Critical and Creative vs. "Drill and Kill"

The “drill and kill” method of teaching seems to be most effective when it comes to preparing for standardized tests. But there is a lot more to education than just being able to pass national tests. So, when people say that “drill and kill” is the best method of teaching, I have to disagree. “Drill and kill” is all about being able to absorb information long enough to be able to pass a test on it then move on to new information. Its memorization, memorization, memorization. Then once the test is over, the information is forgotten and it’s time to memorize the next set of information. If administration and teachers allow students to have the chance to exercise their ability to think creatively and critically, it would only enhance the child’s ability to truly understand and expand on the information they are being taught.

There have been many studies that have encouraged people to allow children to explore creative thinking. Critical and creative thinking have many proven positive elements. Some of those elements include improving “learning skills, health, personality development, making new friends and new interests” (The Importance of Creative Expression for Children, 2015). Some argue that an education is more important than having a creative mind because an education leads to success, but it seems as though the previously mentioned would be extremely important to life and happiness. Yes, public school education teaches people things that people need to know to get into college but being able to think creatively and critically allows them to take that knowledge to the next level.

Reference:

Moore, G. (2015, June 17). The importance of creative expression for children). Retrieved from https://newmelodies.com/the-importance-of-creative-expression-for-children/