Why Educational Reform Persists: With a View of Memetics

Background/Objectives: This study aims to find an answer why “grammar of schooling” persists, even though different names of school reforms have been implemented. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The memetic theory is used as a good theoretical foundation because it provides a reasonable explanation to the situation regarding educational reforms. It helps people easily understand how ideas are transmitted and spread. A new idea may spread because it is good and useful. Memes are also selfish like genes because they have common characteristics to be passed on to the next generation and other areas. Findings: The concept of meme from the study of evolution was used to explain how the “grammar of schooling” can still survive, even though various school reforms have been introduced and vanished. Improvements/Applications: The most important factor to consider when implementing reform is acknowledging what the status quo is and how to keep making systemic change, small progress steadily, and achieving the ultimate goal of learning for all.