Difficulty vs. Rigor - A few thoughts

"You should make an effort to take the most rigorous classes that you can." - Mr. Spivey, address to Myers Park (somewhat paraphrased, forgive me.)

An article that I read online (sorry, forgot to bookmark it) got me thinking about higher-level classes in schools, namely the AP and IB programs.

So much emphasis is placed on this thing we call rigor. It prepares us for college, they say. It's probably why I have to spend hours on homework per night, when I could likely learn more by just reading the durn textbook. (Mr. Abbott, can you hear this?)

I think many people in the school system fail to see the differeence between rigor and difficulty (for lack of a better word). Taking multivariable calculus as a senior is difficult. Having to do 80 algebra problems for homework per night is rigorous.

I propose that instead of trying to make the advanced courses in schools more rigorous, school systems should try to make their programs actually teach the students more stuff. More interesting stuff, mind you. More difficult stuff, mind you. More stuff that actually make us want to learn, not more boring textbooks and note-taking and quiz preparation and quarterly projects, mind you.

Come to think of it, high school these days seems to be a giant college entrance exam. So much pressure to get a high GPA, get a high class rank, do the best on your SATs, ace those standardized tests, cram your life full of extracurriculars, find leadership opportunites, do more community service, spend all your free time slaving away for school.

What ever happened to learning? What ever happened to preparation for the real world?

I don't need to take notes on more chapters of my U.S. history textbook. I don't need to write another literary analysis paper. I don't need to make another poster on who-cares-what.

How does senseless tedium help us out later in life?

Sorry if this post turned from thought-out argument to stressed-out rambling. Stupid IB program is beginning to rule my life.