rethink education The existing school system was designed to provide diplomas so people can get jobs; it’s safe to say that this model is no longer relevant. However, there are still those lucky people who landed in their dream job after years and years of going to school. They even get the chance to top or ace any major examinations as a result of hard work, determination and study materials like Exam Genius course reviews. But still school isn’t working for most people, for example, most people don’t end up doing what they went to school for. And, frankly, most people are unhappy in their jobs.

A new concept is needed; urgently.

One pet peeve I have about the way education works is people are taught what to think; not how to think. Again, the reason this is so is because education’s value proposition is to deliver a diploma so you can get a job.

Around the world, there are various efforts being launched to counter the traditional education model. From Finland’s move to a topical approach, to replacing textbooks with adaptive learning software, one where students create their own curriculum; and a hybrid model where you learn from a wide range of sources; not to mention MOOC’s.

Many ideas aiming to answer the question: What does the future of education look like?

Education: From Major To Mission

On this episode we discuss an alternative idea: educating oneself to attain a personal mission, not getting a major to get a job.

So, imagine a future where, based on their mission, students would pick and choose their own curriculum to achieve their mission; they would also choose their teachers.

Specifically, on this episode we discuss:

What happens when most fields don’t exist?
What is the role of teachers?
What if students created their own curriculum?
Why specialization leads to mediocrity.
The skills – critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, leading – will always be relevant today and in the future.
What would people do if they didn’t have to make a living?

We believe that ultimate goal of education has to be reframed from a concept that teaches one not to fail to one that inspires you to be an infinite learner.

What do you believe is the future of education?

Let us know on Twitter @jorgebarba and @adrianpedrin.

Get Back-to-College Shopping Done Without Paying More Than Tuition

College is expensive, but dorm room shopping doesn’t have to be.

According to U.S. News, the average price of tuition at a private institution was $35,676 during the 2018-2019 school year—that’s more than half of the median household income in the United States.

When you’re spending that much on tuition alone, there’s not much left in the budget for dorm room shopping. If you’re a new parent start saving now with The Children’s ISA. But the good news is creating a comfortable and functional dorm room for your child doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Just follow these savvy shopping tips to check off everything on your list for less.

1. Adapt the checklist to actual needs.

According to a recent survey, consumers spend approximately $5,400 per year on impulse purchases. And because people tend to impulse buy more when they’re happy and excited, parents (and their teenagers) may be more likely to make this shopping mistake during the back-to-college rush. Check out the best mohawk superfine paper deals.

To avoid this trap, resist the urge to simply print out the school-issued checklist and dash off to the store. Instead…

Sit down with your teen and think strategically about what they’ll really need.
Talk to other parents who’ve already send their kids to college to see what they actually used.
Have your teen talk to their new roommate about who’s bringing what.
Take inventory of the things you already own. Once you’ve done your due diligence, pare down the list accordingly.

2. Ask for student discounts.

According to another recent survey, the average parent spent approximately $366 on dorm or apartment furniture last year. Slash that number by utilizing special student discounts.

Many companies—like Microsoft—drop prices by 10 percent or more if your kid has a valid school ID. Whether you pocket that extra money or reallocate funds to other purchases, the choice is all yours.

3. Take advantage of sales tax holidays.

Though it can be tempting to get your shopping done as soon as possible, it pays to wait for special promotions or events, like sales tax holidays. To help consumers save during big shopping rushes like back-to-school, many states have established sales tax holidays, or limited periods of time when specific products are exempt from state sales tax. Find a full list of state-by-state sales tax holidays, including eligible items, here.

4. Shop for quality over quantity.

Even when you’re on a budget, the cheapest item isn’t always the best item. Quality items are much more likely to stand the test of time, so you won’t have to make repeat purchases semester after semester.

The best items can even make great hand-me-downs for soon-to-be high school grads. So rather than buy your student a new bedding set every year, for example, find one that’s made of a natural and durable material, like this option.

5. Avoid dorm-specific products.

Just like items geared towards wedding or babies, furniture and decor made just for dorms can come at a premium price. Generally, a product that’s labeled as dorm-specific just means it’s smaller or appropriately sized for dorm room living (i.e. twin XL bedding). Check out this corner tv mount with shelves that’s space saving and extremely useful for college students. You may be able to find exactly what you’re looking for and save money by expanding your search beyond those end caps marketed toward back-to-college shoppers.