Dryer vent cleaning: The class we need, not Taylor Swift at BYU. There have to be at least tens of us who could have benefited from a ‘How to live your life’ class.
The Appeal of Practical Life Skills Classes: A Commentary
In her article, “BYU Has a Taylor Swift Class. But Where’s the Class We Need on How to Clean a Dryer Vent?”, Eliza Anderson expresses her desire for more practical life skills classes at universities. While she acknowledges the value of her education at Brigham Young University, she argues that many of the skills she learned in her English degree program have limited real-world applications. She proposes several courses that would teach practical skills such as dryer vent cleaning, driving on ice, and small talk.
The Importance of Practical Life Skills
Anderson’s call for more practical life skills classes is well-founded. In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, it is essential for individuals to have a solid foundation of practical skills to navigate everyday life. These skills can range from basic home maintenance and repair to interpersonal communication and financial management.
Examples of Practical Life Skills Classes
Anderson suggests several specific courses that would be beneficial to students. These include:
* Dryer Vent Cleaning: This course would teach students how to clean dryer vents properly to prevent fires and ensure the efficient operation of their appliances.
* Driving on Ice: This course would provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a vehicle in icy conditions.
* Small Talk for Beginners: This course would help students develop the skills needed to engage in casual conversation with others, a skill that is essential for social and professional success.
Benefits of Practical Life Skills Classes
There are numerous benefits to offering practical life skills classes at universities. These classes can help students:
* Develop essential life skills: Students can learn practical skills that will benefit them in their personal and professional lives.
* Increase their employability: Employers value employees who have practical skills that can be applied directly to the workplace.
* Become more independent and self-sufficient: Students can learn how to take care of themselves and their homes, which can boost their confidence and sense of independence.
* Improve their overall well-being: Practical life skills can help students live healthier, safer, and more fulfilling lives.
Conclusion: Addressing the Need for Practical Life Skills Education
Anderson’s article highlights the need for universities to offer more practical life skills classes. These classes can provide students with essential skills that will benefit them in their personal and professional lives. By incorporating practical life skills education into their curricula, universities can help students become more well-rounded and prepared for success after graduation.
Wrapping Up
Eliza Anderson’s commentary on the lack of practical life skills classes at universities raises important questions about the purpose and relevance of higher education. While traditional academic disciplines have their value, there is also a need for universities to provide students with the practical skills they need to navigate everyday life. By offering courses on topics such as dryer vent cleaning, driving on ice, and small talk, universities can help students become more independent, self-sufficient, and well-rounded individuals.
FAQ’s
1. Why does Eliza Anderson believe that universities should offer more practical life skills classes?
Anderson argues that many of the skills learned in traditional academic disciplines have limited real-world applications and that universities should offer courses that teach practical skills such as dryer vent cleaning, driving on ice, and small talk.
2. What are some examples of practical life skills classes that Anderson suggests?
Anderson suggests courses such as dryer vent cleaning, driving on ice, small talk for beginners, basic home maintenance and repair, interpersonal communication, and financial management.
3. What are the benefits of offering practical life skills classes at universities?
Practical life skills classes can help students develop essential life skills, increase their employability, become more independent and self-sufficient, and improve their overall well-being.
4. How can practical life skills classes help students become more well-rounded and prepared for success after graduation?
Practical life skills classes can provide students with the skills they need to navigate everyday life, such as how to take care of themselves and their homes, communicate effectively with others, and manage their finances.
5. What are some of the challenges in incorporating practical life skills education into university curricula?
One challenge is that practical life skills classes may not be seen as traditional academic subjects and may not fit into the existing curriculum. Another challenge is finding instructors who have the expertise to teach these courses.
