Dr. Brin wrote: > There is another explanation for those poor test comparisons. Many > other countries encourage rote memorization of facts. We consider > that to be a gross and evil use of students' minds. In USschools, the > emphasis is on process and on class discussions and on encouraging > initiative. Guess which approach prepares kids for tests better?
Well, wouldn't that depend on the structure of the test? I think it'd be safe to say that a lot of US students would not fare too well in a test desiged to check how many facts have been memorised by heart. Conversely, a test desined to gauge the comprehension of the process as well as the level of initiative would stymie a lot of students who have largley been taught facts by rote memorisation. > Guess which better prepares agile minds? The latter approach, encouraging initiative and explaining the process, of course. > Guess which approach creates citizens with a fierce independent > streak and the resiliency to rebel, if they find themselves aboard a > hijacked airliner? That's a bit of a leap, sir. :) I don't see what the peculiarities of the education system have to do with individual characterisitics. Courage, honour and resiliency of spirit are not values that are ignored just because facts are taught by rote. And fiercely independent spirits don't break just because they've had to spend a few years memorising some facts by heart. :) > Even the > Brits don't want to fight, and when have you ever seen THAT? <g> Do Brits really have this blood-thirsty a reputation? I thought the national stereotype was 'phlegmatic, restrained and proper'. Ritu GCU Curious _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
