What we can learn from natural selection

THE Theory of Natural Selection states that species or individuals that can adapt to their environment really well are those who are more likely to survive and to reproduce. It is basically about the survival of the fittest. This is one of the theories used to explain why there are certain species who cannot be with us today and why there are others who have been here for a very long time despite the changes that happened to our planet in the past years and the way the modern world is now.

There are different ways that natural selection could happen like directional selection or the one with the more favorable factor will be more likely to have a l arger number of creatures within t hat species, sexual selection which is achievable through sexual intercourse, and sexual dimorphism that separates males from females which will contribute to their attraction towards each other and they will end up reproducing.

Although the same methods are not applicable in other situations, people can take inspiration from the part of the definition which tackles about adapting to the surroundings the person is a part of and the fact that those who are able to fit in with their environment are the ones who are more likely to endure and overcome the circumstances that come with being in a particular environment.

The way to adapt is to find solutions against problems instead of complaining about the problems. They either make adjustments for themselves or find ways to make the environment adjust to them even just a little bit – a quiet compromise that comes in the forms of finding other uses for things that do not seem to help like taking a rest in between to keep the person motivated when it comes to doing a series of tasks.

The same toughness and flexibility enabled the scientists to come up with their inventions and theories like how Thomas Edison failed numerous times before finally coming up with the first commercially viable light bulb (but Edison saw it as ways on how not to do something rather than failures).

Being able to adapt to the situation and being resilient are needed for us to evolve as individuals who are capable of getting the things we really want in our life.

Those who are able to adapt and are able to be resilient despite the circumstances are the ones who are naturally selected to be triumphant.

UPON entering the era of 21st Century, the lives of human race reveals a rapid phasing of events and development changes are undoubtedly perceived day after day. In all aspects of life: at home, at workplace, at business world, in church, in the government, in nature and in education. Everything is expected to undergo rapid changes; same with the weather and climate as well as peace and order. With this shift of times, people begun to be precarious of the future.

Speaking about young teens in school nowadays, we can’t imagine how or where they engaged in or to become in the year 2040. To cope with this fast turning events in this world, we need to think farther for the future of this younger generation. For example, technology is integrated for the advancement of educational system, specifically ICT or Information Communication Technology for i nternal- stakeholders, the l earners, teachers and staff. Learners need not to discipline their minds for memorization but they should internalize the use of gadgets, computers and other technology - aided equipments that could access around the world’s information system. The retention and recalling of information is out of its way now and on way to its tragic loss. The keys of information using modern technology such as Google is in just one click of a button.

Then how can we figure out the education in the 21st century? What would be the role of education when all the information are accessible to them with the advancement of technology? People in the educational community must take part and believe for the overwhelming demand of 21st century education that need to address a rapid changing world that might be filled with problems and possibilities that have not been imagine many years ago.

A redirection of priorities and strategies must be considered to cope with this changing educational world and shifting the focus to critical thinking.

Learners must be taught the skills of critical thinking. A functional literate individual with skills and critical mind that can create change effectively and efficiently. The development of various skills may evole naturally in different situation like understanding the implication of a problem, solving problem, make judgement and decision. These skills need to enhance and establish are: questioning, predicting, investigating, hypothesizing, analyzing, reflecting, revising, comparing, observing, evaluating, measuring and generalizing.

According to Robert Fisher, a leading expert in developing children’s thinking skills, said that “Thinking is not a natural function like sleeping or walking, thinking skills need to be developed. Children will become critical thinkers when adults themselves will talked to them seriously, engaged them in a meaningful conversations and asked them questions that led them to think and imagine. This is exactly, the approach that we need to incorporate in our classroom and even at home. (