How Much of What We Learn in School Is Actually Important?

School. A tower looming over us, the place we have to spend seven hours a day. Well, at least, if you're still in school. During English class, have you ever wondered, when am I ever going to need to find theme or symbolism or use literary devices in the "real world"? Math class: When am I ever going to integrate expressions in the "real world"? Science: When am I ever going to need to recite the periodic table or memorize the chemical composition of different substances in the "real world"? 

Well, here's the truth:

The earlier years of school, namely Kindergarten through 5th Grade, are less heavy and focused on the academic learnings you achieve, but more so on the social and emotional learnings. You learn how to make friends, what people aren't worthy friends, how to interact with people, how to get teachers to like you, and these skills follow you into middle school. They prepare you a lot. 

The next couple years of school (depending on what school you go to), middle school, are slightly more focused on the academic learnings. This is actually where you learn the basics and foundations (yup, in middle school, not elementary school) that build off of the basic tasks you learned to perform in elementary school (adding, subtracting, reading, listening, etc.) This sets you up for high school. However, it has a sudden boost of homework compared to elementary school and puts your time management and group work skills into test.

High school and college are still where you learn things, but still - are the things you learn useful?

Well, yes if you're going to become an astrophysicist.

Yes if you're going to become a mathematician.

Yes if you're going to become an author.

But the truth is, most people don't have these jobs. School serves as a proof for how well you can work individually, and how well you can work in a team. It's experience more than anything else. 

I'm not telling you that homework is pointless...

Still do it.

I'm just saying...

It might or might not help you in the long run depending on your career choice.

But at least now you'll have a choice.