The Daily Telegraph reports that students in Britain lags behind many other developed countries in math achievement. One expert blames the focus on testing and 'procedures' for the lack of performance. More than a third of 16-year old students failed to achieve a 'C' in standardized testing in the subject last year. The countries mentioned as out performing Britain include the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Finland and Russia.
Analysis: Interestingly USA students fares worse than the UK students for pretty much for the same reasons: focus on testing. Students do not integrate math principles in their daily lives but simply try to pass a test.
The same paper reported a new initiative to promote reading among elementary students. Research showed that a student reading for a half hour each day could add one year to their education by age 15.
Analysis: This is the reason why spelling bee competitions are so important and the reading initiative must be applauded. The only obstacle is to actually prove that reading took place.
In Armenia, Turkey and Norway school officials are adding chess to the national curriculum. Chess is a cheap intervention that can be played on a large scale by all students. A summary of research produced by the Quad Cities Chess Club in America opines of enhanced mental abilities and an improvement in conventional schoolwork amongst chess players.
Analysis: Why not? Chess improves analytical skills, encourages positive competition and adds a sense of achievement when figuring out certain moves. Does it matter if it is a sport or a game?
Students in Afghanistan will no longer learn about the most recent four decades in the country's history. This decision is intended to eliminate lessons of divisiveness in wars with the former Soviet Union and America. All high school history text books will not include content after 1973. Afghan's education minister, Faooq Wardak, says that these are the first books in decades that are depoliticized and de-ethnicized. (Washington Post, Feb. 2012)
Analysis: There are two ways of looking at this: it is either a truthful attempt to allow a very tumulus time in the nations' history to heal and form a scab or it could be seen as an attempt to sweep a lot of incompetence and strive under the carpet. It is time for that nation to heal and the the is much time for the truth to be reported in the future.
New Zealand is considering a proposal to increase the teacher-student ratio and close some schools. Under this proposal, money saved will be diverted to improving quality of instruction in the country's schools. (New Zealand Herald, Fe. 2012)
Analysis: Bad move all around. The track record of bureaucrats in most societies to spend excess money to 'improvement' is a pipe dream. Smaller teacher / student ratios means more personal time and attention.
Elementary school students in Seoul, Korea get an average of just over three hours of spare time per day during the week, indicating growing competition for academic performance even among younger age groups. Elementary school children in the capital spend an average of 195.6 minutes per day in leisure activities, which is about the same as the 195.2 minutes for students in high school. South Korean parents are renowned for their educational fervor, which often puts students under immense pressure to attain good grades and enter prestigious universities. Graduates of elite colleges are considered highly likely to enjoy successful careers and a stable future. (The Kora Herald, Feb.2012)
Analysis: Think about it: three hours a day to do sport, relax, eat or play. Maybe some students in the US should be part of an exchange program to Korea to understand how good they have it when complaining about homework or being tired!
