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For quite some time now, Election 2016 has taken a dark and lewd turn. Whether it be the aggressive sexualization of women or nasty political rhetoric, media coverage is eating it up and ignoring candidates stances on critical issues that voters need to hear. Education is especially quiet during this election cycle, amongst other issues, both in the media and even in classrooms. Where normally young students are rightfully exposed to civics, the debates are perhaps too inappropriate for young and impressionable minds.

You’ve done it. You’ve studied hard for four years and made your way to high school graduation. Your college has been chosen, the mini fridge and floor lamp are packed in the overstuffed car, and you’ve said goodbye to your home-town friends. But one thing is weighing on your mind – how do I afford this? The thing is – most can’t.

edCircuit Opinion:

edCircuit Opinion

edCircuit Opinion
It was a very eventful year for The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, commonly referred to as FIRE. There has been a great deal of pressure on Colleges and Universities to publicly confront issues amongst the student body including race, sexual assault, gay rights and politically correct comments. Many would argue that these institutions are getting too involved, others say that they are not intervening enough.

edCircuit Opinion:
The short film “Hallelujah” by Aliza Eliazarov follows New York City students preparing for their big musical concert. These students have such a strong love for music that they have chosen lessons with their teacher, Peter Mancini, over recess. During the filming, it became evident how desperately these children needed music in their lives. “Hallelujah” follows the story of only one class in NYC. But, there are thousands more just like it across the country. The short film shines a light on the fact that these kids love what they are learning.

edCircuit Opinion:
To many, the thought of lecturing in front of a large group of people is incredibly daunting. For educators, this is their everyday reality. It’s easy to assume that skilled public speakers are naturally talented and that effective communications are a rare group of outspoken and articulate individuals. The reality is that one’s ability to present in an engaging and persuasive way must be learned and frequently practiced. Without this skill, it’s easy to lose your audience’s attention.
The Atlantic published that many college lectures today are deemed as dull.

edCircuit Opinion:

There is one skill that every institution looks for when recruiting individuals: creative thinking. Whether it be the education sector, business sector, or even the medical field, more and more as a society we appreciate the workings of a creative mind. If you’re asking yourself, how do I know if my child is a creative thinker? The Conversation has the answer. If your child uses their imagination, utilizes their storytelling skills or expresses quality emotions, then they exhibit creative thinking skills.

edCircuit Opinion:
When I was younger, I often would gather with my neighborhood friends, head into the backyard, and spend hours digging a massive hole to China. We’d all attempt to use the shovels that were two times our size, all while fantasizing about what we’d do when we finally made it – or better yet if we hit the center of the earth! Many would not think twice about this scenario, and simply view it as kids being kids. But, child development researchers would analyze this situation much differently.