Children often find it difficult to study mathematics and philosophy. Some people think that these subjects should be optional in the study curriculum. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
Making Mathematics and philosophy elective rather than compulsory part of syllabus is a suggestion that has invited a fierce debate because while some support it, others reject it. I feel learners should enjoy the leverage to study or abandon these subjects since these could impact their academic outcomes favorably.
This suggestion is founded on the belief that exploring these two topics is mentally taxing for many pupils as they are unable to comprehend complicated theories and formulas and are found spending invariably long hours attempting to familiarize themselves with the subject matter unsuccessfully. This can be quite despiriting and unfavourably impact their academic pursuits, in the form of poor outcomes; they get less time to focus on other areas. In extreme cases, many also tend to drop schooling altogether.
Similarly, affording them this liberty will let them invest their energy into the subjects that appeal to them and excel in those realms. Such a system will not only translate into outstanding performance in studies but also allow learners to consolidate their knowledge for their desired professional domains. To corroborate, western countries have implemented this policy and reaped rich benefits, in the form of trade-specific specialists being produced quickly.
However, those skeptical about this arrangement fear that this might impact overall development of youngsters adversely: maths helps foster logic, while philosophy provides the ability to think deeply, and avoiding these areas could deprive students of these critical abilities. Nevertheless, these disciplines can be retained as a part of study plan till middle school and later abandoned: advanced knowledge of these subjects is not necessary.
