Education And Achievement What Are Your Children Learning?
84Newton's Work On Optics Was Ground Breaking
These Examples Are From Real Exam Papers. I've Seen Similar
Where Are All The Clever kids Hiding? Not In England It Would Seem
What are you doing as a parent to prepare your child for the future? The home is where education begins,
Do not rely or the education system, it may not be around much longer.
It may not teach your child what they need to know to survive in the future. Are kids dumber today than they were in the 17th century? You decide.
Sadly I know that the people that I need to read this article probably will not read it, and the message may go unheard.
The people that do read this article, are probably already doing a reasonable job with their kids.
The very act of reading something with a title like the one above tell's me a lot about my readership, and their outlook on life.
In the 17th century the sum knowledge of all science would fill one volume? And yet it produced people like Sir Isaac Newton.
Newton had no internet connected computer, iPad, iPod or a mobile phone. And look what he discovered. Gravity amongst other things.
Shoving your kids in front of a computer as a form of babysitting is not going to help them. You need to engage with your children and teach them something, anything wholesome and useful.
I am aware that it is, and has been very fashionable, to be as dumb as a post, for many years now. We even have TV shows and celebrities who are famous just for being thick as a brick stupid. The dumber the better.
The Village Idiots Have Taken Over The Village
The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) is a perfect example. 3 Generations of moron's all in the same family. Yet it is the breakout star show of 2011 and 2012 no doubt. I am sure they are very nice people and not as dumb, as they are portrayed.
This tribe of tripe is compelling viewing but it encourages the thick to stay that way. The Dumb think, 'well if they (TOWIE) are doing OK so will I.
I will just carry on and the world will come to me too, as I am as thick as them. And what does the world of TV do. Rewards the dumb buggers with more TV shows.
We also have the Dummies from Made In Chelsea who are rich and even thicker than the TOWIE mob. So across the social spectrum dumbness is cool.
What message are we sending to our kids?
Hi From Cape Town
Learning To Read Early Is Vital
|
Sylvan Learning School Success Reading CDs & Books 8-12 Homeschool Sealed Unused
Current Bid: $27.95
|
Computers Can Help With Guidance
History Of Education
 | Amazon Price: $40.00 List Price: $86.80 |
Are Our Kids Really As Dumb As Posts.
The question is where are today's clever kid's, the next Newton's or Einstein's?
Many kids today have unrivaled access to information, that we could never have dreamed of.
If we needed to find some information, it meant hitting the books in the library.
Yet today's youth 'appear' to be getting dumber, according to popular opinion.
With all this new technology at their fingertips; where are they going?
In theory there should be 10's of 1000’s of clever kids out there?
So where are the next Newtons. Maybe in so-called developing nations. i.e. Africa, India or South America
As an ICT teacher a job that I really enjoy.
I have seen very many very bright children in both England and South Africa.
They are not encouraged by what they see in the media.
Footballers earning millions, and morons getting huge careers, simply for getting their kit off.
The dumber you are, it appears, seems to propel you to stardom.
After almost 20 years of teaching in the UK I had gathered quite a lot of data on how and why we educate children
Why do we educate the way we do it?
The school in a social context.
We are social animals and we work better when we work together.
The education system in Britain and many other industrialized countries, was set up to feed the needs of industry, business, finance and commerce.
Secondary Modern schools were set up and organised to produce the raw material for factories and industrial processes.
The labourers, skilled labourers and if you were clever you might get a be lucky enough to learn a trade, after a 5 to 7 year apprenticeship.
The UK Grammar school system was set up to 'skim off the cream' for the elite positions in society.
The current UK government, predominantly where educated in 'the public school system' (Eton, Harrow et al.).
In a post industrialized society like Britain our Education System Is out of date.
The UK and USA education systems, both developed out of the revolution in farming and industrial innovation, that lead to the industrial revolution in the 17th and 18th century.
The school academic year, still reflects the needs of farmers at harvest time.
The type of education you received depended on your class background and still does to a large extent.
The poor were "trained to the needs of industry".
The rich kids were taught to think.
We are now in a post industrial age, so why are we still teaching kids, in basically the same way.
The kids from less affluent homes, leave school ill equipped for the 21st century.
The rich are still taught to think, but seem to have become predominately idle.
Education And Achievement Starts At Home, Raising Money For Books
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Educational Research
|
Mymathlab/Mystatlab Student Access Code Card by Pearson Education, Inc. and...
Current Bid: $59.99
|
Commited Parents,Teachers And Kids
So what is the difference between advanced industrial societies, like Britain and the USA, and the emerging or developing countries?
As you can see from the pictures the schools in Cape Town, appear like any school in a developed country.
The main difference is, that just about everyone is determined, that the children "must" learn. Not that it would be 'nice' they 'must' learn for their own futures.
The parents and teachers put on these fundraising days, monthly, to try to raise money to buy "text books" for the children.
It's very hard to teach a child that is hungry; and many but not all of the schools are sponsored by charities, who organise feeding days.
Many schools in rural areas have no facilities at all, not even a school building.
These South African parents are definitely not dumb, and they are helping to produce educated children.
If we can learn anything from this, it is that "you get out what you put in"
Many Parents in developed countries have reneged on their responsibilities.
In the developing countries, there is still the idea that; if you don’t contribute to the tribe you should be excluded!
This brings us back to the idea that we are social animals, that work better together than independently.
We are more than the sum of our parts. 10 people working together can achieve much more that 10 individuals working alone.
How many teachers have heard a dumb parent comment.
"You are the teacher, you teach them"!
This is why we have so many TV shows, trying to teach parents, how to teach their children; rather than buy them a babysitting computer, or video games.
It's really quite embarrassing. To be British and abroad?
The Townships Of Cape Town
guguletu,cape town,south africa - The townships seem to the casual tourist like hellholes but in fact they are in many respects the picture of a well ordered community.
Education Is The One Thing That Is Yours Forever
 | Amazon Price: $23.50 List Price: $28.95 |
So Where Are The Clever Kids?
Probably in a classroom in a developing country!
I had been in South Africa for many. When I returned I was shocked and appalled at what I found in UK schools.
When you are in a country continuously for many years, you may not notice the steady drip, drip, drip of gradual changes.
When you have been away for a few years the changes are stark and alarming!
The way things have emerged in the UK education system is really quite astonishing.
I have heard what I thought were intelligent head teachers state;
"that all the kids need now is a computer"
In England now, we have a "job" that has been invented, called a "cover supervisor" they are not teachers.
Many have no qualifications or experience in teaching and they are standing in front of your children.
In your children's school classroom; when there are no teachers available, this is who they have to instruct them.
Your taxes are paying for baby-sitters, for your teenage children; when they should be learning?
No wonder Britain's education system and society, seems to have gone to hell in a hand-basket.
Even the most sensible child will start to play up, or stop working, when they know that the person (cover supervisor) in front of them, has no clue, as to what work they are supposed to be doing.
It takes many years to train as a teacher, and even more years to get good at it.
The attitude amongst many parents in the UK is.
"Who cares, it's your problem not mine"?
So if you want to know where the next Newton or Einstein is coming from; I think you know where to look.
Your child's education and achievement, is far too important to leave to chance.
Isn't it about time, 'you' took a more active role, in your children's future.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu Interview
Take Charge Of Your Child's Education
|
Doing Multicultural Education for Achievement and Equity
Current Bid: $43.62
|
Home School
 | Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School Amazon Price: $6.50 List Price: $14.95 |
Is History Repeating In South Africa
I am not suggesting that everything is rosy, in these developing countries either.
The difference is, the parents and teachers of South Africa, are doing a great job in spite of the SA government's lack of initiative, or proper assistance.
We need those SA parents attitudes here in Britain.
Sadly many politicians in SA, as well as here in Britain, are self serving.
The South African Government must step up and be counted, and remember why they fought for power.
To free the weak and oppressed. Not for a few politicians, and business people to get rich.
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
George Santayana
16 December 1863 in Madrid, Spain – 26 September 1952
South Africa's politicians, who were put into power, by pressure from countries like the UK, USA and EUROPE in general, have failed their people.
The infrastructure is collapsing.
Desmond Tutu is very disappointed. As these elders voices fall quiet, where will this leave the people of SA.
SA Politicians have been, and continue to enrich themselves and have abandoned their people.
The South African education system, is also in crisis, with no sign of any initiative coming from the government.
The teachers, parents and children, are working tirelessly to help, as they all see the importance of education.
The ladder to success, is being pulled up by their own leaders.
In the UK, we have laws that protect your child's right to an education.
These laws were hard won over many years.
They are being flouted and are gradually being eroded.
The cover supervisor is just one sign of things to come.
Fortunately for parents in the UK, we still have some laws protecting your child's education.
If you are not happy with the education and achievement of your child, you have someone to complain too. www.education.gov.uk/
For how much longer who knows?
Are UK Kids Dumber. You Decide?
Other Hubs In This Group
- The Virtual Classroom Online Education & Learning. S...
Do we really need schools. With modern technology surely the formal schools days are numbered? Watch Sir Ken Robinson' brilliant video on changing the way we organise and run education. The Virtual Classroom Online Education & Learning. Software - Are We Re-Inventing Or Detasking Teachers For The Di...
Plans a afoot to De-skill the teaching profession along the same lines that computers have obliterated other industries like, the printing trades. banking and finance sectors. Are you bothered? Are We Re-Inventing Or De-tasking Teachers For The Digit - How To Improve Your Reading Speed And Comprehension.
How many times have you read a page and yet cannot remember a single thing you have read? How To Improve Your Reading Speed And Comprehension.
What Is Your Opinion Of Education?
Are You Happy With Children's Education?
See results without votingvote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (10)
- Funny
- Awesome (7)
- Beautiful (2)
- Interesting (15)
Comments Your views are welcomeLoading...
Hello Theresa,
Sorry about the delay in replying to you but 'life' has become rather busy of late.
This cover supervisor issue is causing grave concern here.
School budgets have been cut and cover supervisors appeal to some schools as a cheap alternative to employing a qualified person.
It is a very short sighted approach and detrimental to the education of our children. It is impacting on so many children's achievement. Parents need to be asking questions, but so many seem oblivious to what is passing for an education these days.
Hi molometer, as an educator and a parent I am glad to see this subject brought up. Here in the U.S. we have good schools and poor schools. But in general the state of education is in jeopardy. I am sure the reasons are multiple,ranging from government funding, paper work requirements, and teachers only hanging around for a paycheck. So I agree with you, the education of our children is going to have to begin at home. I have recently read and heard about some real success stories about home schooling. If done properly, that may be a good way to go!Congratulations on your achievements in SA.
Michael - What a terrific, to the point, and important Hub! I can't believe that in all these months I never read your very first Hub. And it was about teaching and education!
Very well written, and of course I am in complete agreement with you. We share the same concerns about the young people who are being so poorly educated and trained.
Totally new to me was the term/concept of a "Cover Supervisor." Sounds like a disastrous idea to me. Perhaps we have them in the US and I just don't know about it.
Thank you for an important and much-needed mni-rant about something which should concern us all, the education of our children. Theresa
SHARING OF COURSE!!
Thank you all for your comments. I agree with you all. I have been having internet connection issues and cannot answer individual comments at the moment. I will as soon as the connection issues are resolved. Thanks again for some really interesting ideas and comments.
Great points! I work in a high school where the work load has steadily diminished because parents don't want their kids to have too much homework, and they don't want them to have too much stress. They threaten to sue if we take away their kid's cell phones, and they constantly make excuses when their kids behave badly, cut classes or fall asleep in class. Then they wonder why their kids can't read or write in cursive, can't solve algebra problems and are generally poorly prepared for college.
Great hub, molometer. This reminds me so much of the education system here in the Philippines. Many children from poor families work hard to earn money just so they can have something to eat and go to school. Unfortunately, there is an extreme lack of facilities, man power, and help from the government. I admire these kids and who knows, the next Einstein might be currently living in the slums. Also, teachers are often neglected as well. With very little salary compared to other jobs, many people are discouraged to pursue a degree in education because there is very little incentive.
Interesting article. As a parent, I fully believe that being involved makes a huge difference! Teachers should not be the only ones responsible for educating a child. I realize everyone's circumstances vary, but, the time and effort invested by you as a parent in your childs education is so very important and impacts a child on so many different levels! I view teachers and my Co-educators in my childs life, we are a team, and we work together to help him learn.
Dear molometer,
Your hub was very interesting to read! But I wouldn't blame the parents in this case although you are perfectly right with their lack of interest of their teenage students. But consider this:
You can compare UK's grammar schools with Switzerland's.
I go to a grammar school in Switzerland you must know, 11th grade to be exact. As far as I know from a schoolmate who spent an exchange year in the UK, you only have to opt for 4 subjects, don't you? And your finals will be examined in those two subjects I assume.
In Swiss grammar schools it's a bit different. There you have 12 subjects + a scientific research on which you have to work at least 90h (but you have like 9 months time for this). So I would say that in the UK the overall education isn't as broad as in Switzerland. Moreover, my friend told me that the students there "didn't really know what was going on in the world". I don't know how true this is in general, but maybe this reflects your idea of becoming steadily dumber. Another consequence of the difference of education in those two countries is that school times differ. From what I have heard, in the UK it starts at 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. I guess. In Switzerland, it is a normal thing to have school from 7.45 a.m. untill 5 p.m. and even longer (what's barely the case). Maybe if the students would have more time to spend in school they would also be a bit smarter? I don't know. Another point of you you mentioned is that UK students use Wikipedia, Internet et cetera in order to gather their informations. Where I go to school, we have so-called "self-organized learning" (SOL) projects every term. Often we have to do a scientific research (or interpretation depends on which subject)and for this we Must go to libraries. The internet alone won't make an A-Grade here ;). My last point concerns the teachers or as you said it "cover supervisor", which have found their way into some schools. I don't know if this method could work and to speak frankly this is a complete failure to teach the students something. In Swiss grammar schools the teacher have to have studied their subject at least 5 years at university (I don't know how it is in the UK to apply for a grammar school teaching job).
Yes, I talked much and I am not insulting the UK's school system or anyone else nor am I saying Switzerland is better in a egoistical way nor am I looking down at the UK's school system arogantically. I only wanted to show you a comparison of two countries and maybe you could understand better why in your opinion UK students are becoming dumber and that in both countries parents are equally engaged.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my comment.
Sincerely,
mbyL
Great read and well-said. I once had a professor say - in his frustration with the class - that US students don't really care about education now. It's easy, it's there - everyone takes it for granted. Take it away, and people won't take it for granted - and they'll actually fight to study. I myself am a teacher - have been for 6 years. But the amount of frustration and crying I have done is making me want to leave the profession - forever. It's a combination of so many things - parents who make excuses for their kids, administration who won't back teachers up, kids who are unmotivated and a society (I'm in the US) who blames teachers for all its shortcomings. That's just the tip of the iceberg. I'll write a lot more hubs about it when I'm not in education anymore, haha. But, it all boils down to priorities: how can you expect kids to want to be intellectual and learn when brainy kids get picked on and the class clown gets all the attention? How can you expect kids to learn when their favorite sports star is making millions while the rest of us wither away in survivorville? Sheesh. I so agree with you. Voted up and SHARING.
Hi Thomas,
I don't need to reiterate your comment.
I can tell your views, come from long experience.
I love teaching too but come on parents, you have to step up and do something other than spawn kids. Then leave the rest of us to pick up the pieces. For less wages than a Bangkok Betty
Thanks for dropping in Thomas.
molometer...
I have no children or, particular interest, in them however, I am very interested in education. You have touched on some very important issues here! I taught in the San Francisco Bay Area for seven years and I remember (many times) hearing, "You're the teacher."
Yeah...apparently since we fed them before school, watched them after school, and kept them alive during school..what the hell...when was there time to teach?
Great Hub, Sir!
Thomas
Hi Protechno,
You made some good points and it does appear to anyone in the teaching profession that standards are falling.
Your comment:-
'The world didn't end up at this stage overnight. It's a result of mulch-generational efforts'
Is a truism, we have made the system this way for the needs of society; commerce and industry.
Thanks for your interesting ideas.
Hi Molometer,
This is a really inspiring Hub.
Education is missing from the majority's life and it's not just the schools that are to be blamed.
Teaching may still be available but not "Education". There is a stark difference between the two, even if they seem to be somewhat similar.
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” Socrates
Whereas the schools and institutions of today have a system where memorization and regurgitation of information is the norm. How can we expect to have Smart & Clever children from such a system?
Furthermore, the fact that a person is a good mathematician or an engineer or a doctor doesn't mean that he's genius, smart & clever too. There are many other variables that are to be taken into account to deduce that. Some people may be good at calculating numbers but are hopeless in thinking out of the box. The numbers is their life and they ended up being good at it because practice makes perfect. Another person may be good at surgeries but doesn't know even the basics of money.
The world didn't end up at this stage overnight. It's a result of multi-generational efforts. I believe you will be aware of John Taylor Gatto and his book called, "The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America".
It's an excellent book for educators and parents.
Thanks for Sharing :)
If you enjoy this hub you can thank Vocalcoach's hub on how to resurrect aging hubs. She inspired it. And very good advice it was too. It's amazing that after just a few month's on hubpages how our skills develop and change. You decide. I am pretty pleased with this what do you think?
Education And Achievement... Did Sir Isaac Newton Attend A School Like Your Children's?
Thanks Eye Say, Glad you agree and liked it.
well said molometer, a great read
Hello Reyna,
Thank you for your valuable contribution to this debate. There is growing evidence to support what you suggest,
I have seen it too.
We cannot put the genie back in the bottle, so we must try to ensure, that students get an all round education and not become reliant on these technologies.
You may recall the issue whereby students were doing exactly what you refer to. i.e.copying other peoples work and handing it in as their own. This is disastrous and some steps have been taken, to try to stop this but it is difficult.
I think we are still a long way off from a solution but at least we are raising awareness.
Thank you for your contribution and kind words.
I haven't had the time to read the previous comments of other readers, but I would like to contribute my observation on my experience on College Students. (I used to teach nursing students at a local State University.)
I believe it's not the overall system that needs to be updated (at least in what I've gathered in my place). The fact that these younger folks have access to a wide variety of information, they missed the opportunity to harness their own inquisitive nature. Since information are available on a click, they readily believe what was suggested online. I call these students of mine the "copy-paste" students.
We as educators should find a way in the system to lessen how the students manipulate their submitted assignments. Even bibliography can be taken from search engines, right? I believe that regardless of the system that is being employed (online education excluded), we as educators should be updated on how we can go around into knowing how deep the student's knowledge on his work. A balance between critical thinking and documentation should be achieved. Yes, we have to get hold of tangible evidence of subject requirements, but we also have to be active enough in determining if we achieved our goals in terms of developing the holistic personality of the individual.
I will soon tackle the depreciating values of students I've handled and hope to see your view on such matters. This is one nice exercise. It makes our neurons electrified! Kudos to your great hub!
Hello psychicdog.net,
I know what you mean. There is this attitude of entitlement and I Me My selfishness and the sad thing is they do not see it themselves.
It is as if we have breed a whole generation who know all of their 'rights and entitlements' and none of their responsibilities and duties.
In tribal society if you do not contribute to the well-being of the tribe you would be thrown out of the tribe.
Somewhere as a civilisation we have gone very wrong.
Hi Brett,
thanks for the info on EPIK, I will keep it for future reference. I do enjoy working with people that want to learn.
I too have found that working overseas can be very rewarding and makes one feel like something useful is being transferred.
Great call MM. What I'm getting from the apprentices coming through the building trade is a sense of 'education' which teaches kids riding on others rather than providing for others - any sense of service to others seems to have been lost somewhere along the line and discipline is now like a swear word rather than anything worth striving for. It's a mess from what I can see.
Hey Molometer,
If you actually wanted to teach here, you should look up EPIK (English Program In Korea). You can teach other subjects, but they are always wanting more teachers and the pay isn't too bad either, especially as the cost of living is really low. However, it sounds like you have yourself a pretty good position there, just with less motivated students.
Hi Brett,
I agree with you 100%.
When I was in South Africa working in some of the most educationally deprived areas (townships) I too was knocked out by their commitment,enthusiasm and willingness to do whatever it took to gain an education.
The UK along with many other developed countries have lost the plot entirely.
The next Newton is probably somewhere in the so called 3rd world.
Korea sounds great, not looking for another teacher are you?
Thanks eyesay for dropping in and leaving a comment.
Voted up, awesome and interesting!
Great hub. You are right in many ways, and seem to have hit the nail on the head, without actually saying it brutally, so I will:
The reason for students in the UK under-performing is the lack of hunger! (not for food, but to improve)
The government has made the country soft with excessive benefits and security. The children do not feel the same drive to do well, the need to escape and develop their life on their own, or even for some that they should work. Too many feel that 'they deserve' everything, where as in truth, they deserve nothing ... they should work for it.
Harsh I know, but it seems to be true. In a quiet valley in South Korea, I have been blown away by the drive, intelligence and commitment of even very poor children that can barely afford clothes or food. The government inspires development and the education system is incredible.
good hub! thanks for sharing your views.
Hello JD,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, it has been rather hectic with the half term and all.
You said it, we seem to have lost our way when the kids have every material advantage and still they fail. Something is definitely wrong here.
Thanks for the comment and please accept my apology for the delay.
Desmond tutu interview added. He is not impressed.
klanguedoc
You are correct that the kids today have access to all the information in the world at the touch of a button.
But what does the average kid do when ever they get the chance? I can tell you they are not looking up facts to help them with their school work.
A large proportion of children in developed countries know all about their "rights" but precious little about their responsibilities and this comes from their parents.
We are being told in the UK that people will have to work for longer and will not be able to retire at 65 because we have so many kids getting pregnant. And many of these are the children of generations of feckless wasters.
We all make mistakes but being lazy and living off others is not fair.
In tribal society if you don't contribute to the tribe you will be thrown out of the tribe.
The western world has lost its way.
I think it is the reverse. I think kids bombarded with so much information and society is so open that they know so much more than we did at that same age. Less we forget our own pass and shortcomings.
Yeah you're not wrong about Uni being fashionable. When I was there it was full of dossers wanting to spend their student loan on getting wrecked. Shame isn't it, when some people would love to have the opportunity for allt he right reasons.
Hi soulunique I agree with you and your mums views that things have gotten out of hand in the UK.
It is easy to doss through school and then go on benefits etc.
Education has always been and will always be a "route out of poverty" how that education is acquired is not as important as the quality of the education.
Necessity being the mother of invention, the next Newton is more than likely in some 3rd world classroom.
On your other point.
In the UK literally in the last 20 years going to "UNI" has become "the thing to do". and like anything that becomes fashionable it starts to attract people for all the wrong reasons. Not to learn but to put off work for another 3 years and the bragging rights.
Thanks again for you insights they are always welcome.
I had a conversation with my Mum the other day, She told me about her childhood and schooling. It was vastly different then from when I was at school. My mother is 63 and I am 26. I came to the conclusion that children in the country are spoilt. Schools are way too lenient. They are no where near as disciplined as they used to be. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe they should have ever used the cane, but it got kids to behave and keep their head down in class. Nowadays you get a children back chatting their teacher and refuse to work simply because they know there are no repercussions. They know that if they sail through school, they can live off benefits or get a call centre job when they leave school and have just enough money to get by. Or some rich kids know Mummy and Daddy will support them. In countries like Africa, education means getting somewhere in life. Being able to support yourself and your family. Their incentive is to get a better life for themselves. In the UK.. most of the Newtons are too busy gaming and skiving off school. It is a shame that university is becoming increasingly difficult to get into due to expenses, maybe that has something to do with it as well?
Michael you are a fountain of knowledge.. Your hubs intrigue me!
Hi tlmcgaa70 thanks for dropping by.
You are absolutely right of course; that the kids with the parents that know the value of a good education excel. And the devil take the hindmost. Governments on both sides of the pond keep fiddling around with the education system with their new fangled ideas that someone has dreamed up in some dingy office a million miles from any classroom. They never work and after 10-15 years they abandon it and try another dumb idea. And of course the teachers have to implement this new nonsense which takes an immense effort to rewrite all ones work to fit the new criteria.
No-one left behind seems to have created a situation where everyone is left behind? It happens here as well. A huge number of kids leave school unable to read write or do simple math. It really is a scandal.
Thanks again for dropping by.
Well a big hello epigramman and thank you for popping over the pond to read my modest foray into literature via my little hubs.
Thank you for the superlatives you have heaped on me. I will really have try to live up to them.
As you know I have read a few of your hubs and if I can get mine up to anything like the quality of yours I will be enchanted.
Thanks for the hubbers you recommended I will give them a follow.
It really is amazing the quality of these writers. I am in awe and very thankful for finding this community. I was beginning to believe that the whole planet had been dumbed down. Here's to a long and fruitful collaboration and association.
You are correct I am a teacher! says it on the label lol
it certainly isn't just a problem found in the UK...here in the good ols USA...the kids, and i have complained about it often, reach the age of 18 yrs old unable to spell even simple words. it is appalling to say the least. 2 things are to blame for it here...the policy of no child left behind, which encourages teachers to simply pass children rather than fail them if they cant keep up (to many students to a teacher doesnt give those in need enough one on one to keep up in the first place) and the fact that parents dont spend quality time with their children. those children who actually get quality time with their parents excel in school and in life and can be told apart from those who dont.
excellent hub...voted up, U< A< & I.
Hi Michael - so very nice to meet your acquaintance - I really do love your enthusiasm and team spirit and your world class attitude too - and thank you so much for your royal endorsement of my humble little hubspace - coming from such a special humanitarian like you - really means a lot - I admire you too for your open mind as you hold the key to enlightenment - and if I didn't know your background I would guess that you might be a teacher ...... if you need some more hubbers to follow please let me know - but for a start - check out my buddies Saddlerider, Alastar Packer, Hello Hello, DRBJ, and Mckbirdbks for a start .......
lake erie time ontario canada 9:22pm fall has arrived and it's cold and rainy here by the great lake.
Hi ubanichijioke thanks for your comments. I am glad that it was of interest.
Hi Timothy and thanks again for dropping by. Your comment
"The "State" or nation also shares a responsibility to "professionally" contribute and provide resources, inclusiveness, the support of free speech, as well as viable options for direction and advancement".
Is really getting to the nub of the matter.
"The state shares a responsibility"
Many parents in the USA & UK et al believe that they have no responsibility in the education of their children and they often state
"your the teacher; you teach them"
I agree with your assessment that there is a lack of moral compass in many of these parents, many of whom are irreligious, feckless and reckless and have had very little guidance themselves.
I suppose the question must be "When societies become secular where do people find there moral compass"?
A very thought-provoking piece. Well written. Parents must make wise decisions. Thanks
Oh, there is so much to be said about education, the pursuit of it, and the support thereof! It has been said that "the greatest gift a parent can give their children is independence." This does not imply that they should get lost once independence is achieved, but just the opposite. Having said that, education not only starts at the home, but it rightly evolves and is "polished" therein (due to its intimate nature and more compassionate interest); it also returns to the home for reciprocal refreshment and encouragement.
The "State" or nation also shares a responsibility to "professionally" contribute and provide resources, inclusiveness, the support of free speech, as well as viable options for direction and advancement.
In my opinion, a higher "spiritual" component is also NECESSARY for a truly great educational experience. This may include religious studies, as well as what is already offered in many schools of higher learning, including ethics and instruction in "virtuous morality". It is perhaps, in some communities that struggle with social issues, this higher spiritual, ethical and virtuous morale instruction that is lacking in the home and educational environments.
Overall, one must be aware that an education (without disputing the politics of credential recognition or the matters of the prudent security of technologies) is something that nobody can forcibly take away from those that possess it - "A knowledge cannot be taxed"; as well as the notion that two parties are blessed when an idea is shared by one to enrich the life of another, whilst the originator loses nothing.
Hi Reynold, thanks for your comments they are really appreciated and thanks for the vote of confidence. I follow your work and look forward to reading "Lean against the wind" when it arrives.
@JD Thanks for dropping by and contributing to the debate. I have a few friends from S.A. who are working in the Arab countries and they all report the same kind of challenges as you have seen. And in many cases the same attitude is evident in many English (UK) schools. I was very impressed with the people both children and adults that I met in South Africa and think they at least have a clue whereas these other so-called advanced nations are actually falling asleep on the job. Too many gadgets and distractions. Thanks for your contribution.
PegCole17 there has been recent research indicating that children have actually changed the way the memorise things basically they don't recall facts and dates as they just have to Google it. This cannot be good. I don't want a surgeon googling how to do an appendectomy when I'm on the operating table?
Thanks for dropping by and reading my hub.
Difficult to say as it is hard to measure intelligence. As to whether children are using their true potential, my guess is they are not. There are far too many distractions like cell phones, iPods and social networking sites that are more important to kids than studying. It is far too easy to look up the answer rather than make discoveries and learn. IMHO
Hi there
I have taught in SA for many years too. I must agree that the ethos in learning is definitely above standard. The fact that there is community involvement from both Parents and Schools and vice versa definitely makes a huge difference. You will find parents in the poorest communities reiterating the importance of education. Thses parents have challenges but they too realise the importnace of kids going to school and passing Grade 12 at least. I am now based in the Abu Dhabi Emirate of the UAE. The opposite prevails - it is a common for all kids to have personal drivers, nannies and personal tutors for every subject. As you are aware, these Emirates obviously have big money..... and the attitude is " we send our kids to school, we pay ... u sort him/her out". The learners, on the other hand, are not interested because they actually do not have to learn and qualify themselves - they have too much money. There is no support from parents and the rest of the communities. Consequently the teacher is faced with a discipline problem, motivation issues, parents who are not interested and a school admin who appeases the Community and Emirate parents. This has been a wonderful learning experience - However, it also made me realise how fortunate i was, to teach kids in SA who realise the importance of learning even though the education system and kids themselves are fraught with challenges. The behaviour and discipline issues are almost justifiable.
Proudly South African Teacher!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Like a lot of things, it varies by the individual and the parents are the key to how the kids turn out. There are a lot of smart ones and then we have lot deprived poverty stricken that have little hope. It's a big subject!!! I write a bit about it in my HUBS and "Lean Against the Wind" may very well be the most intense educational novel published in twenty years. Maybe you have a potential novel in you too!
You will get a Ioo rand
Think I better let the angry meter run for a few days as 38% of you have now voted that kids are dumber today than in the 17th century?
Marcoujor thank you for your kind words and I'm glad you took the time to read my first ever hubpage.
You are quite right as well, unless the parents see the value of education then what chance has the child got. In sociology we call this the "habitus" or 'how is the child living what are the values in the home etc. In South Africa where these pictures were taken; there is a big push from parents to help their child to "take to" education.
Under the apartheid regime the ANC under Mr.Mandela et al told their followers not to attend school as they felt they were being brainwashed by the regime. Which is true to a point in as much as you can brainwash anyone in school? (until they learn to think for themselves. Look at these poor unfortunates being so-called radicalised by the fundamentalists or so we are led to believe. I learn more to the view you can lead a horse to water etc.
molometer,
I love meeting you and hearing your ideas. I feel that with teachers like you and with involved parents, kids today have the potential to leave an "old fogey" like me in the dirt! However, with the opposite, I have been fearful of the behaviors observed, for example at a fast food cash register counter or even in a basic conversation.
As a teacher of adults (nurses), I can assure you, the behaviors are translated through the years... both positively and negatively. Hats off to committed parents and teachers-- you are needed on a 24/ 7 basis...
Voted UP & UABI-- have a great weekend, mar.
molometer Hub Author 66 minutes ago
Hi Rebbeca,
I agree it may be the solution for many people to home school. The one size fits all model is badly broken and needs an overhaul.
Replacing teachers with unqualified people is not the way to fix it.