The Ophelia Syndrome (applied to school)

So, I was talking with my dear cousin today, and he was expressing his frustration with teachers. They say they want creativity, but in reality... they don't. You have to abide by their rules and guidelines. He has one teacher who really does want students to think outside of the box and asked them to read an article about the Ophelia syndrome. Ophelia, Hamlet's lover, followed Hamlet, went insane, and eventually committed suicide (although this matter can be debated). Those who don't think for themselves and blindly follow have this so-called Ophelia syndrome.

This conversation reminded me of reactions of several friends in some of my elementary education classes. Sometimes the teachers give us vague assignments on purpose and want to see with what we can come up with us. They want us to think creatively. This freaks many of my fellow classmates out--"What??? Things are not spelled out for us???" Heaven forbid we have to think for ourselves and get creative. And these are future teachers... oh boy...

No wonder our school system is going downhill. The ones who enjoy school can abide by the rules, and eventually some of them become teachers. Often they don't realize that not everyone likes following the rules.

People are different, and all learn differently. Surprise!