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JUNE. 06. 2025 기고

Beyond Academics: The Social Imperatives

of Modern Education

글 | 권수정
(G10. Gleneagle Secondary High School)

Schools are often seen as places where students go to learn math, awareness and self-control.
science, history, and other academic subjects. But beneath the surface of Another powerful aspect of schooling is its ability to open students’
textbooks and tests lies something more powerful, school is also where eyes to diversity. Schools bring together people from different
students learn how to live in the world. The daily rhythm of classroom backgrounds, cultures, and identities, often for the first time in a young
bells, whispered conversations during group work, and shared laughter person’s life. In a single classroom, students may sit beside peers who
in hallways quietly shapes young people into functioning members of speak different languages at home, follow different customs, or have
society. More than just institutions of learning, schools are training lived through different experiences. This mix can spark both conflict
grounds for life. and connection, but most importantly, it sparks growth. Programs
centered around multicultural education help students explore the
First, school is where students develop the art of human connection. richness of global traditions, history, and values. For example, in the
Walking into a classroom means stepping into a small version of the United States, public schools are increasingly offering lessons that
world, one filled with different personalities, ideas, and challenges. explore race, religion, gender identity, and more. These lessons help
During group projects, students learn how to speak up, listen, students recognize bias, question assumptions, and build empathy.
compromise, and lead. In one classroom, students might huddle over a Through this exposure, students learn to appreciate difference rather
science experiment, each bringing a different strength to the table. One than fear it, growing into more compassionate, open-minded citizens.
may lead, another may write, while others solve problems quietly. These
moments, while simple, are the blueprints for real-world collaboration. Of course, school is not perfect. Critics argue that its structured
Schools often provide leadership classes or extracurriculars where environment sometimes fails to prepare students for the messiness of
students explore how to build networks, motivate peers, and work adult life. Real-world problems do not always come with rubrics or
toward shared goals. These experiences mirror workplace dynamics due dates. Some multicultural programs are underfunded or taught as
and build interpersonal skills that cannot be learned from a textbook. checklists rather than deep explorations. But even with these flaws,
school remains a crucial part of social learning. The lessons students
Schools also teach students how to live within the boundaries of learn by being around others, through triumphs, arguments, teamwork,
rules and expectations. The structure of school life, from raising a and discovery, cannot be easily replaced.
hand to speak, to lining up for lunch, reflects the unspoken rules of
society. By navigating daily expectations, students learn discipline, In the end, school is more than a stepping stone to college or a resume
patience, and emotional control. Conflict with classmates, dealing builder. It is a vibrant, complex space where students grow, not just in
with disappointment, or managing stress during exams all provide what they know, but in who they are. It is where a quiet student finds
opportunities to develop resilience. These challenges, though sometimes their voice during a debate, where friendships are tested and repaired,
frustrating, are the stepping stones to maturity. The rules of school, where a group of teenagers learns how to build something together.
such as being on time, respecting others’ space, and working together, These are not just school memories, they are the foundations of
are echoes of the larger world. Learning to manage behavior and follow citizenship. Beyond academics, schools shape the hearts and minds of
rules within school walls prepares students to face the real world with those who will one day shape the world.

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