Ramana that is exactly the "outside the box" kind of thinking we need. Our education system sucks - it was designed for a largely agrarian society and has been dysfunctional for decades. Here in Texas kids are simply taught to pass THE TEST they must all pass to get out with their diploma. Getting an education is secondary. We cannot compete in the looming world economy the way we are going and the right wingers simply want to make education the bastion of the priveledged. If we alllow that to happen we have noone to blame but ourselves.
Shackman, There are many other initiatives that are taking place merging technology and opportunity. One of them is this: http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_shows_how_kids_teach_themselves.html
Another is: http://blog.ted.com/2011/10/17/learning-from-a-barefoot-movement-bunker-roy-on-ted-com/
I think that Shackman and I are of the old school that believed that education was learning to learn, not acquiring qualifications. I think that the three of us, in our life time will see major changes take place in the education systems of the world.
Ramana, that isn't just old school, that is what education is really about. As a science teacher, I always tried to teach that science was a process, not a collection of facts. The "facts" generated were important in furthering the process more than vice versa. Facts are supported but temporary understandings.
If a post is older than 7 days, the comment will go for moderation. Sorry for that inconvenience, but it cuts down on spam and it is much better than Captcha. I promise to check the moderation folder regularly.
That could be anywhere in the UK or Ireland. Over here it is the young and the pensioners who are the easy targets for the brunt of the cuts.
ReplyDeleteGM, we get to see values in action. It isn't all bad ... but a lot of it is!
DeleteThere is hope yet TOF. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/16/opinion/friedman-come-the-revolution.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20120516
ReplyDeleteI think there is definitely hope. We just have some transition ahead moving to a new era and the good ways won't be widespread for awhile.
DeleteRamana that is exactly the "outside the box" kind of thinking we need. Our education system sucks - it was designed for a largely agrarian society and has been dysfunctional for decades. Here in Texas kids are simply taught to pass THE TEST they must all pass to get out with their diploma. Getting an education is secondary. We cannot compete in the looming world economy the way we are going and the right wingers simply want to make education the bastion of the priveledged. If we alllow that to happen we have noone to blame but ourselves.
ReplyDeleteThe kids are being trapped by the ill-conceived "No Child Left Behind" that has accomplished precisely what you mention.
DeleteShackman, There are many other initiatives that are taking place merging technology and opportunity. One of them is this: http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_shows_how_kids_teach_themselves.html
ReplyDeleteAnother is: http://blog.ted.com/2011/10/17/learning-from-a-barefoot-movement-bunker-roy-on-ted-com/
When I can see some daylight, I will watch these.
DeleteI think that Shackman and I are of the old school that believed that education was learning to learn, not acquiring qualifications. I think that the three of us, in our life time will see major changes take place in the education systems of the world.
ReplyDeleteRamana, that isn't just old school, that is what education is really about. As a science teacher, I always tried to teach that science was a process, not a collection of facts. The "facts" generated were important in furthering the process more than vice versa. Facts are supported but temporary understandings.
DeleteNo one decided to pick up on the misspelling of targeted in the article.
ReplyDelete