We're taught to regurgitate answers and keep our heads down like good little sheep.

Ironically the Political Affairs Club at my college (of which I am a part of) just had a Round Table discussion on "what is wrong with America?" and this very issue came up.

Simply put, the general consensus was that we aren't being taught properly. In a good educational system we would be taught the basic skills at a young age, and at the older ages we would be taught theory and how to apply what we know and how to think for ourselves. As it is, we're taught crap early on and taught a few of the very basics in high school. It's pitiful.