I think you should have posted that to a scientific forum; but I will comment on it anyway, because I have considered the issue in depth as well.
Theoretical knowledge is the product of practical application. However, the extent that the knowledge can be understood is greatly limited because it doesn't come with experience. I have concluded that there is a great assumption in the curriculums taught that the brain can inherently deduce all knowledge via logic. That assumption is false. In order to explain my assertion, I will use a widely known, and agreed upon, assertion for an analogy. Watching TV is a passive activity. While watching TV, you may come to be introduced to many things, but your senses never experience the events going on on the TV and you never are given the opportunity to make decision to influence those events. I believe a part of your brain is never used while watching TV, and your knowledge, from watching TV, is limited to what you observe of static events. We use theory in the same way. You don't develop the necessary deductive thinking you need to solve many of the problems in textbooks, at least without straining and expending so much. You need to experience practical application to absorb theoretical knowledge effectively, and understand problems. Also, teachers and academic material authors need to understand that there is very little benefit to the student if the student has to spend a lot of time on individual problems; however, I'm not sure about simply giving the student the answers. I believe the Internet, and the computer in general, can help significantly in connecting practical application and theory. Remember, that many of the greatest achievers of our times achieved their achiecements while living for the most part in the "real world."
I myself am a drop out from university. For what reasons, I have yet to determine. I flunked in my first year. (Note to you: if you are failing and given the opportunity to resign the current semmester and do it all over again, RESIGN!) My feelings at the time were that of concern: concern that the world was passing me by. I had great dreams, and there was nothing I could do about them. So, I spent most of my time in my head instead of the books. Today, I am striving to achieve those dreams. On the way here, I have come to many realizations:
-textbook writers are not superhuman;
-I should have taken a year off before going to university;
-I should have lived on campus instead of with my parents (advice given to me by a teacher that I should have listened to);
-one needs commitment to succeed;
-work is never as easy as it seems in your head;
-work takes all your energy, but it is not a waste of time and can be at least satisfying as anything else, or more so;
-the school system of modern societies need to be upgraded;
-school is still the best path to achieving your dreams, but not the only one;
-the best way to learn is to become an educator: assume a teacher role, imaginarily trying to explain things to other; and
-what I have mentioned in my previous paragraph.
My advice to you is stick with it, because of the following:
-you will not feel, and be treated, as an outcast in the workforce; and
-you will be right at the top by the time you graduate.
However, use the Web to fill that part of knowledge you feel you need.
