139 Some experts maintain that students learn best in a high

[Erin]

139. Some experts maintain that students learn best in a highly structured environment, one that emphasizes discipline, punctuality, and routine. Others insist that educators, if they are to help students maximize their potential, ought to maintain an atmosphere of relative freedom and spontaneity.

 

Explain your position on the issue of structure versus freedom in an ideal learning environment. Support your views with reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.

 

[Shashank]

Please comment

 

 

The issue of freedom versus structure in an ideal learning environment is debatable. This is a very crucial issue and to draw a clear line between freedom and structure is an enormous task. Educational system based exclusively on structure or freedom is bound to fail. Both of these have to be addressed to make for an ideal learning experience. But, I would give more emphasis to freedom than to structure in an institution.

 

Firstly, freedom is necessary for breeding new ideas. Original and new ideas can only emanate if person are given freedom of thought. If an institution fails to provide freedom of thought for its students it will produce stereotypical scholars, who will lack innovative thinking. For example, if an institute does not award original thinking than students will take no extra pains to write their reports. Most of the students will copy their reports from sources such as internet.

 

Secondly, institution should have structures which allow students to take courses of their interest. If such a freedom is not given than the students may lose interest in his or her studies. Freedom to choose and study courses of one’s own interest helps develop one’s potentials to the fullest. However, certain basic courses necessary for students all round development should be taught to everybody.

 

On the other hand, giving total freedom may also hamper with the institution’s operation. Total freedom can also be taken by students as indolence on the part of the institution. Too much freedom can also harm students by making them lethargic and irresponsible towards their work. Thus students may not develop qualities such as punctuality and discipline, which are essential for success.

 

In conclusion, it may not be easy to draw a line between freedom and structure but institutions should aim to provide a perfect blend of both to make an ideal learning experience for the student. Both the qualities are essential for development and success of a student.