By Aria Saines, student, Punahou School (HI)

Kindergarteners stand giddy in front of their new school, ready for the enjoyment of interactive games and play that will instill wonder and cultivate creativity. This fundamental component of learning ignites necessary skills that will allow them to be a part of our growing innovative society. What they are not ready for, are the tedious hours of work that will ensue in the coming years, limiting their ability to apply their developing cognitive skills to real-life situations. From an early age, students are taught to mold themselves to a prescribed form, constantly conforming to the system’s needs—limiting their imaginative potential, and forcing them to undermine their own individuality.

By the time we reach high school, grades become the only thing that students value, which creates an unhealthy culture for families and teachers. It is a perfect representation of the “carrot and stick” method, luring society to define student achievement based on their ability to successfully grab a carrot that was designed to remain out of reach. Slower learning is often perceived as a weakness, while research has shown no correlation between speed, accuracy, and intelligence. Learners who cannot process the material fast enough lose motivation, feel ashamed, and…