Before doing this blog, I haven't really thought about our education system, even though it surrounds me on a daily basis. After doing some research, it seems to be a general consensus of the main issue within our educational system. Compared to top notch systems such as China, we don't have the competitive edge obviously present within the Chinese education system. In China, students study hard for about five hours per day to increase their test scores and overall their ranking. They know that if their ranking isn't high enough, then college isn't an option. In America, there is a lot more freedom within the education system. I think students feel that if school doesn't go well for them, then there are many more options for them to have a successful future. This thought process doesn't make education a priority as it should be.However, I think the American system has a strength of creating more innovative thinkers. In China, there system is strictly based on test scores, which results in students who can regurgitate information easily. Americans focus more on critical thinking, which is a very useful tool in the real world, especially the business world.
http://www.thefreemanonline.org/columns/the-failure-of-american-public-education/
http://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2011-02-01-asia_education01_ST_N.htm
http://www.mannmuseum.com/american-education-system-versus-asian-education-system/
Very informational! So based on your post, do you think the American school system is failing because of the system itself or the students within the system?
ReplyDeleteThis post was very interesting, and I completely agree. The american education system is very relaxed compared to most places which makes students believe that it is okay to slack in the class room since there is always another chance, our education should consider enforcing the importance of school and making more strict rules to better the system.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with "The Failure of American Public Education" article. America has lost focus on results. Most schools only care about better facilities, more equipment, and bigger pay checks
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Places like China are more test score innovated while we on the other hand focus on creativity and critical thinking. However, I must admit that they are making us look bad because I know for a fact small numbers of Americans study as much as 5 hours daily. I think if Americans get out the mind state that they will be "okay" regardless a lot more students would take academics more seriously.
ReplyDeleteI think we need to change our attitudes towards education instead of the system itself. Higher expectations and requirements would change students' attitudes easily. Just think about Perdue's requirements. We can retake a gate class once, and are expected to get C's. C is considered average, so does Salisbury want to produce average business students? If we're only expected to do average, there is no incentive to do better.
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