The big news hitting the media recently is the ranking of academic
performance by country. While American students performed above the
average for nations taking part in the survey there is not much to cheer
about. The most striking contrast is math where almost half of 8th
graders in South Korea, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) and Singapore reached
the advanced level compared to only 7% of American test-takers (TIMSS,
2011). Others countries such as Japan, Russia, and Quebec (Canada)
outperformed the United States by significant margins. The same
countries performed well in science in comparison as well. Previous PhysEd
Global posts applauded the Fins who ranked number 1 in the assessments
four years ago. They dropped to about the same scores as the USA in 4th
and 8th grade math. (Education Week, Dec 13, 2012). Most notable is
England that showed the most improved results in math of any country.
(Read previous post on my theory why this is the case). America does not rank in
the Top 10 of nations in either math or science.
On the health
front there is a proposal in Australia to put student's weight on report
cards as part of an effort to combat obesity. The Sydney Morning Herald
( Dec 7, 2012) reports that such a step could lead to teachers and
parents discuss students' diet and fitness routines according to Prof.
David Penington, former vice-chancellor of Melbourne University and dean
of medicine. This is a tough one because of confidentiality issues and
there are certainly other ways to open communication on health-related
issues between teachers and parents. Public education on obesity has not
helped much over a 12-year period in the USA and a bit of shock tactics
might just be what the doctor ordered.
Finally The Guardian
(London) reports that educators on the UK is advocating for outdoor
learning citing benefits such as physical skills, self-confidence,
relationship development and risk taking. In a world of excessive
curriculum, safety conscientiousness and fear of litigation school trips
have drastically declined. However, outdoor exploration probably
addresses more learning styles of students than most structured lesson
plans in a classroom. It is important that students are given an
opportunity to explore - even if it is a local park - Michael Cordier
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Sport and Test Scores
Since the previous posting - and a little hiatus - lots have happened. In the world of sport we watched the Tour de France and Olympics in awe. We suffered with, and shouted for joy as prime athletes faced their own challenges and objectives. We saw NBA basketball wrap up and NFL football taken off. All the while keeping an eye on the long season of baseball. Formula I championship points shift with every race and NASCAR's best are duelling it out for the Cup as the season rolls to an end.
On a personal level I discovered the Paleo lifestyle and have managed to shed about 35 pounds over the past year - with one major relapse and a 14 pound weight gain while traveling abroad and taking care of family issues. I learned first-hand that everyone can start over again and today is the best day to do so.
On a professional level we finalized the Fizika Active Learning Specialist Certification course. This project has been a year in the making and we consider it a first where brain research, physical literacy, and best practices are combined in one program to impact student performance and behavior which ultimately drives school improvement plans. Every teacher and administrator should look into it.
But what caught the eye for this posting was an article in the Independent (London) Newspaper - September 20, 2013, with the headline "Reading and Math Achievements Up in England". It goes on to share that the percentage of England's 11-year-old students reaching level four or above on national curriculum tests increased this year by three percentage points in reading and four percentage points in math. A bit more so by boys than girls.
After almost 12 years and millions spend on sports colleges across the country (magnet schools with a sports theme), a successful hosting of the Olympics and excellent performance on the podium by British athletes, it is not a long stretch to make the body/mind connection. Enough research shows that physical activity impacts brain performance and the 'UK Experiment' shows the impact of a concerted effort to promote physical activity on a macro level. There is no doubt in my mind that the increased participation in sport at school level is now reflected in the academic performance of the second generation of students exposed to this practice. Hopefully the fine folks in the UK who pioneered Physical Literacy will do some research on this topic.
Michael Cordier
PS. If you like this topic or posting please 'follow' me.
On a personal level I discovered the Paleo lifestyle and have managed to shed about 35 pounds over the past year - with one major relapse and a 14 pound weight gain while traveling abroad and taking care of family issues. I learned first-hand that everyone can start over again and today is the best day to do so.
On a professional level we finalized the Fizika Active Learning Specialist Certification course. This project has been a year in the making and we consider it a first where brain research, physical literacy, and best practices are combined in one program to impact student performance and behavior which ultimately drives school improvement plans. Every teacher and administrator should look into it.
But what caught the eye for this posting was an article in the Independent (London) Newspaper - September 20, 2013, with the headline "Reading and Math Achievements Up in England". It goes on to share that the percentage of England's 11-year-old students reaching level four or above on national curriculum tests increased this year by three percentage points in reading and four percentage points in math. A bit more so by boys than girls.
After almost 12 years and millions spend on sports colleges across the country (magnet schools with a sports theme), a successful hosting of the Olympics and excellent performance on the podium by British athletes, it is not a long stretch to make the body/mind connection. Enough research shows that physical activity impacts brain performance and the 'UK Experiment' shows the impact of a concerted effort to promote physical activity on a macro level. There is no doubt in my mind that the increased participation in sport at school level is now reflected in the academic performance of the second generation of students exposed to this practice. Hopefully the fine folks in the UK who pioneered Physical Literacy will do some research on this topic.
Michael Cordier
PS. If you like this topic or posting please 'follow' me.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Math, Reading and... Chess!
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!
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!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Around the World - 2012 Kick-off!
UAE
AMEinfo.com reports that according to a survey by the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the emirate spends Dh1bn on healthcare every year to treat diabetics who are young and who are very likely to suffer from heart disease in the near future, Gulf News has reported. The study showed that 18% of the Abu Dhabi Emirati population suffer from Type2 diabetes and that 24% are "losing control of their sugar level" and will soon become diabetic, HAAD said.
Commentary: To spend that amount on one disease that is preventative in a small nation is alarming. It seems that a number of initiatives are needed to combat diabetes. The same issue mentioned that a diabetes clinic bus was launched to tour the United Arabian Emirates (UAE) which is a good start. But a fundamental education program is needed at school and community levels to turn this ship around - and it will take many years. To their credit, we have seen an uptick in sport promotion and physical education in this Kingdom which all contributes to the fight against preventative diseases.
FINLAND
The Finnish education system has been at the center of global attention for exactly a decade, reports ASCD SmartBrief. Ten years ago Finland's performance was mediocre compared to the rest of the world but then it changed drastically to be the leader today. What may come as a surprise is that Finland has neither engaged in researching its own, distinctive reform measures, nor generated change knowledge to steer education policy implementation. Instead, Finnish researchers have relied on the theories and insights of their international peers. In short, the Finns have been open to learning from other education systems.
The key driver of education-development policy in Finland has been providing equal and positive learning opportunities for all children and securing their well-being, including their nutrition, health, safety, and overall happiness. Finnish authorities, in this regard, have defied international convention. They have not endorsed student testing and school ranking as the path to improvement, but rather focused on teacher preparation and retention; collaboration with teachers and their union representatives; early and regular intervention for children with learning disabilities; well-rounded curricula; and equitable funding of schools throughout the country.
Commentary: The search for the optimal education system has been ongoing since the 1800's. So many factors come into play to develop a system that accommodates a large population and keep track with knowledge and development. Being a small country the Finns could take 'best practices' from all over the world to create their model. That is easier said than done. Tons of resources and a steady political commitment were needed to get to this point. Interestingly, their focus is on developing the whole child which is perhaps a message in our day of 'races to the top".
UNITED KINGDOM
Technology is changing the face of teaching and learning in England where computer games are used to teach math and animation with computer graphics are also used in this core subject.
Commentary: This is no surprising in a world where the cell phone with texting has replaced normal conversations and relationships. Officials say that the use of technology helps students with the understanding of subject matter but more importantly, keep them engaged. And every time a student is engaged, learning takes place!
USA
Teachers in Chicago in the US are testing a professional-development method known as "lesson study", which often is used in Japan. The system allows teachers to design lessons and explain their aim to colleagues. A teacher then will give the lesson to students, while dozens of colleagues observe, later offering suggestions for improvement. (WBEZ-FM - Chicago)
Commentary: There are more positives than negatives to group and peer review. Hats off to this experiment as it takes commitment from the teachers for proper preparation and for the administration to set time aside for observation by others. This type of 'spot check' is invaluable for teacher evaluation and the method allows for full disclosure.
Michael Cordier
AMEinfo.com reports that according to a survey by the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the emirate spends Dh1bn on healthcare every year to treat diabetics who are young and who are very likely to suffer from heart disease in the near future, Gulf News has reported. The study showed that 18% of the Abu Dhabi Emirati population suffer from Type2 diabetes and that 24% are "losing control of their sugar level" and will soon become diabetic, HAAD said.
Commentary: To spend that amount on one disease that is preventative in a small nation is alarming. It seems that a number of initiatives are needed to combat diabetes. The same issue mentioned that a diabetes clinic bus was launched to tour the United Arabian Emirates (UAE) which is a good start. But a fundamental education program is needed at school and community levels to turn this ship around - and it will take many years. To their credit, we have seen an uptick in sport promotion and physical education in this Kingdom which all contributes to the fight against preventative diseases.
FINLAND
The Finnish education system has been at the center of global attention for exactly a decade, reports ASCD SmartBrief. Ten years ago Finland's performance was mediocre compared to the rest of the world but then it changed drastically to be the leader today. What may come as a surprise is that Finland has neither engaged in researching its own, distinctive reform measures, nor generated change knowledge to steer education policy implementation. Instead, Finnish researchers have relied on the theories and insights of their international peers. In short, the Finns have been open to learning from other education systems.
The key driver of education-development policy in Finland has been providing equal and positive learning opportunities for all children and securing their well-being, including their nutrition, health, safety, and overall happiness. Finnish authorities, in this regard, have defied international convention. They have not endorsed student testing and school ranking as the path to improvement, but rather focused on teacher preparation and retention; collaboration with teachers and their union representatives; early and regular intervention for children with learning disabilities; well-rounded curricula; and equitable funding of schools throughout the country.
Commentary: The search for the optimal education system has been ongoing since the 1800's. So many factors come into play to develop a system that accommodates a large population and keep track with knowledge and development. Being a small country the Finns could take 'best practices' from all over the world to create their model. That is easier said than done. Tons of resources and a steady political commitment were needed to get to this point. Interestingly, their focus is on developing the whole child which is perhaps a message in our day of 'races to the top".
UNITED KINGDOM
Technology is changing the face of teaching and learning in England where computer games are used to teach math and animation with computer graphics are also used in this core subject.
Commentary: This is no surprising in a world where the cell phone with texting has replaced normal conversations and relationships. Officials say that the use of technology helps students with the understanding of subject matter but more importantly, keep them engaged. And every time a student is engaged, learning takes place!
USA
Teachers in Chicago in the US are testing a professional-development method known as "lesson study", which often is used in Japan. The system allows teachers to design lessons and explain their aim to colleagues. A teacher then will give the lesson to students, while dozens of colleagues observe, later offering suggestions for improvement. (WBEZ-FM - Chicago)
Commentary: There are more positives than negatives to group and peer review. Hats off to this experiment as it takes commitment from the teachers for proper preparation and for the administration to set time aside for observation by others. This type of 'spot check' is invaluable for teacher evaluation and the method allows for full disclosure.
Michael Cordier
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)