Hearing Arthur’s words, those before him were not very surprised. However, considering just what Arthur had shown them thus far, a new education system didn’t seem that crazy.

“Current education systems are inefficient, to say the least. They are an ineffective use of resources and time and honestly needs to be scrapped. The only things they produce are walking memory banks, and even that they fail miserably.”

“My idea for a new education system targets the inefficiencies while also bringing the best out of students.”

As Arthur said this, everyone within the hall shifted in their seats as they sat up a bit straighter.

“For one, starting with children, I am scrapping grades and standardized tests. I am scrapping the grading system because of the silent message it feeds students, that there is a cap to what can be learned and understood. However, in turn, I am opting for an endless point system that is carried through the student’s educational career. As for why I am scrapping standardized tests, it has to do with just how dumb they are. Multiple choice questions confine creativity and promote a singular way of thinking. Even open-ended questions have a single approach to solving them, and any deviation from the norm is unacceptable. Of course, after scrapping standardized tests, I am plan on replacing them with another type of test.”

Hearing the last part, those in the hall couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. Regardless, they patiently waited for Arthur to explain.

“It should be mentioned that there is nothing standard about this test, and before you keep giving me strange looks, allow me to explain. These tests don’t have a single multiple-choice question on them, but actually, build upon open-ended questions. The purpose of these questions isn’t to get the correct answer but to promote creative thinking and unique approaches. Those two factors are the main points of these tests, and yes, getting the answer right is a good thing, but it’s only a minor aspect of the test. It should be noted that these tests can be taken at any time, in and out of a school term, and will be generated and scored by Jarvis. They will be made to fit what a student has learned. The tests will also be endless; the further a student progresses, the more difficult the questions become until they have no choice but to give up. Also, it’s only with these tests that students can gain points.”

As Arthur’s words fell, Imhotep gently raised a hand. “I can see that the goal of this reform is to promote thinking and understanding. However, wouldn’t it be a bit much to expect students to have a deep understanding of various topics?”

Arthur beamed a smile. “Exactly, and that where everything begins to tie into each other and the greatest error in current systems is exposed.”

“Crazy as this might sound. Students no longer have to learn from various subjects with this reform. Instead of forcing students to learn subjects they have no aptitude or interest in, they only need to take subjects that have great aptitude and interest in. Say a student is phenomenal at literacy but is horrendous at mathematics. Does it really make sense to make them take mathematics subjects through their education career?”

Everyone’s eyes suddenly glowed. The greatest inefficiency in current education systems is that students don’t really have much of a choice when it comes to their education. They are forced to take classes they hate, hence killing any motivation to learn or improve. However, if students were to be nudged into subjects they excelled or had a passion for, it obvious what effects this would have on their learning potential.

Seeing these thoughts flash on everyone’s faces, Arthur chuckled. “Of course, there will still be a base standard of knowledge students should learn, such as basic mathematics. But subjects these will all be taken care of during the students the first year in school. It is also during this year that aptitudes and interests will be discovered and promoted.”

Another hand rose at this moment. It wasTubal’s, the blacksmith. “How about the subjects that require previous knowledge in a different subject to understand?”

“Simple. For topics like those, rather than a whole class dedicated to teaching it, a minor class session will be responsible for those stepping-stone topics. However, it should be noted that, primarily, only the basics of a subject will be taught in schools, and understanding beyond those basics will fall unto the students. As for why. It has to with my definitions of smart and genius. A smart person can take the basics and form their own ideas and thoughts, and a genius can make ideas and thoughts a reality. I want my people to be thinkers and creators, not walking memory banks.”

It was then that realization slowly dawn on the member in the hall. Remove formal grades to remove the silent cap on learning, tests that promote unique thinking, and an educational path that perfectly fits a student. Not only is this significantly more efficient, but it also creates a substantial amount of thinkers and innovators for a nation.

While these thoughts ran through everyone’s head, they couldn’t help but gaze at Arthur in awe. Though Arthur hadn’t said it yet, this is was what having sturdy foundations meant. Children are the future of a nation, hence their development and growth directly influence a nation’s foundations. As long as the current generation supersedes the previous, a nation’s future rests in assured hands.

“Ahem!”

A sudden sound interrupted everyone’s train of thought, forcing them to look at Arthur once again.

“So, what do you guys think?”

“Brilliant!” sighed Myrddin, followed by the nods of everyone else.

“Excellent, I had been running this idea around my head for years. Hopefully, the effects are as I expect. Nevertheless, for our current forty-four children, I will have Cal take charge of their education for the meanwhile. All the while helping us further fine-tune the system, particularly the aptitude and interests aspect. The overall plan is to conclude a student’s education by the time they turn fifteen, as an expert in at least one field.”

…

…

Wrapping up that discussion. The last topic for the night began. Filling some of the necessary roles needed before the settlement could grow.

With the main topic for the night concluded, this one went smoothly.

The plan is to utilize Mount Prometheus’s ability to create simulations. The current adults in the village will undergo a few tests before being subject to a training simulation in a field they have incredible talent in. And with Mount Prometheus’ time acceleration ability, training talented individuals for certain roles should be complete in rapid time.

Nonetheless, after hashing out a few other details and plans, Arthur adjourned the meeting with plans of visiting a few sights the next day.

Though the Heads didn’t notice when they walked out of the village manor, their chests were puffed out in pride and hope.

Wishing everyone a goodnight, Arthur stood along with Cal, Aegon, and Luna outside his manor watching them leave.

After a while, his gaze shifted to the night sky. Innumerable stars dotted the nightscape while three full moons hung in the sky, bathing the land in soft silvery lights.

“The future holds countless possibilities. I hope to stand firm enough to not go backward, and yet not go forward fast enough to wreck everything I am trying to build.”

.

.

[Tidbit 1: Tubal-Cain or Tubalcain (is a person mentioned in the Bible, in Genesis 4:22 as well as in the Hebrew Book of Jasher, known for being the first blacksmith. He was a descendant of Cain.]