Answering "Why?"

"Why do I need to learn this?"  

All teachers hear this question. I know some days I hear it more than others. In lower grades an answer such as "Because I said so" might work, but as students get older answers of that type will only frustrate students even more. 

It is true that you can look up basic facts on Google. I am really bad about whipping out my phone and googling something in the middle of a conversation. But can Google teach students how to think? 

Education  is more than just learning a collection of facts. It is what we do with those facts that is important. Facts are good, but if you do t know how to use them they become worthless. 

So fellow teachers, take the time to ask yourself why your students are learning this material. If it isn't relevant past a chapter test, is it really worth spending a majority of your time on? Evaluate what you are teaching. Make it relevant to your students. 

Students, trust that your teachers have a purpose for what they are teaching. Put your best effort into learning what they have prepared for you. If you aren't sure why something is important, it's ok to ask, but make sure you do it in a respectful manner. You never know what God has for you. The information you are learning now could become vital for you down the road.