Gregory, where we differ is that you believe one learns through fear of punishment, be it by cane or tests. I believe that people learn best by interest and passion. I believe that learning is an integral part of human nature, that individuals seek meaningfulness. Young children show this drive to learn when they learn to walk, to talk, and in every way to grow.
Teaching factoids without context deprives children of meaning. Using rewards such as stickers or grades as motivation distracts children from the inherent pleasure of learning.
Your schooling experience was as it was and you see that as the only education possible. When adults like you see education as essentially a bitter medicine that must be taken, then that is what it will be. But there are those of us who follow a different path.
