Are We Preparing Students for Life—or Just for Exams?”

Have you ever wondered, what are the skills we actually use in life? When I look back, I can remember memorizing equations, historical dates, and theories… but what about managing finances, handling conflicts, or navigating stress? Were we ever taught those? ????

???? In Educated, Tara Westover shares her journey—not of acing exams, but of building resilience, self-advocacy, and adaptability through real-life experiences. Her story raises an important question: What if these ‘life skills’ were taught just as rigorously in schools as traditional subjects?

And this isn’t a new idea. Nearly a century ago, John Dewey famously said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” He believed that skills like critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability were just as essential as academic knowledge. Fast forward to today, and Dewey’s words feel more relevant than ever.

Imagine if schools focused equally on:

???? Financial literacy alongside calculus,

???? Mental well-being and resilience as part of health classes, and

???? Empathy and conflict resolution next to science and history.

At Witwise, we believe life skills aren’t “nice-to-haves”; they’re essential. These are the skills that empower us to navigate work, relationships, and the challenges life inevitably brings. ????
So here’s a question: What life skills do YOU think every student should learn?

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