I'm not sure I buy this whole "boys constantly question authority and if they don't know the purpose of the assignment they won't do it" argument.
How do you explain the US military?
Not that I don't think schools have become feminized, I just think this is the wrong argument. Physical energy, application, logic. These are not emphasised, and THAT is the problem, IMHO.
Probably because they're taught the value of obeying orders for the success of the mission and the potential to save lives through teamwork. Maybe some other freeper could help.
BTW, I totally agree about boys needing to burn it off. I've seen that with my son. If he's active, he's fine. A week with no activity and I want to .... well he's less pleasant to be around let's say. He gets contentious and picks on his sisters and all kinds of lovely stuff.
On the spot discipline, a minimum of extraneous theory and 'hands on' training to standard.
How do you explain the US military?
Not that I don't think schools have become feminized, I just think this is the wrong argument. Physical energy, application, logic. These are not emphasised, and THAT is the problem, IMHO.
I hope you're right. We're entering our 6th grade boy in a small-classroom private military school this fall. Day school, not a boarding school.
He's been homeschooled up till now. Based on our meetings and orientation, I think we've made the right move. I strongly endorse homeschooling, but we needed to make a change.
Boys who are inclined toward the military are reasonably sure that there is a 'point' to what they are being commanded to do. Granted, there are sometimes tasks that could be considered pointless, but they are toward an overall goal. The same cannot be said, necessarily, for assignments given in schools. You're also dealing with young men in the military, not middle school aged boys.
That's like comparing apples to oranges.
Ever hear a kid say "well yeah, and what are YOU going to do to me?" In school, they can't do very much anymore. In the military they can throw your arse in jail.
Generally young boys won't understand the concept, but it's drilled into your head very very quickly in the military.