Free to learn

We read a piece written by Barry Schwartz named: The Debasing of Education: Turning Play into Work. I found it really interesting and I definitely agree with many of his arguments; however I feel that many of the points that the author provides area too idealistic and the only way that all that idealism can become reality is by proposing solutions.  He recognizes that we have a big issue with the motivation of students, because the system is made on such a way that extrinsic motivation is fomented rather that the intrinsic motivation. But what is the solution? How can we change? This is the thought part, because without grades and all those elements of the extrinsic motivation how can we guarantee the quality of the learning process and of course the most difficult part is: How can we change such a complex system? Probably the change should start with each one of us. We need to be conscious that we are in a learning process and that if we want to get the most of it, we need to enjoy it. I know that for some people, it sounds ridiculous to pretend, enjoying something that we don’t, but life is full with those kinds of situations, so people who actually have that ability, may have a great advantage. But the most important thing to remember is that having access to a college education, is something that most people in the world do not have, even they would want to, so there are reasons to be happy, enjoy and be grateful with life.