Trying to learn about how individual stress really is, I came across this article from the New York Times: nytimes.com/2013/02/10/magazine/why-can-some-kids-handle-pressure-while-others-fall-apart.html
The authors make the argument that stress is completely individual, down to a person's genetic makeup (the article suggests that a gene called the COMT gene might have a lot to do with how individuals manage under pressure), but there are also ways in which those who are less adept at handling stress can adjust to it. Through repetition of constructive stressful environments for instance, or by framing stress in a more positive light, as other articles we have looked at suggest. So a school doesn't have the ability to eliminate stress completely, but maybe individuals can learn to manage stress for themselves, and maybe that is a skill which schools should be teaching.
Thoughts?
I agree! I think that no matter what, since we live in Silicon Valley, an extremely fast paced, fast moving, high achieving society, the pressure is on to succeed and those who don't are discriminated against, so there is always going to be a lot of stress on the current generation. Even if homework is reduced, and late work doesn't have penalties, students will still be competitive and therefore stressed. Instead of trying to accommodate everyone's individual needs, I think stress management is a much more valuable skill for students.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Geralyn in that stress, especially around here, is caused mainly by societal standards. Students here see everyone else taking many advanced courses while doing varsity sports, running clubs, and doing other extracurricular things. In turn the students feel pressured to try and take on just as many challenges, not only to be competitive, but also just to fit in. Something I have noticed around here, is the idea that everyone needs to go to college, no matter what. Students who can succeed should all go to college, and that's why we have things like AVID to foster the potential excellence the school sees in kids who wouldn't normally be given the chance. But college simply isn't for anyone. Not everyone is cut out for it. And that's perfectly okay. This area is not friendly to the idea of trade schools and alternative education. There is a demand for blue collar jobs, and although they won't be able to pay for a single family home in Los Altos, it will in many other parts of America. I think the pressure to go to college should be scaled back in this area.
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ReplyDeleteYes I totally agree with Stephen, there is definitely an increased emphasis on going to college and becoming wealthy enough to live in a prosperous area such as Los Altos. I think in this area especially, because we are surrounded by such wealth Los Altans tend to shape their future so that they will be able to live here in the future, and if they can't achieve this, they're doomed. But obviously this is not the case. Like Stephen said there are many other areas in the U.S. that one can comfortably live off of $80,000 or less, but I think living in Los Altos causes us to feel an increased need to excel and achieve such a successful future as that of our parents and peers.
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