Education

[Det_Nosnip]

Education seems to be a topic that hasn't discussed in quite enough detail here, so I thought I'd get something started. What is everyone's opinion on the current state of public education? Being American, I'm probably going to be able to speak more about the American education system, but I invite people from other countries to discuss their own education systems as well, and perhaps from there we can compare to see why America is lagging behind in certain areas.

So, here are some questions to think about:

1) How do you feel about your country's education system? Is it doing well, is it lagging behind...do you see the situation improving based upon the current administration's policies, or do you see it getting worse?

2) If you feel that the education system is failing, what do you believe is contributing to that? Conversely, if your education system is doing well, what would you primarily attribute that success to? For example, in America, I would say that the current state of education is pretty poor. Who is responsible for this...the Federal Government/this administration? Local City/State Government/s? School administrations? Families/parents of the students?

3) If you feel that the situation can be improved, how would you do it?

Hopefully we can get a wide range of different replies based upon the spread of age groups and ideologies on here.

[ARBITER]

too much stress on liberal arts and not enough on sciences

[griftadan]

i'd prefer a voucher system to public schools if we are going to go with public funding.

[Mr. Ron]

Education seems to be a topic that hasn't discussed in quite enough detail here, so I thought I'd get something started. What is everyone's opinion on the current state of public education? Being American, I'm probably going to be able to speak more about the American education system, but I invite people from other countries to discuss their own education systems as well, and perhaps from there we can compare to see why America is lagging behind in certain areas.

So, here are some questions to think about:

1) How do you feel about your country's education system? Is it doing well, is it lagging behind...do you see the situation improving based upon the current administration's policies, or do you see it getting worse?

2) If you feel that the education system is failing, what do you believe is contributing to that? Conversely, if your education system is doing well, what would you primarily attribute that success to? For example, in America, I would say that the current state of education is pretty poor. Who is responsible for this...the Federal Government/this administration? Local City/State Government/s? School administrations? Families/parents of the students?

3) If you feel that the situation can be improved, how would you do it?

Hopefully we can get a wide range of different replies based upon the spread of age groups and ideologies on here.


1) I think the public school system is horrible as always. Far too many children grow up not even knowing where to locate America on a labled map!

2) I believe what is contributing to this is overall lazyness. America needs to change morally and socially to improve in the schools.

3) Stated above, the change must begin with the people.

[mcmurray]

too much stress on liberal arts and not enough on sciences
Yep.

In my school many are what I'd consider semi-illiterate (they can't write basic sentences, they can't pronounce what I'd consider to be basic words, etcetera). I think the average grade in the school is a C which I find quite disgusting. I have "A"s in all my classes and I don't even have to try.

The teachers in my school are the lowest paid in the entire US, even including DC.

The students are lazy. The teachers seem ineffective. There is an over emphasis on extracurricular programs.

[Cecillianne]

too much stress on liberal arts and not enough on sciences
Where do you live? Here is the other way around. Scholarships are offered to science students and almost nil to art students.

1. I think my country's education system blows. We study far too long. Our high school cert (SPM) is received at age 17, and this examination is only equivalent to UK's GCSE's. To get the same standard as SATS, International Baccalaureate, A-Levels, etc, our students have to study for another extra 2 years. Meaning that we complete our education at worldwide high school standard at age 19 or late 18. Students are text-book and exam oriented, do route learning, forget almost everything they learn the instant they finish high school. Your grade depends completely on the final written exams, courseworks are a joke and students who excel academically are socially retarded. The Education Ministry doesn't improve the system, they further complicate it and make it harder for the students by reformatting papers every year. By the way, students are 'encouraged' to take nothing less than 9 subjects.

2. The system isn't failing, but it's not working at all. Malaysian students excel in universities overseas, but when they come back or stay overseas they can't get a job because they keep sucking at interviews. This is because the government emphasizes too much on the students to get A's instead of excelling as an all-rounder. I blame the Education Ministry for this kind of pressure and the lack of competent graduates this country produces. Science students are given priority, art students are given ****. You'll instantly get looked down on if you say you're studying Arts/Commerce instead of Biology/Physics/Chemistry.

3. I'd instantly revamp the system. SPM is abolished. I'll adopt the British education system, GCSE's and A-levels. Grading depends on a series of exams instead of one major exam, so students can regulate their marks instead of route learning.

Strange. The system here underemphasizes extra-curricular activities. Students here are way overworked, swamped with homework, have tons of reading to do and attend tuition (extra classes) every bloody day, at least an hour a day.

[griftadan]

social studies were a joke in my school, even in the AP program.

[Mr. Ron]

social studies were a joke in my school, even in the AP program.
Mine too. In some schools they want to SKIP the American Revolution!

[griftadan]

they also did a horrible job on post ww2 world history

[Det_Nosnip]

2) I believe what is contributing to this is overall lazyness. America needs to change morally and socially to improve in the schools.
Well, what is your definition of "moral change"? How are morals coming into play?

3) Stated above, the change must begin with the people.

Which people, though? :p All of these administrations are made up of people, after all.

Having been a part of the Austin Independent School district for a little while, I've already begun noticing a few of the problems. One thing that I definitely feel is a problem is overcrowding in schools and enormous class sizes. Believe me, it's not easy to get 30 kids to sit down and shut up, let alone to actually learn anything. The problems with overcrowding in schools are fairly obvious: administrators have a hell of a time keeping track of all of the students, and many sneak out of school or don't show up to class...teachers are too busy trying to make sure the kids don't kill eachother and have no energy left to teach anything, and students who have difficulty understanding the material easily get lost in the crowd and either don't receive the attention they need or, devoid of supervision, stop paying attention.

This problem is also compounded by the fact that it is disproportionately present in certain areas over others, and those schools that tend to be the most crowded also end up having kids from the poorest economic background. As a substitute teacher, I've encountered a wide range of different schools throughout the town, which has really illuminated for me some of the disparities. Building more schools in the rougher districts would certainly be a step...if they can find the teachers and administrators to fill those buildings. It's somewhat of a Catch-22: Many teachers do not want to work in those districts because of the adverse conditions, while many of those adverse conditions are caused by the fact that the schools are unable to find enough teachers to fill their positions.

[ghettoeddo]

i live in arizona. famous (or infamous) for its extremely poor academic track record.
out of the 50 states, we're 48th or 49th in education.

[Helmet]

My high school is pretty ridiculous. The average GPA is around 1.80. Of course, much of this can be attributed to students and their socio-economic status, but it's amazing how bad the material in the classes are.

[lfantwister]

I go to one of LA's better private schools, and I still have lots of complaints about it, especially in the humanities. Everyone is so focused on grades that they don't retain information--they learn it for the test and forget it. I think it's more important to learn less but learn it better than to learn more but recall it poorly.

[griftadan]

man i wish i went to an easy highschool. at mine, if you don't have a 4.0 you're not even in the top 15% of your class.

[Danish]

i'd prefer a voucher system to public schools if we are going to go with public funding.

Education is a public asset and should remain in soley public hands.

[griftadan]

no. i'm good with not having government controled curriculum and natural innefeciency forced upon me.

[Cain]

no. i'm good with not having government controled curriculum and natural innefeciency forced upon me.

If you want to learn what you want, then learn what you want. Any institutionalized education whether run by private or public interests will make you conform to a particular brand of education philosophy that its charter adheres to. Nothing's stopping you from painting on your own time and then applying to an open-cirriculum liberal arts college that doesn't care about the SATs if all the torture of "natural inefficiency" proves to be all too much. To the opposite degree, nothing stops you from excelling at a level above and beyond that which is expected by the system, should you be properly motivated. It's the government's responsibility to provide the service, and it's up to the children and their parents to make appropriate and intelligent use of it, not those of the governments or of private school administrators.

In the meantime, if more highly advantaged people quit whining about how many taxes they have to pay and just give what they owe the government for putting their kids through public school, these schools might be better funded and better run, providing kids from low socio-economic backgrounds an incentive to succeed rather than an apathetic lack of care or hope. Maybe. To be honest, it really depends on the quality of the parenting to do this, which has gone WAY down in America. Every parent refuses to discipline their children and teach them public manners, and sues anybody else who should have the rightful authority to do so as well, such as teachers. If anything, we've got many more stupid parents in this country ruining education more than we do stupid kids or administrators or teachers.

EDIT: It strikes me that in the wake of all of the unrest involving children's deaths due to parental abuse in New York City of late, I was wondering if anyone here has ever studied the correlation between perpetuation of socio-economic hardship and high birthrates and large families amongst those most ill-suited to provide for them. I would like to understand what factors prompt this apparent tendency amongst lower-class people in a manner that's not stereotypical and adheres to hard data and evidence. If anything, I'd say the utter lack of progress in both education and motivation amongst kids of all backgrounds who experience it has its roots in unfocused parental and family histories brought on by low socio-economic standing. But I don't know anything about this.

[t-rex]

is any one else against compulsory schooling?

[Cain]

is any one else against compulsory schooling?

I'd rather not have a bunch of illiterate, unaware retards with no manners or sense of social protocol running around, which is exactly what you'd have without it, I feel. Even the youngest years of schooling provide important services way beyond learning what "2+2" equals.

Kindergarten, for instance, is an invaluable structuring experience that teaches children how to obey social norms and respond to authority, prerequisites for any sort of civilized society's ability to function peacefully. It's hard-edged, sure, especially for five-year-olds who are probably as little interested in regimentation as possible, but just think of what sort of people they'd grow into without the simple idiocy of kindergarten. And you want to speculate that it would be positive to not have any form of nationally-required schooling at all?

I'd love to hear your argument, though, if you have one to provide.

[griftadan]

If you want to learn what you want, then learn what you want. Any institutionalized education whether run by private or public interests will make you conform to a particular brand of education philosophy that its charter adheres to. Nothing's stopping you from painting on your own time and then applying to an open-cirriculum liberal arts college that doesn't care about the SATs if all the torture of "natural inefficiency" proves to be all too much. To the opposite degree, nothing stops you from excelling at a level above and beyond that which is expected by the system, should you be properly motivated. It's the government's responsibility to provide the service, and it's up to the children and their parents to make appropriate and intelligent use of it, not those of the governments or of private school administrators.

In the meantime, if more highly advantaged people quit whining about how many taxes they have to pay and just give what they owe the government for putting their kids through public school, these schools might be better funded and better run, providing kids from low socio-economic backgrounds an incentive to succeed rather than an apathetic lack of care or hope. Maybe. To be honest, it really depends on the quality of the parenting to do this, which has gone WAY down in America. Every parent refuses to discipline their children and teach them public manners, and sues anybody else who should have the rightful authority to do so as well, such as teachers. If anything, we've got many more stupid parents in this country ruining education more than we do stupid kids or administrators or teachers.

EDIT: It strikes me that in the wake of all of the unrest involving children's deaths due to parental abuse in New York City of late, I was wondering if anyone here has ever studied the correlation between perpetuation of socio-economic hardship and high birthrates and large families amongst those most ill-suited to provide for them. I would like to understand what factors prompt this apparent tendency amongst lower-class people in a manner that's not stereotypical and adheres to hard data and evidence. If anything, I'd say the utter lack of progress in both education and motivation amongst kids of all backgrounds who experience it has its roots in unfocused parental and family histories brought on by low socio-economic standing. But I don't know anything about this.


except when government enforces a monopoly on something it makes the choice of pursuing a better education that much harder. that, and it would be much cheaper to fund a voucher program and get the same if not better education with private schools than maintaining a whole infrastructure of public schools. save tax money.

[griftadan]

I'd rather not have a bunch of illiterate, unaware retards with no manners or sense of social protocol running around, which is exactly what you'd have without it, I feel. Even the youngest years of schooling provide important services way beyond learning what "2+2" equals.

Kindergarten, for instance, is an invaluable structuring experience that teaches children how to obey social norms and respond to authority, prerequisites for any sort of civilized society's ability to function peacefully. It's hard-edged, sure, especially for five-year-olds who are probably as little interested in regimentation as possible, but just think of what sort of people they'd grow into without the simple idiocy of kindergarten. And you want to speculate that it would be positive to not have any form of nationally-required schooling at all?

I'd love to hear your argument, though, if you have one to provide.

no in most cases you are the responsibilty of your parents untill you are 18, and i don't know of a parent who is doing all they can to try and give their kid a better chance.

that, and forced freedom isn't free at all. but poeple will choose it out of necessity.

[Judas Iscariot]

The entire education system here in America needs to be scrapped and improved.

We should eliminate private education for one. It breeds unfounded elitism among the upper-middle and upper class and most teachers don't even need board certification to teach in a private school.

While all education should be free and public, public education should also be improved. Teacher certifications should not only cover the educator's knowledge of the subject they're teaching, but their ability to teach as well. This shouldn't just cover their communication skills either. It should cover their emotional stability and understanding in the classroom. There are too many teachers who go on egocentric power trips simply because they're the teacher.

Once private education has been abolished, all non-certified teachers should be publicly funded in their efforts to become board certified so that they can not only continue to teach, but teach better and teach at a higher level.

That about sums up my views on the situation.

[nevermindemily]

poverty is one of the main reasons why our level of education isn't good. the kids are forced to work because their parents cant afford to send them to school. the thing is, in my country around 30% of the family income comes from the children. im talking about families below the poverty line, which unfortunately is almost everyone. its a vicious cycle because when they grow up, having no proper education would hinder them from getting decent jobs. theyd end up asking their kids to stop school and to work.

[ARBITER]

poverty is one of the main reasons why our level of education isn't good. the kids are forced to work because their parents cant afford to send them to school. the thing is, in my country around 30% of the family income comes from the children. im talking about families below the poverty line, which unfortunately is almost everyone. its a vicious cycle because when they grow up, having no proper education would hinder them from getting decent jobs. theyd end up asking their kids to stop school and to work.

which country? im just curios

[Mr. Ron]

Well, what is your definition of "moral change"? How are morals coming into play?


Which people, though? :p All of these administrations are made up of people, after all.

Having been a part of the Austin Independent School district for a little while, I've already begun noticing a few of the problems. One thing that I definitely feel is a problem is overcrowding in schools and enormous class sizes. Believe me, it's not easy to get 30 kids to sit down and shut up, let alone to actually learn anything. The problems with overcrowding in schools are fairly obvious: administrators have a hell of a time keeping track of all of the students, and many sneak out of school or don't show up to class...teachers are too busy trying to make sure the kids don't kill eachother and have no energy left to teach anything, and students who have difficulty understanding the material easily get lost in the crowd and either don't receive the attention they need or, devoid of supervision, stop paying attention.

This problem is also compounded by the fact that it is disproportionately present in certain areas over others, and those schools that tend to be the most crowded also end up having kids from the poorest economic background. As a substitute teacher, I've encountered a wide range of different schools throughout the town, which has really illuminated for me some of the disparities. Building more schools in the rougher districts would certainly be a step...if they can find the teachers and administrators to fill those buildings. It's somewhat of a Catch-22: Many teachers do not want to work in those districts because of the adverse conditions, while many of those adverse conditions are caused by the fact that the schools are unable to find enough teachers to fill their positions.


Meaning work ethic, the drive to succeed ect.

[boblikesjazz]

We should eliminate private education for one. It breeds unfounded elitism among the upper-middle and upper class and most teachers don't even need board certification to teach in a private school. This is something I completely fail to understand. What is the purpose to restricting what people can do with their money, apart from petty jealousy? These people pay their taxes just like you, but choose to take the financial burden of a private schooling for their children. Are you going to stop people purchasing expensive cars and houses because it creates elitism? Are we to ban home-schooling because it might give some children a better education?

If you're not willing to follow this kind of thinking through to its full extent, don't try and re-engineer other people's lives. If we are to create full equality you have to restructure our society entirely.
Once private education has been abolished, all non-certified teachers should be publicly funded in their efforts to become board certified so that they can not only continue to teach, but teach better and teach at a higher level.
Abolishing private education has nothing to do with improving the standard of state schools.

In Britain, I think its a crying shame that we no longer have grammar schools.

[Katana]

I'm against education.

[CabbageStabbage]

Coming from South Africa, I find Canada's school system to be useless.

I already knew EVERYTHING from taking up to grade 6 in South Africa.
I didn't learn anything new until about grade 9 in Canada.

Canada's education system is so useless when it comes to history and geography. They only learn about Canada. I learned the same amount of history in grade 4 in South Africa as I did in Canada in grade 10.

[Joey Hoser]

Canada's education system is so useless when it comes to history and geography. They only learn about Canada. I learned the same amount of history in grade 4 in South Africa as I did in Canada in grade 10.

I always thought history should be have more focus on ideaologies and what motivated history.

Just knowing what happened and when isn't very usefull.

[lfantwister]

Possibly off-topic: The College Board has such a monopoly on education. You have to pay them for SATs, SAT2s, APs, etc. And if you take alternatives to these they aren't considered qualified enough.

I hate the college board.

[ashman]

I always thought history should be have more focus on ideaologies and what motivated history.

Just knowing what happened and when isn't very usefull.

When I did my History GCSE, it was kind of a amalgam of subjects. The main focus was the rise of Communism and Hitlers Germany. We learnt about the ideologies, why that happened and how one little thing can pretty much destroy everything. I had 2 amazing history teachers, they were more into the philosophy and politics of Germany and Russia. But it was their downfall in the end, they didn't teach the 'exact' curriculum and poor exam results made them leave :upset:

The education system in the UK, is ok as it is, but I've never seen the problems that everyone seems to mention. I've only been to two secondary schools in my life, ironically, one was from the poorest background in my city and the other was one of the 'richest'. Both were more or less the same, except for the usual arrogance that is assiocated with the middle class in the richer school.

Music and the arts at both schools were frowned upon by everyone and there was only about 20 people who did those topics at GCSE.

I think the main issue is more social, then the system itself, but that's only from my experiences in one of the poorest cities in the UK.

[SpiggidyBob]

Eliminate tenures for teachers. There were a coupe teachers at my school that had been there so long, they couldn't get fired (except for cases where they broke the law or something similar). So is what we had were a bunch of teachers that no longer cared and put no effort into teaching at all. I had one teacher that actually managed to make the Cold War boring because all he did was have us read the section and then fill out the worksheet that went with it. Day after day after day. On the other hand, I had a teacher that used the text book as an outline and went into serious detail about stuff, which made it interesting.

Also, the whole AP program needs to be redone. At the same school above, the principal actually DUMBED DOWN AP classes so that more people would take them and it would look better when he reported to the Super Intendent. What a shame...

[ARBITER]

Possibly off-topic: The College Board has such a monopoly on education. You have to pay them for SATs, SAT2s, APs, etc. And if you take alternatives to these they aren't considered qualified enough.

I hate the college board.

I agree totally, its really the nations schools fault not the college board. THere trying to make money and everyone buys into it.

[boblikesjazz]

When I did my History GCSE, it was kind of a amalgam of subjects. The main focus was the rise of Communism and Hitlers Germany. We learnt about the ideologies, why that happened and how one little thing can pretty much destroy everything. I had 2 amazing history teachers, they were more into the philosophy and politics of Germany and Russia. But it was their downfall in the end, they didn't teach the 'exact' curriculum and poor exam results made them leave Gcse history really is crap. It's done at such a simplistic level and places too much emphasis on sources in the exam. Trying to introduce real analysis of historical sources is a good idea but that's not what you do in GCSE -- you just learn to answer exam questions. RS is also pretty poor. The exam basically involves memorising facts then doing some extended questions that don't require any real thought other than making sure you followed the set template.
Not necessarily harder, but the science papers these days are a joke.i'd say that the science papers should be made a lot harder. They are a really shallow level and there is, from what I've seen, a massive step-up in difficulty between GCSE science and A-level science.

[Reaganista]

I blame the parents

and the feeling of entitlement from upper-class American culture

it's all in The World is Flat

[EdwardTheGreat]

I think they need to expand out so that less intelligent people have the chance to do something they actually can do. What I mean is that for some people they shouldnt really be doing GCSE's as their chances of passing any of them are remote, so there should be more widely available qualifications that they can take. I think BTEC's are like this. Some vocational courses would be better, as their futer career is more likely to involve manual labour than it is English Literature, so its really a waste of their time.

Likewise I think there should be 'extension' options for the more able people. I know it gets called for all the time, what with large-ish numbers of people getting straight A's, but there does need to be some form of higher level tests to separate the good from the brilliant.

[MAthiAS]

Education seems to be a topic that hasn't discussed in quite enough detail here, so I thought I'd get something started. What is everyone's opinion on the current state of public education? Being American, I'm probably going to be able to speak more about the American education system, but I invite people from other countries to discuss their own education systems as well, and perhaps from there we can compare to see why America is lagging behind in certain areas.

So, here are some questions to think about:

1) How do you feel about your country's education system? Is it doing well, is it lagging behind...do you see the situation improving based upon the current administration's policies, or do you see it getting worse?

2) If you feel that the education system is failing, what do you believe is contributing to that? Conversely, if your education system is doing well, what would you primarily attribute that success to? For example, in America, I would say that the current state of education is pretty poor. Who is responsible for this...the Federal Government/this administration? Local City/State Government/s? School administrations? Families/parents of the students?

3) If you feel that the situation can be improved, how would you do it?

Hopefully we can get a wide range of different replies based upon the spread of age groups and ideologies on here.
Good thread.

1) In my area I think the school system has incredible potential because of generally good teachers, but the school board and administration is completely disfunctional and have their priorities out of order.

2) I think the ciriculum is poorly structured, and I'm strongly against standardized testing. American society is also generally lazy, and students are brought up likewise, limiting the effectiveness of public education. I also went to a Catholic elementary school, and was completely unchallenged and bored, so I got little out of it even being a bright kid.

3) -Eliminate standardized testing. They are biased and ineffective, and essentially test one's ability to take a test, not even their knowledge of content. "Standardized tests equals standardized students."
-Generally less test-oriented tests and more discussion-oriented.
-Require students to take class(es) on modern day world affairs that is focused on informing and discussion/debate.
-More practical vocational course offerings.
-Learn foreign language(s) and culture(s) starting in first grade.
-More prominent health/sex ed courses, particularly regarding AIDS, responsible drug use, etc.
-Eliminate or make optional PE classes.
-Lessen emphasis on sports and unnecessary extraciricullars.
-School sponsored activist extraciricullars.

[Chrysostom]

I don't like the British education system as it currently stands. There are too many layers for a start - comprehensives, private schools, city academies etc. I would introduce a simplified two-tier system akin to the one Britain had up to the 1960s that my dad and his generation went through. It would involve state grammar schools and state secondary schools.

[gingerydoo]

The education in Britain (or more accurately England and Wales) is awful. It's failing the majority of students that pass through it, and the main reason is the government targets and league tables.

For the less adept students, GNVQs often replace GCSEs in subjects such as science and IT. They're used primarily to improve how the school rates in the '5 A-C grades' as they apprently count as 4 good GCSEs. Something which I never quite understood, seen as they are taught in the same timespan as a GCSE and are much easier to pass. The worst thing is that they serve more as a mechanism to get pupils to pass for the purpose of league tables, rather than actually preparing them for work or post 16 education. As a result, many are left unprepared for A-levels or a job, as they dont have a teacher to hold their hand going through checklists to make sure they get a pass.

The system is also letting down the more talented students. Many of my friends and I managed to pick up 4, 5 or 6 'A's at GCSE with absolutely no effort whatsoever, as a result we've got used to just dossing about, putting little effort into schoolwork (espcially in terms of revision and coursework) meaning we have had a tremendous culture shock since starting 6th form a year and a half ago, and still strugling to find a good work ethic.

As well as A-levels, our school also offered the IB (International Baccalauraete (sp?)), which is what I opted to do. Combine this with the fact that I'm lazy as hell, I'm ****ed. It's quite a demanding diploma, but like Med says, it offers a breadth that A-levels just dont offer.

There certainly need to be a hell of a lot more choice in our education system, one size clearly doesnt fit all. There needs to be more appropiate qualifications for those of different abilities, and education should be there to improve students, in terms of their responsibilty, maturtiy, ability to learn and work by themselves, not just for the sake of league tables.

/incoherent ranting

[Frankie]

I'd rather sort out the state of schools teachings first. For instance I've not had a proper Physics lesson in two weeks. The supply teacher comes in picks some work out of the text book thats usually irrelevant sits down and trys to keep the chaos to a minimum.

[Frankie]

The education in Britain (or more accurately England and Wales) is awful. It's failing the majority of students that pass through it, and the main reason is the government targets and league tables.

I've found my schoo's head staff more intrested with league tables and Government standards than helping me get 5 A*- C for the right reasons. teachers in general do seem to care where if I fail or not but they at least they try.

[ARBITER]

What are peoples thoughts on drugs prescribed for kids and teens who have ADD/ADHD like aderol or riddlin.....? It's kinda related

[nevermindemily]

which country? im just curios


the philippines.

[SpiggidyBob]

What are peoples thoughts on drugs prescribed for kids and teens who have ADD/ADHD like aderol or riddlin.....? It's kinda related

Overprescribed. There's such a paranoia about "Oh my god, my kid doesn't sit still he's going to be a failure in life!" that parents get their kids on that stuff at way to early of an age. This lady I work with was actually considering putting her 2 year old son on Riddlin because he was to hyper. C'mon, he's ****ing two! I think the South Park episode says it all...

[ashman]

Gcse history really is crap. It's done at such a simplistic level and places too much emphasis on sources in the exam. Trying to introduce real analysis of historical sources is a good idea but that's not what you do in GCSE -- you just learn to answer exam questions. RS is also pretty poor. The exam basically involves memorising facts then doing some extended questions that don't require any real thought other than making sure you followed the set template.
i'd say that the science papers should be made a lot harder. They are a really shallow level and there is, from what I've seen, a massive step-up in difficulty between GCSE science and A-level science.

That's why there was a poor pass rate, I was lucky to get out with a C. They didn't teach the 'template', they really got into it.

[Det_Nosnip]

I'd rather not have a bunch of illiterate, unaware retards with no manners or sense of social protocol running around, which is exactly what you'd have without it, I feel.

So, wait...that is NOT what we have now? :lol:

[Det_Nosnip]

I always thought history should be have more focus on ideaologies and what motivated history.

Just knowing what happened and when isn't very usefull.

That is what college is for. :) High school and junior high burn the raw information into you so that college professors don't have to, and can focus on those types of discussions.

[Det_Nosnip]

Good thread.
Thank you!


I also went to a Catholic elementary school, and was completely unchallenged and bored, so I got little out of it even being a bright kid.
Well, when all of the answers amount to "Because God said so," it can get a little predictable. ;) [/snap!]

3) -Eliminate standardized testing.
No Child Left Behind was a wonderful step backwards on that solution.

They are biased and ineffective, and essentially test one's ability to take a test, not even their knowledge of content. "Standardized tests equals standardized students."
I definitely agree with this. The sad thing is that not very many people bother to DISAGREE with it...ever read a test-prep book? The authors of those are the most bitter of all! The GRE is the worst of it, too...luckily, I heard that they were going to change it, but as it stands now, the first 5 or so questions basically determine your final score, as each question is weighted progressively less.

-Generally less test-oriented tests and more discussion-oriented.
In order to do this, I think we would probably need to expand the education system in order to shrink class sizes. Ever tried to have a "discussion" with 30 screaming 14 year olds? :lol:

-Require students to take class(es) on modern day world affairs that is focused on informing and discussion/debate.
This is a good idea. I think that this sort of thing generally falls upon Political Science, though.

-More practical vocational course offerings.
-Learn foreign language(s) and culture(s) starting in first grade.
Studies have pretty consistently shown that younger kids learn languages quicker than older ones.

-More prominent health/sex ed courses, particularly regarding AIDS, responsible drug use, etc.
And realistic. I'm sorry, but "Abstinence first" isn't exactly going to resonate well with a group of horny teenagers.

-Eliminate or make optional PE classes.
As someone who had his degree withheld from him because he was missing a half semester of PE, this definitely touches on a personal issue for me. :upset: Physical Education requirements are ridiculous and unnecessary. Extra curricular activities provide for plenty of exercise, and it should fall upon the parents, not the administrators, to encourage and motivate kids to exercise.

-Lessen emphasis on sports and unnecessary extraciricullars.
You may tred upon unstable ground with the term "unnecessary." Who defines what is necessary and what is not?


-School sponsored activist extraciricullars.

Care to elaborate?

[Det_Nosnip]

Overprescribed. There's such a paranoia about "Oh my god, my kid doesn't sit still he's going to be a failure in life!" that parents get their kids on that stuff at way to early of an age. This lady I work with was actually considering putting her 2 year old son on Riddlin because he was to hyper. C'mon, he's ****ing two! I think the South Park episode says it all...

I agree...it's absolutely ridiculous. It seems like people are trying to come up with a prescription for "being a kid."

[MAthiAS]

This is a good idea. I think that this sort of thing generally falls upon Political Science, though.
Not even offered at my school, unfortunately.
In order to do this, I think we would probably need to expand the education system in order to shrink class sizes.
Yeah, its worth it IMO though.
Studies have pretty consistently shown that younger kids learn languages quicker than older ones.
Yeah. The rest of the world does it too, why don't we?
And realistic. I'm sorry, but "Abstinence first" isn't exactly going to resonate well with a group of horny teenagers.
I completely agree. Being responsible does not have to mean being abstinent, and classes should acknowledge that. Same thing with drugs, obviously a touchy subject being that they're illegal, but seriously stop playing games and pretending kids are innocent while in the classroom, and arresting them when they're on the street.
Extra curricular activities provide for plenty of exercise, and it should fall upon the parents, not the administrators, to encourage and motivate kids to exercise.
Absolutely. Its a joke that 'education' is even included in the name. Offer PE as an optional course, and include at least some level of content, like nutrition.
You may tred upon unstable ground with the term "unnecessary." Who defines what is necessary and what is not?
Tough one, though I suppose I'm mainly talking about sports. I just personally think that way, way too much emphasis is placed on high school sports. When students' education suffers due to time commitments, etc, and money is spent to improve fields and courts as opposed to providing for actual education, something is wrong.

Its also pretty ridiculous what kids put their bodies through for wrestling season to keep at a certain weight. Running with garbage bags, fasting, etc. should not be condoned by the school.

Care to elaborate?
Obviously they should/would be as apolitical as possible, but environmental protection and community volunteering would be much more appealing and accessable to students if through school, even though programs would most likely be largely student-run. Actually, if they were, it would probably allow more semi-political type things to be done as well, if students supported.

[Det_Nosnip]

Not even offered at my school, unfortunately.
Huh? :amaze: Such as...there are...NO Political Science classes?!


Yeah, its worth it IMO though.
Well, it's worth it either way.


Yeah. The rest of the world does it too, why don't we?
Don't go down that road. :p America is not known for acting like the rest of the world, even when it would be to its benefit.

I completely agree. Being responsible does not have to mean being abstinent, and classes should acknowledge that. Same thing with drugs, obviously a touchy subject being that they're illegal, but seriously stop playing games and pretending kids are innocent while in the classroom, and arresting them when they're on the street.
Exactly. Although, I suppose this position is alot easier to argue when we DON'T have children. Alot of people don't particularly like the idea of daddy's little girl having a sexual relationship...


Tough one, though I suppose I'm mainly talking about sports. I just personally think that way, way too much emphasis is placed on high school sports. When students' education suffers due to time commitments, etc, and money is spent to improve fields and courts as opposed to providing for actual education, something is wrong.

Aye.


Its also pretty ridiculous what kids put their bodies through for wrestling season to keep at a certain weight. Running with garbage bags, fasting, etc. should not be condoned by the school.
What about dancers? Ballet can be hell on a person's body.


Obviously they should/would be as apolitical as possible, but environmental protection and community volunteering would be much more appealing and accessable to students if through school, even though programs would most likely be largely student-run. Actually, if they were, it would probably allow more semi-political type things to be done as well, if students supported.

The last part is the clincher...in order to get this stuff to work, you'd have to get the students behind it, which may not be the easiest thing in the world.

[MAthiAS]

Huh? Such as...there are...NO Political Science classes?!
Nope, closest thing is Issues and Analysis, which is a half year elective that counts for next to nothing anyway.

[Luxor]

Schools need better teachers. To most teachers, it's "just a job". They need to be motivated and rewarded for student success. School systems in America/Canada teach a lot of kids to do the bare minumum to get by.

I haven't read the entire thread, but I saw someone mention vouchers? That's a very good idea. Right now students are placed in schools where they're zoned, most don't have a choice at all.

What's needed between different schools is competition. If students get the choice as to where they want to go, then if a school has a bad reputation of low test scores, poor facilities and overall incompetence in the faculty, students/they're parents will not want to attend that particular school.

[PremierManiac]

As people have stated above, the US education system is kind of a joke (i.e. No Child Left Behind). Here in WI we (students) consistantly rank in the top 5 academicaly, but we are forced to follow Texas's system (thanks to George) which consistantly ranks in the bottom 10 in the nation. It just doesn't make sense.

[jaredong]

On the Canada education system: Yea, i think on some levels its abit slow. I studied in Singapore and then moved to Canada and i learnt all the math i didnt learn any new math in grade 9 and 10. But then again, dam azn's and their math.

Frankly though, i rather have the laid back education of Canada than the killer education system of Singapore. Sucide rates are pretty nuts cuz of education, stress is up way to much. Gotta get all the grades *plus* theres a dumb system which also emphasizes on taking extra curricular activies if not you wont get to a good school.

No such thing as drama, arts, tech, funky history classes and political science anywhere in Singapore. Its basically "if you cant make money with your piece of paper you graduate with, sucks to be you".

I guess I rather have wisdom over knowledge.

[Scuba_Steve]

Here's something interesting that is happening here in ontario (maybe other parts of canada, IDK)

The government is attempting to put into place a law which says that if a student drops out of highschool they cannot obtain their licsence until they are 18 (when they would normally graduate).

First of all, I think this is the stupidest idea ever. I mean, some kids aren't meant to be at school they would be better off earning good money in a skilled trade or something.

Also, they are trying to make it so kids cannot even drop out until they are 18. I don't plan on dropping out, but I also think this law will have negative effects on the school system.

Both of these laws are keeping kids that obviously do not want to be at school IN school. I know you don't want illiterate citizens, but really one could get on in the world with just elementary education (grade K-8) anything past that is just bonus.

Keeping these kids in school could possible increase a couple things in highschools.
1) Lower morale, seeing as there will be more and more kids that don't want to be there
2) more violence
3) disgruntled teachers, due to them having to teach kids that don't want to learn
4) in some cases, Some kids will most likely make every class a living hell with talking out and what not.

And all that time they could be out possibly apprenticing at some autobody shop or other semi-skilled labour which, at least up here, pay VERY good money and allow these kids to lead happy/productive lives.

[MAthiAS]

I agree with you man, a really poor way of trying to get kids to finish high school.

[ARBITER]

I agree with you man, a really poor way of trying to get kids to finish high school.

yeah,and if they do drop out and need to drive to work they're F'd....

[Futue te Ipsum]

Where do you live? Here is the other way around. Scholarships are offered to science students and almost nil to art students.
A very good system.

[Futue te Ipsum]

I'm against education.
Hey, it's cheaper than ignorance.

[MAthiAS]

Alright, this is something a bit unrelated to education itself but in the school system. Maybe its just my school, but there is no recycling in the entire school, something that would be easily implemented and just set an example among students. Also there is such an obscene amount of styrofoam waste that alternatives should be considered.

[Scuba_Steve]

Alright, this is something a bit unrelated to education itself but in the school system. Maybe its just my school, but there is no recycling in the entire school, something that would be easily implemented and just set an example among students. Also there is such an obscene amount of styrofoam waste that alternatives should be considered.


my schools (elementary and highschool) all had recycling.

[pooble]

we had recycling in our school. they made the mentally retarded kids* pick it up from each class every week.

*dont know the proper PC term.

[MAthiAS]

my schools (elementary and highschool) all had recycling.
Cool.

[Against Miik!]

The American education system is definitely lagging behind. And honestly, I don't have a good reason why. Maybe it's because there is just so much to do now, it distracts kids from school. Everybody has to much on there plate. I personally see it getting worse, because the problem is with our society. Its not something you can fix through some government program. I really don't know how bad it is, because I go to one of the top probably 15 public high schools in Ohio, but I know its a problem some place. This is going to sound racist, but I think the minority populations bring it down. This is not truely a racist statement because I know for a fact that in Cleveland, 1/3 of black males do not graduate high school. The ones that do, i'm sure, can't be to far ahead. Now granted the Cleveland public school system is in shambles, but still, thats hardly an excuse.

[bradc1988]

I think the Australian education system is doing okay, but it has some major problems. The main problem is funding and where it's being spent. Public schools are so underfunded it's a joke, whereas private schools are getting much more funding plus the large fees paid for attendance. My high school, a public school, had to rely on fundraising by parents to pay for a shaded areas in the quad where temperatures reach up to and over 40'C in summer.

Academic-wise our public schools are gradually getting much better results compared to their private rivals. I know that the main reason for much better results in my school this year was due to the dedication and help of the teachers, mainly the Math and Science departments. But there is a growing problem with staff numbers, where there are not enough teachers for our schools.

I don't really think any country has a great education system, there's always going to be flaws and it will take a lot of time and money to fix all these problems. But, I do think that a lot of the success is dependant on the dedication of the students. If any student applies themself enough they will have a better chance of succeeding compared to just sitting on their arses waiting for things to come to them and blaming there teachers or parents when they fail. But what do I know.....

[pooble]

they also made the slow kids clean up the cafateria after everyone was done eating. it made me sad to see that.

[Det_Nosnip]

we had recycling in our school. they made the mentally retarded kids* pick it up from each class every week.

*dont know the proper PC term.

Mentally disabled...and that's sick.

Schools need better teachers. To most teachers, it's "just a job". They need to be motivated and rewarded for student success. School systems in America/Canada teach a lot of kids to do the bare minumum to get by.
Many teachers start out passionately but become disillusioned over time. Those who treat it as "just a job" probably took the job because of the vacation hours. ;)


I haven't read the entire thread, but I saw someone mention vouchers? That's a very good idea. Right now students are placed in schools where they're zoned, most don't have a choice at all.

What's needed between different schools is competition. If students get the choice as to where they want to go, then if a school has a bad reputation of low test scores, poor facilities and overall incompetence in the faculty, students/they're parents will not want to attend that particular school.

I agree, as long as there are limitations. That system could easily get out of hand, resulting in countless schools being closed and those that remain becoming ridiculously overcrowded. In order for the system to be truly successful, it would also be necessary for the school system to implement longer bussing routes (for students who lack other means of transportation), which would cost quite a bit of money.

[pooble]

Mentally disabled...and that's sick.

yea thats it, they make up a new name each week

[PremierManiac]

Mentally disabled...and that's sick.
Not always. I personally know a cognitively disabled (that's the right word, my dad specializes in teaching them) kid and they love getting out of their room and doing odd jobs like that. It makes them feel useful.

[666Ozzfan]

Ok, just found this thread and wanted to ask people in america:

How does your college thing work regarding football? I'm really kinda confused by it. As I understand it, some who is good at football gets to go to college/university to study. This seems kinda wierd to me, and I don't understand why someone who's good at a sport gets through entrance. Or is it for studying sports etc?

[uhhyeah]

If you're good enough at certain you can get a scholarships ranging from miniscule to full. Some will even go so far as to get financial aid and various other grants on top of their scholarship, which actually adds up to them being paid to attend school.
I've seen far too many dumbasses get athletic scholarships to universities when they didn't deserve to be sitting in those classes in the first place.

[Amit]

education is good

very good

[uhhyeah]

education is good

very good

Sure is. If just angers me that someone can be paid to flunk out of classes while I had to pay for my 3.8 GPA. Granted, not all athletes are like this, but many that I have dealt with could hardly write a coherent paper because a sport was higher on their priority list.

[Amit]

that's the sad way a lottttt of colleges work, even the way higher-ups :-\

[uhhyeah]

pretty much. is it like that at JH?

[Amit]

kinda haha

the (lack of) intelligence of the varsity lacrosse team has been one of the longest running jokes at hopkins; of course it isn't true at all but still it is always good for easy laughs =)

[Ghoul Hunter]

1) I think the public school system is horrible as always. Far too many children grow up not even knowing where to locate America on a labled map!

2) I believe what is contributing to this is overall lazyness. America needs to change morally and socially to improve in the schools.

3) Stated above, the change must begin with the people.

^^^^^^^100%

In my case, the Florida schooling system is horrible. I mean HORRIBLE. Nothing can save us :lol:

[uhhyeah]

run with stick. catch ball. throw ball. wow, university is awesomes.

At the end of my first semester my freshmen year, one of the basketball players got in line with the rest of us to sell his books back and had a shopping cart-full of books from the rest of the team. Seriously the books were like the science of basketball, sports this, sports that, math for idiots, how to write a period without making a hole in your paper, etc. This guy next to me just says, "Well, looks like the basketball team was eligible this year." Then silence...

pretty funny

[Det_Nosnip]

Not always. I personally know a cognitively disabled (that's the right word, my dad specializes in teaching them)
Meh, the place I work at uses the term "Mental Retardation" in alot of official documents. :rolleyes: The most common one I've encountered has been "DD" (Developmentally Delayed/Disabled).

kid and they love getting out of their room and doing odd jobs like that. It makes them feel useful.

True, but it's still somewhat exploitive. It would be much better if it were set up as a volunteer program in which all students participated and the DD's happened to get preference, or something. It would also be better if collecting garbage was one of many different activities that the kids did, making it more about "giving the kids valuable work experience" and less about "paying the janitors less money." :rolleyes:

[666Ozzfan]

So a good footballer is paid to go to university. Could that also be because the football player can play for the uni team and help them win? Aside from the scholarships I mean.

[Reaganista]

How does your college thing work regarding football?
we don't have a football team
We have a basketball team
they're not that dumb
compared to the average student
and they keep winding up in my 300 level social sciences courses, so it's not like they're reading averse or anything

[uhhyeah]

So a good footballer is paid to go to university. Could that also be because the football player can play for the uni team and help them win? Aside from the scholarships I mean.

If they get enough of a scholarship and know how to work the financial aid and grant system, then they obtain more money than they are paying for their education. Sometimes it's quite a bit more, somethimes not. It's pretty much like some of them get paid.

they aren't allowed to be "paid" because that's technically illegal. Although, it's not exactly unheard of to recieve "gifts" from boosters and such to "help out" with living expenses. My buddy was the kicker on the Kansas State football team a few years back and they got an insane amount of **** because they made it to the Cotton Bowl.

Anyways, I really got sick of the amount of money thrown at athletes to attend my uni. I mean hell, we didn't even have enough faculty to teach a proper amount of courses in many instances.

[666Ozzfan]

So these athletes study sciences/law etc? or is it all sports related study

Because that may be slightly more understandable.

What are non-sports scholarships like? Are they as common/do they give around the same amount of money?

[The_Passenger]

Wow I think I can remember when this thread was first made.

Anyway, I agree with what Med was saying earlier in this thread about the Science exams. My GCSE exams were easy, for lack of a better word, and the questions about why scientists should share the evidence with others doesn't show you have any understanding of biology, chemistry or physics. I've already noticed after only a month of AS levels that there seems to be a pretty big jump from these subjects at GCSE to AS level.

Also, I think people need to be encouraged more to take the sciences to a higher level. The amount of people taking Physics beyond GCSE is down something like 56% this year, and Chemistry is down about 35%. Meanwhile subjects like Media Studies seem to get more popular every year.

[sexymuffin]

my only real problem with education in america is how it's set up with our society to the point that you really can't get a job in anything that pays well unless you go to college.

So then college stops becoming a place to push your academic learning and it becomes a place that you need to go through in order to make it in this country.

I think it's kinda sad.

[bleep_bloop]

i hate it how education is more about passing tests and **** instead of actuall learning. it's stupid how much stuff is affected by an a, b, c, or d, etc.

[666Ozzfan]

Speaking of a, b, c, d etc. What are your views on multi choice tests? Sure, it can be easier, but does it really test your knowledge?

[Futue te Ipsum]

i hate it how education is more about passing tests and **** instead of actuall learning. it's stupid how much stuff is affected by an a, b, c, or d, etc.are employers supposed to read your mind to see how much you know?

[Futue te Ipsum]

Speaking of a, b, c, d etc. What are your views on multi choice tests? Sure, it can be easier, but does it really test your knowledge?
A
COMPLETE
JOKE

negatively marked ones are OK, but standard ones are just stupid.

[Mr. Ron]

my only real problem with education in america is how it's set up with our society to the point that you really can't get a job in anything that pays well unless you go to college.

So then college stops becoming a place to push your academic learning and it becomes a place that you need to go through in order to make it in this country.

I think it's kinda sad.

Agreed 100%

[Amit]

i have never met a non-immigrant in america who complains about the change in the importance of college in america; it's always been naturalized (white) citizens

interesting

my only real problem with education in america is how it's set up with our society to the point that you really can't get a job in anything that pays well unless you go to college.

So then college stops becoming a place to push your academic learning and it becomes a place that you need to go through in order to make it in this country.

I think it's kinda sad.

that's life in a global meritocracy

get used to it :-\

i don't think its sad at all by the way; it's not like college stops being a place where you can push your academic learning lmao

[Africa]

I don't like it when white people complain that minorities are getting the best of them in college admittance due to the fact that they are minorities.

[Amit]

i don't like it when white people complain period LOL

[Africa]

Lolz oxymoronic.

[Amit]

wait why is that an oxymoron

[Africa]

Because whites as generally perceived as the privelaged elite whining = oxymoronic.

[Amit]

oh yeah true 8-)

[nowhesingsnowhesobs]

that's life in a global meritocracy

meritocracy
lol

[Mr. Ron]

i don't like it when white people complain period LOL

Yes, because my skin color automatically makes me overprivledged.

[Amit]

sup to underprivileged people posting on the internet and having over 20k posts

wait what

clearly something doesn't compute here

[AmericanWeiner]

there's a positive correlation between low intelligence and high religious affiliation


hmmm

if you want sources google it

[Mr. Ron]

sup to underprivileged people posting on the internet and having over 20k posts

wait what

clearly something doesn't compute here

Mmmm yes, a computer clearly makes me a rich white guy.

[Amit]

it definitely doesn't make you a poor sudanese woman lol sup

[Mr. Ron]

it definitely doesn't make you a poor sudanese woman lol sup

Having a computer still doesn't make someone overprivledged. Look at yourself if you want to see someone who is overprivledged and not white.

[Amit]

i never called you overprivileged

and how am i overprivileged

how much do you even know about me other than that i have a computer lmao

[StrawberryFieldsForever]

I'm not speaking for all of Canada, but specifically my school/Manitoba schools, if applicable.

I'm just gonna say that the education system pretty much kicks ***. I go to the smallest high school in Winnipeg (a city of 700 000, to get an idea of size). There is a very healthy balance of academics, shops, arts, and athletics, which I think is important in every school. Some students can calculate crazy *** mathematical equations, some students can sing or paint with the best of 'em, some can craft a cabinet out of wood like a pro, and some students can run a hundred meter in unbelievable time. People excel at different things and I think it is the responsibility of all schools to meet these specific needs for students.

From what I've read, there are schools which focus almost entirely on academics. I believe this is completely wrong because there are many types of learning patterns, and anyone who's taken a half-decent psychology class should know that. Some people see the world in numbers and fractions, some people see the world in colours and music...it's just the way you were born, raised, and learned to enjoy doing most.

Students should never be forced into a class they don't wanna take. Most people would be like "that would make all the kids go into Gym and Shops instead of important things like Math" but I firmly disagree with that. I'm only required to take one English, but I choose to take three different courses. Most kids in my school are like this.

The only thing I don't like is the joke of a Western Civilization class we have at my school, which is a bloody shame because I'm looking at taking history courses in University.

[Mr. Ron]

i never called you overprivileged

and how am i overprivileged

how much do you even know about me other than that i have a computer lmao

It's pretty well known fact that you're well off. You made a thread once about buying a car in the "mid-price range" and all the cars you listed were 34,000-45,000 dollars.

[Amit]

being well off and being overprivileged are two quite different things

[nowhesingsnowhesobs]

yeah atman you bought your place at JHU didn't you?

[Mr. Ron]

being well off and being overprivileged are two quite different things

You are well privledged nontheless.

[Reaganista]

EVERYONE IN THE FIRST WORLD IS A BOURGEOISIE

i posted a video earlier that explained this to you

[sexymuffin]

that's life in a global meritocracy

just becuase you go to college doesn't make you special or talented in the least bit.

you could come from a family with money, or be struggling just to make ends meet because you can't get into a decent career without some college diploma that you didn't even really care about.

get used to it :-\


I am used to it, but that doesn't mean i agree with it.

i don't think its sad at all by the way; it's not like college stops being a place where you can push your academic learning lmao

you're right, you still can push your academc learning in college, but that's not why the majority of people go to college anymore. They go to college becuase they have to in order to make anything of themselves. Our society is centered around college degrees as being this huge important thing, but it's really just become another four year lease on life. Everyone parties, cheats, and slacks their way through what is supposed to be the pinnical of education in this country.

[Amit]

i am sorry but you have a hilariously offbase perception of what college is like

especially the everyone cheating bit

just becuase you go to college doesn't make you special or talented in the least bit.

who said it did

[sexymuffin]

then enlighten me

[Iskandar]

EVERYONE IN THE FIRST WORLD IS A BOURGEOISIE

We must stand up for the rights of the oppressed multitrillionaire class.

[Amit]

read the ethics code for any school

you have an easier time getting into medical school with a prior conviction than if your college ethics records are nothing less than 100% clean

http://www.rbs2.com/plag.htm

here is my school's ethics bit:

http://www.jhu.edu/~ethics/constitution.html

[uhhyeah]

Everyone parties, cheats, and slacks their way through what is supposed to be the pinnical of education in this country.

I sure didn't cheat and slack. Sure I partied a bit my first couple of years, but those who are serious about school pretty much grow out of that as I did.

[Det_Nosnip]

Yeppers.

[Futue te Ipsum]

err, getting an extra what... 2% or something on a paper you'll pass anyway isn't worth the risk of getting thrown out of a course that was bloody hard to get into.

[dustindow]

Oh man it's been awhile since I talked about this. Where to start....

Our education system in the public aspect is staggering and falling behind more and more each year. There are many factors to contribute to this along with the misappropriation sp? of funding and administration.

I'll come back later and elaborate.

[raab]

1] The Australian education system in my opinion is actually quite good. It's strong, it works, yet they're changing it. So basically this is the last year of existing system, the year (grade) 12's this year are the only people using the existing system, the system that has been for years and is stable and proven to work. After this year, every grade will have phased in the new OBE (outcomes based system) which i think is stupid, and most of the teachers think say theroatically it would work, but the existing system was more efficient and much easier for them. "What isn't broken, don't fix it".

2] I blame the education system, teachers are heroes, education system workers are idiots.

3] Let the teachers have more of a god damn say.

Oh and btw im in the last grade to use the existing system, and i think it works fine.
Theres my rant. :)

[dustindow]

in a Post 9-11 and Columbine nation our focus is more on security and being P.C. then achieving goals of educating and creating upright productive citizens of the U.S.

With my experiances in school, attention to the individual isn't or at all focused at all. Its more a mass production, information is just given and reviewed then forgotten.....ahh I have to be on my way I'll add later.

[Futue te Ipsum]

I'm currently being taught how to avoid being sued. Lulz society, lulz.

[croniun]

in a Post 9-11 and Columbine nation our focus is more on security and being P.C. then achieving goals of educating and creating upright productive citizens of the U.S.

With my experiances in school, attention to the individual isn't or at all focused at all. Its more a mass production, information is just given and reviewed then forgotten.....ahh I have to be on my way I'll add later.

The high school I used to go to is now requiring that a teacher/administrator/police officer escort anyone who has to use the bathroom to the bathroom and the escort must stand outside the stall until you finish. Yep..

[Futue te Ipsum]

rofl america is weird : /

[dustindow]

The high school I used to go to is now requiring that a teacher/administrator/police officer escort anyone who has to use the bathroom to the bathroom and the escort must stand outside the stall until you finish. Yep..

and to what reforms, advancements, accomplishments have we had since hell....ever. We police schools untill we FIND a reason to make arrests.

But what credit is owed in the field of learning, teaching. Why is the drop out rate increased?

How come man like Bill Gates, who had low grades but still becomes a billionare. That does NOT make sense in what is suppose to accomplishments.

[Ad Absurdum]

First off, I'm Scottish, incase you want to know what education system I'm talking about. I'm 17 too, in the last year of school and I've been through the whole system to this point.

1) How do you feel about your country's education system? Is it doing well, is it lagging behind...do you see the situation improving based upon the current administration's policies, or do you see it getting worse?The education system is very much aimed towards mediocrity. There's a much larger emphasis on passing exams than developing skills and developing intellectually. The exams are very much predicatable and you can memorise techniques instead of understanding the content to pass the exam - not a good system at all in my opinion.

The first year of university in Scotland is also exactly the same as the last year of school, which is very silly in my opinion. Generally people with good grades from the last year of school wouldn't like the hassle of going into second year at uni straight away so this pushes alot of people down to England (were we are also up to a year younger than everyone else), so there seems to be something odd going on with the transition between school and university.

2) If you feel that the education system is failing, what do you believe is contributing to that? Conversely, if your education system is doing well, what would you primarily attribute that success to? For example, in America, I would say that the current state of education is pretty poor. Who is responsible for this...the Federal Government/this administration? Local City/State Government/s? School administrations? Families/parents of the students?I'd say that the system isn't working too well (there is a worrying number of people going on to university whose basic numeracy/literacy is shockingly bad), so clearly the exams don't reward the right attributes in my opinion. I would lay the blame on the structure of the courses. I would also complain about the lack of material available for advanced level studies in Scotland (we have to use English material, and any means possible for the parts that don't cross over). Both of these are the fault of the Scottish Qualifications Authority I would say.

3) If you feel that the situation can be improved, how would you do it?I would definately replace the emphasis of the course, problem solving skills are far more important than being able to memorise formulae in my opinion. I would also have a much wider range of exams, people are lumped into three distinct groups in Scotland, the upper of which is no challenge whatsoever to talented students. I would say that about half of the students at a given level will feel their abilities are sufficiently challenged at that level.