I have a difficult time believing that the implementation of student uniforms would alleviate any noteworthy educational problem. I also don't think that uniforms would provide any kind of significant increase to student attention/learning levels. High school students will always face distractions; that's inevitable. Forcing students to dress in the same manner will not change that fact. A student will still be distracted by a guy/girl that he/she finds attractive regardless of what that person is wearing.
Furthermore, I find the idea of forcing all students to dress in the same attire to be somewhat frightening. Students should be treated as individuals, not members of an Army boot camp. Many students consider their high schools to be stifling and draconian, and, to be honest, I don't blame them. Most of the work that students do in an average day is objective in nature; subsequently, students have a relatively small number of opportunities to express their opinions and creativity. I really do not think that a further reduction of those opportunities would be a good idea. Actually, I think the educational system should move in the opposite direction -- give students more chances for personal expression.
The best way to increase student involvement, attention span, and desire to learn is to provide them with interesting, relevant lessons -- lessons that provide them with plenty of chances to express their views, opinions, and personalities in constructive ways. Stifling students' personal expression and individuality is not the way to make them interested in what they are being taught. The school system should embrace student individuality and allow it room to breathe, so long as it takes place in a manner that does not blatantly disrupt the classroom environment. Allowing students to wear (reasonable) clothing of their choice does not disrupt the classroom.
School should be a place wherein students can express themselves and their beliefs and preferences in a constructive manner. It should not be a place that seeks to trample on the creativity and individuality of those that it claims to educate. Forcing students to dress identically will not cause them to be interested what they are taught; only teachers can do that.
This post is full of great points! I agree with you about a school uniform and it's lack of effectiveness and creativity. The idea of capturing students attention truly is on the teachers' shoulders. Putting more time into a lesson plan and thinking outside the box is what is needed to make this happen, excellent idea.
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful ideas. Fashion is by nature very sensitive to time and trend. A common misconception of fashion (and educational technology) is it is good as long as it is new. There are, as you pointed out, some expectations of the quality. Educational technology is more than the political symbol of staying updated. It should play a role in making teaching/learning more compelling/successful.
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