How Can I Write About Education?
How can I write about education? It is one of the most important questions one can ask oneself as a writer. Education has played and will play a large part in the future, both as a student and as a citizen; but it is often the students of tomorrow who will need to ask this question.
The world today is full of education. We hear it on television, we read about it in the newspaper, and we see it in movies. Yet, very few writers and readers really understand what is happening in education. What is the definition of education, and how does it affect us as individuals and as a society? And what does it mean for those who are labeled as the “educationally disabled”?
Today’s definition of education includes the entire course of study, from pre-school through post-graduate study. It also includes learning itself, which can take place both inside the classroom and outside it. In many ways, the definition of education has changed. For example, disability has been added to the list of disorders that qualify for special treatment, support, and assistance.
The “disability” referred to here are physical disabilities related to sickness or injuries. Intellectual disabilities are those that come from learning deficiencies like dyslexia and autism. Sensory disabilities come from learning problems like ADD or ADHD. Social/emotional disabilities come from issues like depression, socialization disorders, stress, trauma, and anger. These are all symptoms of disability as they relate to people’s ability to learn.
So, the question “How can I write about education?” must be answered by thinking broad. Not only must the writer be knowledgeable about the subject, but he must be passionate about it as well.
The writer cannot simply focus on one aspect of education and leave it at that. For instance, he must write a persuasive essay that discusses the negative effects of poverty in education and then examine how such a poor system can be improved. He must also show how such improvements would benefit those with disabilities. At the same time, he must explain why the disadvantaged students should be permitted to participate in such improvement programs. This is a topic that is not easy to write about, but when done well, it sheds light on a very important question: Why should education and learning be limited to those who are privileged?
How can I write this? It is not an easy question. It is hard to talk about this without sounding bias, and that is probably why most people do not write about it. But in order to understand what is being said, one must look beyond those who benefit and those who suffer. Education is a social process, and those who benefit are those who see that education leads to happiness.
In other words, we must learn to see ourselves as beneficiaries of education, rather than as recipients of it. When we are able to see ourselves as beneficiaries, we will be more likely to write persuasively and honestly. Who knows, your next book might be the next bestseller!
There are questions we should ask ourselves, though. For example, we might want to know, how can I write if I am not personally invested in the educational system, as I would be if I were fortunate enough to have parents who supported it? Or how can I write if I am committed to the idea of a perfect school, complete with wonderful teachers, wonderful students, and great facilities?
The answers are in the research. When we know the answers, we can approach the question from a new angle. We can ask questions that get at the core of the matter. For example, how can I write if I don’t know what the typical student learns in school, and how can I write if my school and teachers do not provide the services and support I need? It is possible to discover the answers, and then to include them in the text.
In other words, you can be an educator before you are a writer. You can get your education without having to be an educator. If you feel strongly about the idea of writing, or if you have a personal interest in the educational system, it is easy to write about it. You simply need to look for the research and resources that will support it. Then you can start writing confidently.
How many questions do you have about education? Asking those questions will get you on the right track. It will also open up possibilities for you. It may lead you to new directions in your own life, too. The more knowledge you gain, the more opportunities you will see, and the more fulfilled you will be.
