Over these years, the advancement in technology and science is very remarkable. Science and technology have helped us in many ways and our need and desire on them will continue to expand. In order to sustain this continuing advancement, more emphasis is placed on STEM education rather than language arts. However, focusing more on STEM education instead of language arts will cause some disadvantages which will be discussed in this essay.
Language arts may be deemed as the capability of writing and reading, but it is more than that. According to Homeroom Teacher (2006), language arts can be demonstrated in “poetry, plays, song lyrics, screen plays, novels.” It is a form of communication which we cannot neglect.
Focusing more on STEM education, it will cause the students to be “unbalanced”. Students have minimum exposure of literature and poetry; therefore, they do not have the opportunity to apply and practise their creative style of writing. There will be a drop in the literacy skills of the students and their command of language and usage of grammar will deteriorate. Moreover, famous poetry and novels may lose their values and will not be well-appreciated by the younger generations.
In addition, language arts play a big part in plays, screen plays and song lyrics. Without providing a proper platform, we will not be able to cultivate and unveil potential students who have talent in songs or script writing. The proportion of such talents may diminish in time to come.
Furthermore, emphasising on STEM education may cause the loss of traditions as well as the opportunity to build up the character of the students. For instance, Chinese calligraphy is an important art form for the early Chinese civilisation. According to an article (n.d) from ChinaConnection, “Chinese calligraphy can bring physical and spiritual benefits to the practitioner, and can train one in discipline, patience, and persistence.” Therefore, language arts can build up the personalities and inculcate correct values into the students.
In conclusion, STEM education may seem to be of more importance than language arts, but it does not equip us with the essential writing skills and building up our characters. Equilibrium should be reached between STEM education and language arts so that the students will have a more balanced education system.
Reference:
Homeroom Teacher. (1998-2006) Teacher supplier info center: Language Arts. Retrieved
September 2 2008, from http://www.homeroomteacher.com/infolanguagearts.html
ChinatownConnection. (n.d.). Chinese society, traditions: Chinese calligraphy. Retrieved
September 2 2008, from http://www.chinatownconnection.com/chinese_calligraphy.htm
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