School for Champions Concept
by Ron Kurtus (updated 31 May 2023)
I started the School for Champions as to attempt to solve the need for basic understanding of various educational topics, the need for improved attitudes and character among learners, and the need for ways to apply education to school, work and life.
This online school was started to solve these problems with lessons that:
- Explain things simply and logically
- Encourage curiosity and observations
- Build character, confidence and value
Idea from experiences
The idea of the School for Champions germinated from my own experiences teaching college students who planned to go to a university, but whose skills weren't yet up to the task. Many had personal problems, had been involved in drugs, and/or had poor study habits.
I saw these problems, looked at some root causes and got the idea of a possible solution.
Root causes
I believe there are three root causes that result in some people not being able to do well in school, in their jobs and in their lives.
- Lack of understanding of basic concepts, including methods to succeed
- Lack of curiosity, awareness, and logical thinking
- Lack of character, self-confidence, and respect
Solutions
Looking at those problem areas and root causes, I came up with some possible solutions.
Lack of understanding
I've noticed how many people lack an understanding of the basic concepts of a subject. This is even true in teachers and in students who get good grades.
Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi started every season with a team meeting. He would say to his players, among who were many seasoned veterans, "Gentlemen, this is a football." In other words, he started the season by teaching the basic concepts of the game.
Too often information is simply dumped on a person. Some people readily catch on, but there are many who don't. If you have ever tried to learn to use a software application from the user manual, you know what I am talking about. It is very easy to get discouraged and give up.
My point of view in education and training is to not to assume understanding and start with the basic concepts. This includes why the subject is important and how it relates to the student's life. Simple models and analogies is often an effective method.
Lack of awareness and logical thinking
I've noticed that many people are unaware or oblivious to the world around them. It is said that only some people know what happened. Few of those know or care how it happened. And even fewer know why it happened.
Part of the problem is the lack of observation skills and the other is the lack of curiosity. I feel it is important to encourage observation and curiosity. It can open up a whole new world for a person. The big factor in intelligent people is that they are curious and observant. They pay attention and notice things around them.
A spin-off of observation is logical thinking. When people pay attention to things, they learn the logic of their environment. Then they can see the illogic that is often demonstrated in movies and TV shows.
I believe that curiosity, awareness, and logical thinking should be encouraged and even taught.
Lack of character, confidence and respect
There certainly seems to have been a degradation of character among people today. Many people seem rude and uncaring. A sense of good has gone out the door.
Also many people aren't very confident. The subject is certainly not taught in schools. For a while the California school system tried a program on building self-esteem, but it was poorly implemented and ultimately failed.
Many people feel they are not respected at work or school. Some feel the same way at home. People like to put down others to build themselves up.
Moral values, confidence and self-esteem, and respect for others and yourself should be encouraged and taught.
Summary
The idea of School for Champions came from seeing the lack of understanding, curiosity and character among various people. The solution is to provide basic concepts and encouraging logical thinking and confidence.
It isn't a problem. It's an opportunity.
My books
Students and researchers
The Web address of this page is:
www.school-for-champions.com/sfc/
concept.htm
Please include it as a link on your website or as a reference in your report, document, or thesis.
Where are you now?
School for Champions
About the School for Champions
School for Champions Concept