Standardized learning, supposedly the most effective teaching process, is the norm in schools all throughout the world. Standardized teaching has been used for so long it seems we have forgotten what it is to inspire our students to learn; this is not the way to do it. Truth is, while this method is somewhat effective, it seems to overlook that every single student has a unique mind. Besides, this method can expose students to harsh self criticism; it ultimately fails to achieve what it is meant for in the process.

The main aspect in which standardized learning fails are tests. It is common for students to dislike and complain about these tests, but perhaps their complaints are well based. According to educator Nicholas Ferroni, his students seem to disagree with the way students are tested. Among the comments published in his online forum, designed to give students a voice, are, “I think standardized tests are a waste of time. Life is more open-ended, not multiple choice.” Students generally agreed that tests measure unimportant skills, such as memory or following orders.

In a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, where they surveyed teens throughout the US, stress levels among high school students were found to be much higher that healthy standards. 83% of students cited school as being their main source of stress; 36%t of teens described being stressed and anxious;31% percent felt overwhelmed, and 30% reported feeling depressed due to stress and anxiety.

There are multiple systems schools that could potentially replace standardized teaching. Perhaps the most effective one dates back millennia; the socratic method, developed by Socrates himself. to provide students a deeper understanding of any subject. Modern law schools, such as the University of Chicago, use the socratic method “for the very reason Socrates developed it: to develop critical thinking skills in students and enable them to approach the law as intellectuals.” However, would this work in schools, on young teens who are often immature and lazy? Well, by teaching the students critical thought and analysis early on, we are making sure they mature to become much more capable, intelligent adults.

For the sake of the mental and psychological health of our students, schools must evolve; teaching should acknowledge each individual students’ needs and aptitudes in order to truly make classrooms and school environments of nurturing and guidance, as well as not hesitating when it comes to guiding children throughout what some people call some of the hardest years of a person’s life. This is why, with some restructuring and updating, it can go back to being the institution we all look up to when it comes to teaching.