Monday, February 13, 2012

A brief on American education

Short version. 


It has long been apparent that education in America, when compared to other countries, has lagged behind. Explanations are many and varied. Suffice it to say that a clear solution hasn't been produced. I suggest that students here lack a work ethic comparable to that in Korea, Japan and other countries ahead of us on the list, coupled with our system of teaching that emphasizes individual test taking systems rather than group problem solving. Add to this a lack here, in many cases, of parental involvement in their children's education. Argue all you want, but we still find our education lagging. Perhaps we need to study and adopt Korea's model.


3 comments:

Rachel said...

Perhaps we, as Americans, need to put a greater emphasis on education in general. What do we pay our teachers? How many cuts to the school programs continuously shrink the learning experience? Compare the amount of money put into education country-wide. Now consider how much money goes into professional sports teams, actors payrolls, musicians bankrolls. What does this tell us? America would rather be entertained than educated. How do we change that? What about putting enough money into education that it could be fun? High-tech classrooms, interactive classes, the best teachers- who continue to learn and grow because they are paid enough to do so, financed field trips, and worthwhile extra-curriculars.
Just an idea...

Allegra said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Allegra said...

Have you heard of Sir Ken Robinson? If you haven't, check him out...I think you'll truly appreciate what he has to say. Here are two links to get you started:) The first one is my favorite as it deals with what America values with regards to education and how the arts, unfortunately, take a backseat. In fact, I used this clip as the basis for a semester-long graduate school project. Knowing the Boettcher family, I thought you'd especially appreciate this:)

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U