Does our schools teach the real down to earth art of living?

I would choose high schools as my topic concerning this topic. I have to say that most high schools in China are divided into vocational high school and regular high school. In regular high shool, sudents are trained for the purpose of getting higher education at college. Therefore this is the main purpose of the regular high school students. In vocational high school. they maily learn some practical skills so that they can just start to work after they graduate from school. Of course they can also go to vocational college if they want to, but they need to pass the vocational college entrance examination held each year on June the 7th and 8th before they can go to college. I have to confess that what is taught at school is far from what they need to master once they start their work. More practical skills are needed to be gained through practical operation. What the students learn at vocational school is more theory than practice. With that theory, it will be easier for them to have practical operation. As to social problems concerning making a living, I think, may vary based on different education background and situations.

No I do not think they do. The art of living requires a strong inner sense of self, worthiness, confidence, self-responsibility, being able to center our world view with love, kindness, respect for differences and so much more. Many of the school systems are designed to fill children's minds with facts, knowledge, career choices and what jobs will pay them the highest wages when they complete their educations. Now please understand that I am not saying there is anything wrong with that approach. But what I found in getting my own education and listening to others who are educators today...facts and information are wonderful. But they are only as good as one's ability to THINK CRITICALLY AND APPLY WHAT IS LEARNED. From what I see in today's society critical, objective thinking is become less predominant than years ago. People often to not think..they listen...and then re-arrange their prejudices. So consequently, the more investment parents and teachers have in their beliefs...the harder it is for them to change them. School systems continue to shape children's minds to whatever society, the educational system or their religious beliefs happen to be. To me one of the most important lessons anyone can teach their children is understanding and acceptance of the law of cause, effect (consequence), honoring and respecting differences whether we agree or not, and a self-accountable approach for what is thought, said and done...now from my perspective those 3 characteristics can go along way to refine anyone's 'art of living.' However, that is just my perspective...

Of course school can teach how to coordinate with the art of living . But the behaviour of each and every children for their bring and broughtup's is the main reason for social problems. Proper guidance and civilise towards social and culture might lead to calm with proper life without any itches and hitches..Also the friendships can change the way of life of the child.

I feel school life plays a very important role in every human beings life as it acts a basic place where we gain knowledge, wisdom and friends.Each one differs with one another and its very difficult for schools to make everyone understand the reality of life.hence i think its only 50% contribution from schools and its the responsibility of parents to teach their children from childhood about art of living.