Core subjects are losing relevance but not in the way most people think.
As an educator of a variety of subjects, especially involving core classes, I can share with you that their relevance is immediately apparent to me but not always the student.
To give you an example, I was tutoring a student on different types of energy – thermodynamics, hydroelectric power, wind, and solar energy. It’s not my core expertise, but the task that they had to do for their teacher was straightforward — they just had to extract answers from a set of slides and input this information into their worksheet. Pretty basic, especially for a high school student.
But as we went through the content, my mind started to spark with new information about these energy sources and started to question what I thought I knew about them.
What were the real-world failures and successes of these technologies? Are they really as environmentally friendly as people claim? What are their advantages and disadvantages? Who is investing in them, and what are the economic incentives? What financial stakes are involved from a governmental standpoint? And, more importantly, where is the information that the student is learning coming from?
As we completed the digital worksheet, I was reminded of the fact that core subjects are not losing relevance. It’s about seeing the full picture.
Real-World Applications and Critical Thinking
I realized quickly that teaching content knowledge is more than just an academic exercise; it’s a journey into the practical implications of scientific knowledge. Questions about the efficiency, environmental benefits, and economic impacts of renewable energy sources prompted deeper research and critical thinking. Are these energy sources as beneficial as advertised? What are the economic incentives and investments driving these technologies? And what role does the person in front of me play in future innovation?
Now, you might be thinking, Well, that’s science. Of course, it’s relevant. But what about other subjects like English or history?
Many students feel that what they do in their English class serves little value in their lives, and it’s clear why they might feel that way. Sitting at a desk for several hours a day with very little opportunity for interaction and exploration doesn’t exactly offer deep insights into societal issues, historical contexts, and human psychology.
However, literature and history teaches us to analyze, question, and interpret the world through different lenses. It empowers students to articulate their thoughts and debate respectfully. It also teaches them to understand the power of words and their impact to inspire, insight, and even invigorate society as a whole.
But if this is the case, why does it feel like core subjects are losing relevance?
Why Core Subjects Lose Relevance Fast
Whether discussing science, history, English, or math, the methods of teaching these subjects are often rigid and uninspiring. They fail to ignite curiosity and the desire to explore. This is where the real challenge lies.
It’s not that the subjects themselves are outdated; it’s the approach to teaching them that needs revitalization. Imagine science classes that extend beyond the textbook to involve hands-on experiments, field trips, discussions with experts, and real-world problem solving. Or literature classes that encourage students to create their own stories, debate current events, and analyze the media they consume.
Human beings are not static creatures. We’re designed to be uncomfortable and to stretch both our minds and bodies. It’s what causes us to grow. But the challenge within public education and core subject area teaching is that it doesn’t innovate or lead to new enterprises.
The way they’re taught feels unnatural. In science, kids should be engaging in hands-on activities—visiting labs, interacting with scientists, traveling globally, exploring the outdoors, cultivating gardens, and observing the universe through telescopes—not just reading from a textbook. In history, kids should be listening podcasts, going to reenactments, going to archeological dig, visiting ancient historical sites, and reading both historical fiction and non-fiction. In English, children should be forming writing communities, attending writing retreats, learning how to publish and get paid on platforms like Medium, learning SEO, and writing for publication and research. However, the current methodologies involve memorizing content and taking tests on material that often lacks meaningful relevance to their lives.
These subjects should challenge us more, but the problem is that the teaching methods are often rigid, limiting, and comfortable. This comes as a result of having a society that has become comfortable with the idea of dismissing certain subjects as irrelevant simply because it’s easier to complain while following the typical routine of sitting in a chair, completing an activity, and turning it in for a grade than actually stretching ourselves.
Remember this: The subjects themselves are dynamic and tremendously enriching, but only if they are taught in ways that challenge the mind and provide children with memorable, valuable experiences.
At Turning The Tide Tutoring, we’re committed to doing just that. We are working diligently behind the scenes to build partnerships with organizations dedicated to providing students with these invaluable experiences. More to come.