I think there is too great of an emphasis placed on defining both childhood and education which creates issues when people or institutions do not fall under such definitions. Defining these terms further enhances society’s desire to place everyone in highly descriptive boxes. By putting such stark descriptions on the words, it creates hesitation in changing the way people view such areas of discussion.

The issue with defining childhood is that it creates a specific path of which children are expected to follow. This makes life complicated for individuals who travel outside of the already carved path. I believe that childhood is merely chronological youth and that people should be given the freedom to grow and learn without confines, regardless of biology.

Furthermore, in western society, children are deemed entirely dependent on the adults in their lives. In my mind, I believe children, to some extent, should have control and in-put in their education and what they learn. This way, schooling would engage every student and hold a new level of meaning. With catering education to the interests and needs of the individual students as opposed to a generalized plan to encompass all students, the classroom becomes a place of discovery as opposed to a place of boredom. While children should be able to give suggestions regarding educative material this does not dismiss the importance of standardized learning.

Many issues arise with defining education, the most dominant one being the creation of habit. With putting a definition on education, it creates an image of what learning should look like and be. Therefore, the education system has fallen into the pattern of repetition. Over time, it seems that the public education system is in a static position of relying on traditional classroom learning. This way, not only are some students disengaged, but there are many lessons and skills missing from the curriculum. Instead of placing a precise definition on the realm of education and learning the field of teaching should work to encompass all types of learning in all kinds of environments.