For my inquiry project I decided to focus on international schools and learning. Taking from our readings like Kara Poe Alexander I tried to build my project off from there, seeing if I could come up with themes for international countries, primarily from Asia as a whole and the Philippines, and comparing them to themes that are common here.
My first thought was what makes them successful? Motoko Rich, from New York Times wrote an article, US Students Still Lag Globally in Math and Science, Tests Show, on America's rank in comparison to other countries, and points out that we're around the center of the list. Which is surprising considering we spent over $970 Billion last year and the amount of support and value we seem to place on it. Is it our views that make us different? Is it because of how we view success or school? Or is it because of the regulations and policys set by the government?
After careful thought I believe one main difference is how teachers are viewed in foreign countries. They seem to be held in higher esteem, are given better support and are specially selected and pulled out of their programs to continue on training the younger generations. This reverence that is held for them is not only shown in how they are paid and rewarded monetarily but also how students view them and act in class. Classes tend to be far more orderly and respectful when it comes to the teachers.
This is just one of the many things that help influence international learning. For my next project im interested in finding out how teachers were given their niche in society.
It surprises me that America is in the middle, I would have assumed we were second behind China. I think that most students abuse their teacher's lack of disciplinary ability. If teachers punished students in America like they do in other countries they would go to jail, but in other countries that's what has always been done, and what will always be done. I'm looking forward to your next project
ReplyDeleteI think we have a much more relaxed view on education here because we have a sense of security that many other nations do not. I kind of see that as a bad thing though because it means we aren't as hardworking.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this entire article, and what the problem is. Earlier in the semester I remember doing something similar to this and researching what other countries were doing. The one thing that really stuck out to me was how teacher's were regarded in other countries compared to here. Here being an education major is a less significant than being a science major or engineering.
ReplyDeleteYou have a very interesting project, I look forward to seeing your next one.
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