by Daniel Symanzik

Created on: August 06, 2009   Last Updated: August 08, 2009

At a first glance, a hurried thinker might come to the quick conclusion that cursive writing is an obviously more important skill and, therefore, a better use of time than a fossil hunting trip. But why? If something is fun, does that make it noneducational? Is a grueling task necessarily more enlightening than an enjoyable one? Taking a second look, one can see that the benefits of creative experiences, although subtle, are, in the long run, better emotionally, physically, and mentally than hard-core learning tasks like practicing creative writing.

Over thousands of years, classrooms have somehow become the preferred method of teaching over tutoring. A teacher walks into a room of students, presents some material, asks a few questions, and occasionally quizzes them-is this really the ideal learning experience? In the rush to fill the heads of students with more information than they could possibly need, education has dropped some key things. Knowledge is important, but without a catalyst, it is useless. Greater interaction between teacher and student is needed to give children a chance to practice basic abilities such as simple communication skills or "thinking outside of the box." Such interaction gives students a meaning to the information they learn. Can practicing cursive do that? Good handwriting might make someone look smart, but in a job, it is the ability to think for oneself that is more valuable. A simple field trip like going out to find fossils gives teachers the best chance to convey this skill onto children.

Secondly, does cursive writing have any use beyond the physical? During a simple fossil hunt, children not only learn searching skills, but social and communication skills from interaction with others, and, with the added talk from the teacher, an awareness of the massive world around them and deep thoughts sparked about origins, life, and their future. Cursive does not help students think for themselves; if anything, it ruins their value of education by making the learning process a boring one. With the introduction of keyboards and word processors, cursive's value is even lower now. Typing practice would be a better use of time in our present age. But even when even combining the two, when a person actually puts his skills to use, being able to type fast and write pretty cursive will not be as important as the wisdom and abilities gained through a field trip.

Most importantly, the fun of a fossil hunt is a blessing in disguise in itself. When a person looks back on their life, which will they say inspired them to learn more: the fossil hunt or the hours spent practicing D's? In the eyes of a child, the mental boost of the fossil hunt could potentially inflame them to even learn more on their own! To teachers, the wonder of this phenomenon is a powerful tool widely known and used. They use it to spice up the classroom experience, hoping that somehow, the occasional trip will ignite their students' willingness to learn. It works to a certain extent, because it surfaces a child's powerful thirst for knowledge, but it is a poor substitute for interactive teaching.

Overall, a simple field trip to find fossils in which a child comes to see beyond himself and the rock in his hand is worth far more than the best handwriting in the world. Of course, everyone needs to practice their cursive, but in comparison to fun, creative, participative learning experiences, its value is really an insignificant one. Such an experience can open children's minds, give them opportunities to interact with others, and encourage them to learn for themselves-it should never be labeled as a waste of time, for it not one's outward appearance, but one's inner abilities that really matter.

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