Should Every Student Be Required to Take a Performing Arts Class?
For many individuals, the question of whether every student should be required to take a performing arts class remains a topic of debate. While some argue that requiring such classes would dilute educational resources in subjects like health and safety, others believe that performing arts enhance critical life skills and have a place in every student's curriculum.
Personal Experience and Insight
As a former drama teacher in a junior high school, I can attest to the profound impact that performing arts can have on students. For example, my first class was relatively small, and I was quite nervous. One boy, who was clearly uninterested in my class, tried to make things difficult by not listening and refusing to participate. He became a source of discomfort during my initial sessions.
Feeling that the boy was shunning me, I decided to reach out to him personally after the school day. My intention was to understand his behavior and address it. Surprisingly, he did show up as promised for our private talk. This interaction helped me understand that not all students have a passion for performing arts, and that certain students might need more personal attention before they see value in the subject.
The Value of Performing Arts
Though not every student should be required to take a performing arts class, a well-structured program can offer significant educational benefits. According to me, a former actor and director, such classes can teach valuable life skills like listening, making eye contact, being patient, and understanding human behavior and conflict.
These skills are widely applicable and can benefit almost everyone. For instance, the ability to listen and engage empathetically can significantly enhance interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, students can learn about human nature and conflict resolution, which are essential for navigating real-life situations.
Arguments Against Required Performaing Arts Classes
However, not everyone agrees that performing arts should be mandatory. One perspective is that these classes could be best left as electives, meant for students who have a natural aptitude or interest in the subject. This way, students who are passionate about performing arts can pursue it without forcing those who are not interested to participate.
Another argument is that requiring such classes could divert school resources away from other important subjects, such as health and safety. In a world where there are already far too many creative individuals, we should focus on teaching practical skills that are more universally applicable, like road safety knowledge and first aid.
Customized Education and Student Autonomy
While the idea of required performing arts classes has its merits, I strongly believe that education should be personalized to suit the needs and desires of each individual student. This approach should encompass both academic and vocational programs.
Consider my personal experience as a high school student in the late 1960s. Courses like metal class and gym did not resonate with my interests, and I found them frustrating and unfulfilling. These requirements only reinforced my feelings of failure and lack of self-worth. Instead, it would have been beneficial to focus on subjects that I was interested in and good at, allowing me to learn from my inevitable failures while doing something that I was passionate about.
The principle of failure is inherent in any educational journey. It is important for students to learn and grow from their mistakes. Mandatory performing arts classes may not be for everyone, but elective programs can help students find their passion and develop valuable life skills.
According to me, the focus of education should not be on solely preparing students for a four-year college. It should be about creating a curriculum that is customized to the individual needs and desires of each student.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate, I believe that the best approach is to combine elective performing arts programs with mandatory education in core subjects like health and safety. This way, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to develop critical life skills and pursue their passions without feeling forced into subjects that do not interest them.