i did not write this ; it was posted on a teacher's site i visit, but i agree with it
[FONT=arial, avant garde] [SIZE=+1]Re: comparing US & Japanese students[/SIZE] [/FONT]
Posted by been there, done it! on 11/09/08
"On the same idea, when US students are compared internationally
the results are the same. Our students score lower (yes, even
those in NY and Michigan) but what ISN'T reported is that we test
ALL students who register while the other countries do not. Again,
comparing apples and oranges!"
"Reality check. Ask United States business owners and employers
if they think students are currently being properly prepared,
compared to students in foreign countries. Apples and rotten
apples is what they are likely to say."
Having taught abroad, including Japan, which is often a country to
which our students are compared, I can tell you that the
comparison is totally irrelevant. Unless you compare our students
to countries with educational systems set up like ours, i.e. where
ALL students are given unlimited educational opportunities and may
opt for ANY type of preparation which is available in their
communities, the comparison is null. Most European nations start
to track their students into vocational or university tracks in
late elementary school. Few students have the opportunity to
change this tracking once it has happened. Hence, those students
who go into the work force may, in fact, be better prepared for
that particular work. Well, I'd certainly hope so, wouldn't you?
That has been the sole focus of that student's education for 4-7
years! In Japan, students have to fight for the best school(s) to
attend. In order to meet their goals, they often go to "cram
schools" for hours after their regular school day has ended.
Japanese students can be legally disinherited by their family if
they don't do well enough to meet their family's expectations.
Much of what is used as "teaching" would be considered abusive by
most of us. It is important to point out that Japan has one of the
highest teen-age suicide rates in the world. Is it fair to
compare our students to them?
Comparisons are dangerous things, and "statistics" can prove
anything that you want to prove. In my community, the school
district is partnered with business in an effort to provide our
community with schools that prepare students to live and work
here. In return, our community businesses pledge to hire our
local students first. This is a good solution and also promotes
the positives of both education and industry.
I challenge the few folks who are persistent complainers on this
site to channel their mouths into their work. If you know a
better way to teach, then teach that way! If you know a better
place to teach, then go there! If you know everything about
everything, become a leader in your school or community and get
the work done perfectly! We are all waiting for someone who has
all the answers, but your whining just makes us mad and makes you
look like a nut case.
[FONT=arial, avant garde] [SIZE=+1]Re: comparing US & Japanese students[/SIZE] [/FONT]
Posted by been there, done it! on 11/09/08
"On the same idea, when US students are compared internationally
the results are the same. Our students score lower (yes, even
those in NY and Michigan) but what ISN'T reported is that we test
ALL students who register while the other countries do not. Again,
comparing apples and oranges!"
"Reality check. Ask United States business owners and employers
if they think students are currently being properly prepared,
compared to students in foreign countries. Apples and rotten
apples is what they are likely to say."
Having taught abroad, including Japan, which is often a country to
which our students are compared, I can tell you that the
comparison is totally irrelevant. Unless you compare our students
to countries with educational systems set up like ours, i.e. where
ALL students are given unlimited educational opportunities and may
opt for ANY type of preparation which is available in their
communities, the comparison is null. Most European nations start
to track their students into vocational or university tracks in
late elementary school. Few students have the opportunity to
change this tracking once it has happened. Hence, those students
who go into the work force may, in fact, be better prepared for
that particular work. Well, I'd certainly hope so, wouldn't you?
That has been the sole focus of that student's education for 4-7
years! In Japan, students have to fight for the best school(s) to
attend. In order to meet their goals, they often go to "cram
schools" for hours after their regular school day has ended.
Japanese students can be legally disinherited by their family if
they don't do well enough to meet their family's expectations.
Much of what is used as "teaching" would be considered abusive by
most of us. It is important to point out that Japan has one of the
highest teen-age suicide rates in the world. Is it fair to
compare our students to them?
Comparisons are dangerous things, and "statistics" can prove
anything that you want to prove. In my community, the school
district is partnered with business in an effort to provide our
community with schools that prepare students to live and work
here. In return, our community businesses pledge to hire our
local students first. This is a good solution and also promotes
the positives of both education and industry.
I challenge the few folks who are persistent complainers on this
site to channel their mouths into their work. If you know a
better way to teach, then teach that way! If you know a better
place to teach, then go there! If you know everything about
everything, become a leader in your school or community and get
the work done perfectly! We are all waiting for someone who has
all the answers, but your whining just makes us mad and makes you
look like a nut case.
