Suppose you are Albert Einstein. Write a letter to your father describing him the deplorable educational system in Germany. Give your own views on education basing them on Einstein’s views as they are expressed in ‘Albert Einstein at School’.

20 Workers’ Colony

Munich

Germany

20th April, 2008

Respected Father

I know you are quite worried about my education. To be frank, my experience at the present school has been quite shocking. The school education in Germany is totally outdated and unproductive. It requires immediate overhauling. Otherwise, more and more students would drop out like me from their schools.

I don’t mean any disrespect to teachers as a class. But they are not moving with the times. Their approach is quite Primitive. They take pleasure in vexing their students. The worst thing is that they discourage new thoughts. They hate freedom of expression. The History-teacher of our school is a living example of the decay that has come in the system. He punished me simply because I couldn’t tell the year when Prussia defeated France. The behaviour of the Head-teacher was equally insulting. Only the Maths teacher is an exception. He understands the problems of his students and tries to solve them.

I feel ideas are more important than facts and dates. Students should be allowed to choose the subjects of their choice. Music, fine arts and sports be made integral parts of the school education. The school education should be made inspiring, interesting and purposeful.

Yours affectionately

Albert Einstein