Academic success (was Re: bad cyberbullying decision)
EDTECH Editor-Jones
> How is it that we have such poor results in academic matters if schools
> are focused on material?
Perhaps my statement was poorly worded (not surprising!). To me there are
a few issues at work in terms of academics. I have a second grader in
school now and I also have kids that have graduated from college, so I can
see things from some interesting perspectives.
I see schools now going through routines without a lot of fundamentals.
My second-grader doesn't do specific penmanship -- the approach is like how
some schools teach typing, the assumption that they'll just pick it up
somehow. It seems less time is spent of fundamentals. My son is taught
various graphs; I think that's nice but it is inappropriate when most of
his classmates do not have basic addition and subtraction down cold.
It seems to me that a big emphasis is put on socialization skills and not
fundamentals. Kids are not told they need to know something and that is
that -- instead, every excuse in the book is offered up and teachers move
on before students "own" knowledge or some concept. It's all done in the
name of following the state-mandated curriculum.
And what amazes me is the students I see. It may be just me, but there
seems less joy and play in school and much more simmering hatred. I am
simply astonished that my second-grader only has one short recess in
school -- again, there is "no time" because of curriculum requirements.
Hell, I'd hate school too if in that situation.
I have numerous teachers complain about endless interruptions
and "specials" -- everything from outside people to the guidance counselor
having to take time and talk to classes.
In total, while more time and focus is on curriculum, I think a lot of it
boils down to lip service and just going through the motions.
> How can we spend so much on education only gaining poor results?
I view this as part of a societal problem. Our society overall is just
too focused on money and budgets. We worship Mammon and not results. You
can see this in everything from US foreign aid where billions are spent but
things rarely get accomplished, to schools where educrats measure their
worth in how big their budgets are. Results come from *people* and we
simply do not focus on or value people.
Regards,
.
Randy
--
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until
you hear them speak.
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