in my Econ class, our teacher made us predict the dow every week. It was pretty fun but towards the end of the semester he stopped doing it because most people didn't do it. I learned a lot in that class. I actually liked it although it dealt with a lot of equations & confusing things.
Posted by: shanaynay Feb 7 2009, 06:53 PM
I thought you were homeschooled...
Posted by: Joannnnnne Feb 7 2009, 08:41 PM
Oh, I missed that. But the thing is that if they all become mandatory, there would be absolutely no time/blocks left for elective courses where students get to learn what they're actually interested in. And that would be a shame.
Posted by: JosephCohen123 Feb 7 2009, 09:21 PM
I am homeschooled. but i still pick which classes i take ot get credits in.
Posted by: shannlovin Feb 7 2009, 10:13 PM
COOKING! heh, there's no cooking class in my high school.
Posted by: FireButterfly Feb 9 2009, 07:23 PM
Personally, I think CPR should an important subject they should teach in school because you never know when you're going to have to learn how to perform that kind of thing. Like one day your friend could be choking on a hot potatoe and somebody needs to save them before they pass out or worse. Also, you need to learn that if you ever become a lifeguard. 
Posted by: brooklyneast05 Feb 9 2009, 07:29 PM
that should just be taught in health class rather than having a whole class just for that...
Posted by: Gigi Feb 9 2009, 08:21 PM
Yeah I was taught that in P.E. and it was mandatory to pass the test.
Posted by: BOSS Feb 9 2009, 09:09 PM
Art. I refuse to debate this since there is no good argument why you shouldnt
Posted by: hypnotique Feb 10 2009, 12:56 PM
lol thats something that cant be taught in class unless the teacher is my puerto rican auntie with her broom stick 1 hour a day with her and you will never ever act bratty again.
Posted by: brooklyneast05 Feb 10 2009, 01:08 PM
we used marketwatch i think. it was fun.
Posted by: 9001 Feb 10 2009, 01:13 PM
No. I would kill anyone if it would keep me from going through P.E. again.
Posted by: Joannnnnne Feb 10 2009, 01:21 PM
^ And that's why you are the way you are. 
Posted by: brooklyneast05 Feb 10 2009, 01:24 PM
damn bitches in P.E. were always too good to try and just stood around
Posted by: Tsukuyomi-No-Mokoto Feb 10 2009, 01:27 PM
o yea girls would never wanna do P.E jus stand off to the side and say
"oh this is bullshit i'm gonna get a doctors note."
note these are the same girls who look at the girls who took P.E in high school and all that and in college they see them again and are wondering
"damn she looks really good how'd she do that??"
then they find out if they had jus gone to the gym and worked out and not made excuses they'd be iight.
Posted by: YukkaPukka Feb 10 2009, 03:37 PM
[*]Finance
[*]Environmental
[*]Compositing
[*]Relationships
[*]Parenting
[*]CPR
[*]Meditation
[*]Social class
[*]How to read financial terminology / contracts
[/list]
I have those two classes at my school. And I think you learn CPR in a medicine class my school offers, as well.
Oh, and a full year of PE is required here, AS WELL as one health class.
Posted by: BOSS Feb 10 2009, 07:12 PM
Posted by: dosomethin888 Feb 10 2009, 08:58 PM
i always think about that. how much it would suck if someone told you respect your parents and you go home and your parents treat you like shit.
Then they are excused
Posted by: paperplane Feb 10 2009, 10:43 PM
What? You wouldn't just be able to be "uh, my parents beat me at night. Can I waive this class?". Yeah right. That's not a remotely realistic class to require in high school.
As for PE, where the hell is that not required? I waived a couple of years of it in middle school, but I've never heard of a high school where a semester wasn't a graduation requirement. I still need a PE credit now, ffs. That said, disliking PE doesn't make someone a fatass. f*ck PE. I took it online.
Posted by: brooklyneast05 Feb 10 2009, 10:47 PM
lol yeah i don't think schools should teach how to respect ur parents because A) you can't force someone to really respect someone and B) lots of people have parents who aren't really that respectable from my experience.
Posted by: hi-C Feb 10 2009, 10:56 PM
I don't know if this has been mentioned so far (and I can't be bothered to look it up) public speaking. Ma'f*ckas need to know how to enunciate and use diction and syntax and all that shit.
Posted by: paperplane Feb 10 2009, 11:03 PM
I really can't think of a way it could be done without more or less brainwashing students to be subservient anyway. You can't force respect, at least not real respect. I was generally a polite and well-behaved kid, but there was this one time in driver's ed where the teacher kept forcing me to call her "ma'am." I was being perfectly respectful towards her, wasn't talking back or anything (my mom's from up north, hates being called ma'am because it makes her feel old, and so I simply wasn't brought up to refer to people that way). But I completely disagreed with the way she was demanding deference, and therefore continually replied "okay" instead of "yes ma'am." Anyway, you can't make kids act in a certain way, if only because teens are generally way too contrary in nature to go along with that shit.
Posted by: BOSS Feb 11 2009, 02:12 AM
Yes you can. Kids obviously don't know whats best for them. All the classes you took in high school you knew was bullshit but you learned it for the greater good later on in life.
Posted by: kryogenix Feb 11 2009, 09:55 AM
It's a good thing I spent three years learning what I could have learned in one semester. Needs more practical classes imo, like accounting/tax. f*cking accounting.
Posted by: misoshiru Feb 11 2009, 10:54 AM
me too.
Posted by: paperplane Feb 11 2009, 10:59 AM
There's a pretty big difference between learning information and being made to respect people. It's a slippery slope to blind subservience.
Posted by: BOSS Feb 11 2009, 04:47 PM
They are the same thing. Learning information is the broadest thing you could've said. Anything is information. The fact that your name is Nicki is one right there.
Posted by: turnupthevolume Mar 3 2009, 07:33 PM
Relationships, CPR, and social class are really good ideas, though social class could get a little tricky... People have different views on socializing... Yknow?
I think a dance class would be awesome. I know they have that at most schools, but an actual dance class where they'd teach you dances you actually WANT to learn...
Posted by: karmakiller Mar 3 2009, 07:36 PM
I think a dance class would be awesome. I know they have that at most schools, but an actual dance class where they'd teach you dances you actually WANT to learn...
Posted by: smash Mar 3 2009, 07:44 PM
i second that.
Posted by: shanaynay Mar 3 2009, 07:53 PM
3rd, our health class is a joke. The teacher cant control the class, well 2 out of the 3 teachers. Most of it is common sense stuff, and the sex ed portion is a long 2 weeks of crude jokes (while some of them are funny).
Posted by: Uronacid Mar 4 2009, 08:33 PM
How about classes that shouldn't be taught in high school like Sex Ed. My god, this should be the responsibility of the parents. Its unfortunate that the fathers and mothers in today's society so irresponsible. I have to pay higher school taxes for some teacher to explain sex to students... on top of all that. I participated in sex ed, and it was a complete joke. Such a waste of our tax dollars.
Posted by: simx Mar 27 2009, 11:40 PM
I agree with the finance/econ class. Probably one of the most useful
Posted by: BOSS Mar 28 2009, 05:57 PM
Disagree. Last thing I want is to learn how to beat pussy from my dad.
Posted by: brooklyneast05 Mar 28 2009, 07:12 PM
^lol
people can go on and on all they want about how it should be the responsibility of the parents, but no matter how many times you say that doesn't change the fact the parents aren't doing it and we're all paying for it. it should be different, but it's not, it's just the fact of the situation. sex ed should be increased in schools, made better, actually teach the kids how to prevent pregnancy and what not. and i definitely don't mean abstinence only. maybe then people (or some at least) will start making better decisions about sex, they'll be more responsible and prevent unwanted pregnancies, and then when these people do get pregnant at a decent age and maturity level they will raise their kids right.
Posted by: karmakiller Mar 28 2009, 08:10 PM
Not teaching sex ed in school won't make parents want to teach their children. I think we need better sex education, and then when the kids who have taken those classes get older hopefully they will discuss things with their kids... and even when they do professional opinions (like the doctors and people from places like planned pregnancy that talk to sex ed classes) are still useful because parents aren't going to know every fact like a doctor.
Posted by: Pooonani Mar 28 2009, 09:11 PM
Home ec. would be helpful.
I can't cook for shit.
Posted by: IWontRapeYou Mar 28 2009, 09:14 PM
I think there should be more computer classes that don't just involve typing really fast.
Posted by: YukkaPukka Mar 28 2009, 09:15 PM
I have web design, java, and a whole bunch of other computer classes. And home ec.
Posted by: IWontRapeYou Mar 28 2009, 09:18 PM
We just have a Advanced Apps for the Mac or whatever it's called. And we have 3 different foods classes here. Foods 1, Foods 2 and Foods and Hospitality.