I’m really frustrated with the idea of having to “learn” things that feel too easy. I’ll do my best to explain what I mean.
As a final year student in New Zealand (Year 13, before university), most of our work feels more optional. For instance, we have a biology internal assessment where we can choose topics like vaccines, xenotransplantation, and Ozempic, discussing their ethical and biological implications.
The majority of my classmates are opting for vaccines because they think it’s the easiest choice. The truth is, many of them already have a solid understanding of vaccines—our teacher even suggested it because it’s the simplest option.
Personally, I already know a lot about vaccines. If I were to choose that topic, I’d only learn a couple of new things. Instead, I picked xenotransplantation because it’s something I don’t know much about, which is ultimately why I’m in school—to learn new things, not to reiterate what I or my teachers already know.
What irritates me is the likelihood that none of the students who chose the easy topic will fail; it’s a safe bet since they’re already familiar with it.
Meanwhile, I’m worried that I might struggle with xenotransplantation, even as I’m genuinely learning.
Is school really just about getting grades without truly recognizing how much we learn? It’s incredibly frustrating to think about.
I can totally understand where you’re coming from. It can be really frustrating to feel like the system is set up in a way that rewards familiarity over true understanding. It sounds like you’re really committed to learning and challenging yourself, which is an admirable quality.
Choosing a topic that you’re less familiar with, like xenotransplantation, shows a willingness to dive into the unknown and engage with complex issues, and that’s a valuable skill in itself. While it may feel risky, pushing yourself to explore new areas often leads to the most significant growth.
It does seem like there’s a bit of a disconnect between the grading system and genuine intellectual curiosity. School often emphasizes results and performance over the learning process, which can make it frustrating for students like you who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of the world. But remember, the effort you’re putting into learning something new might pay off in ways you can’t yet see, both in terms of knowledge and skills that will help you later in life.
Just keep your focus on what you can gain from the experience, rather than just the grades. Learning for the sake of learning is valuable, and that mindset will serve you well beyond school. Good luck with your internal assessment!