Schools Unseen Value: Skills that Matter in Real Life

What School Teaches Us That We'll Really Use in Real Life

Many students often lament the seemingly irrelevant subjects they study, such as advanced mathematics, which they feel won't be useful in their adult lives. However, delving into the broader picture reveals that school goes beyond imparting specific knowledge; it instills a diverse set of skills that are invaluable in both personal and professional realms. This article explores the hidden gems of school education that will be useful throughout one's lifetime.

Is Advanced Math Really Irrelevant?

One of the most commonly cited subjects is advanced mathematics, particularly topics like calculus or trigonometry, especially for those not pursuing STEM fields. While these subjects do help in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, many argue that the specific formulas and concepts learned are rarely applied in everyday situations.

However, it's crucial to consider that school teaches more than just the facts. It also imparts valuable skills such as critical thinking, time management, collaboration, and discipline. Even if specific content may not be directly used later, the skills and habits formed in school often play a crucial role in personal and professional success.

The Building Block of Knowledge

Nothing learned in school is a building block for future knowledge. Instead, it helps us approach problems and situations in new ways, making us more adaptable and capable in adult life. For instance, learning advanced mathematics teaches us to analyze problems and think logically, which can be applied to various aspects of life.

The Daily Application of Algebra

One of the most practical areas of mathematics that many of us can apply daily is algebra. The question, 'When will I ever use algebra?' is often asked by students, and the surprising answer is—even more than you think.

Algebra is one of the most practical branches of math as it can be used in everyday life. Here's a quick example. Let's say you and a friend, let's call him Travis, are planning to go to a concert together in a few months. The concert is an out-of-state event in Chicago, Illinois, to see Taylor Swift. The plan is to drive to the venue, enjoy the concert, and stay at a hotel without driving overnight. You agree to purchase the tickets and drive while Travis agrees to arrange the hotel.

Here's a breakdown of the costs:

Concert tickets—$150 each Hotel—$400 total Gas—$100

Now that we have the constants, we need to solve for x, which represents 'how much each person—Travis and yourself—will have to pay to evenly split up the costs.' The equation that represents this scenario is:

$300 (2 x 150) $400 $100 2x

To solve this, we first multiply the 2 and 150 to get 300, then add everything on the right side of the equation:

$300 $400 $100 2x

$800 2x

Finally, we isolate x by dividing the 2 on both sides:

400 x

Now you've used algebra in a practical way!

Of course, most people could do that math in their head without breaking it down into individual steps, but that is also the point of this article. Most people don't find that they have to 'solve for x' in their day-to-day life; however, we commonly solve problems like this that use the same underlying logic.

Conclusion

While it's true that specific mathematical formulas and concepts may not be used directly in every day-to-day scenario, the skills and habits formed in school play a crucial role in personal and professional success. Learning to think critically, manage time effectively, collaborate with others, and develop discipline are key takeaways that can be applied in various aspects of life.