Are our children learning math and science?

[iNow]

Subject corrected for obvious and embarassing grammatical error.

 

Seemed to me to be an intentional error... one of those ... you know... what do they call them? Attempts at humor?

 

 

 

Note also the reference to "Bushisms" in post #19.

[CaptainPanic]

I'll still reply, because a similar problem can be found where I live (Netherlands, Europe).

 

Our teachers at grammar school (kids of ages 5-12 yrs) are very poor at math. Result is that we start secondary school having only basic calculating skills.

 

Secondary school should be devided into two parts: that part where all courses are compulsory: the general level of math is low, and adapted to the slowest student. The second part is where those slowest students will have dropped the subject, and a little more advanced math is given.

 

The same goes for physics and chemistry. Those who have some interest find it really easy, because they pay attention and study it a bit. The lessons are adapted to those who have no interest and motivation. These pupils still need to pass the exams.

 

I believe I was prepared for university, but more because university has adapted to the level of the average student. We were taught a lot of basic math at uni, while I believe I have seriously underachieved during the first 18 years of my life. I never had to study really hard at secondary school...

 

University in the Netherlands is supposed to be a 5 year study. The curriculum is 5 years. For engineering studies and studies like physics and chemistry, the average student needs 7 years. That's because the university has adapted the level at which we start, but not the level of the students that graduate. We just have to learn a lot, and that means we all fail exams (I see no problem with that, because it's not too expensive to be at university...)

 

This is my view now, as a working engineer... looking back. (While I was in school, I enjoyed having little homework and still getting high grades).