“When I was growing up, my parents used to say to me: ‘Finish your dinner — people in China are starving.’ I, by contrast, find myself wanting to say to my daughters: ‘Finish your homework — people in China and India are starving for your job.’” -- from Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat
First, let me thank you all for your attention to the film this week. You probably know my answer to the question in the title of this post. I do think there is a crisis - a quiet crisis that is more dangerous than any crisis we face as a country. But this blogging session is not about what
I think. It is your opportunity to give your opinion about 2 Million Minutes, about the so-called crisis in American education, and your feelings about your experience with American education.The film 2 Million Minutes tells the story of how six students use their 2,000,000 minutes (4 yrs) of high school. It quickly becomes obvious that the two students from India and the two from China spend far more time in school and studying than the two students from the United States. While all six students went on to college, the Indian and Chinese students were disappointed that they did not get into their first choice of schools. What does this say about them? Are they weaker students than the film portrayed? Or did they just set their sights higher than the American students?
So, how does all of this relate to you?
Are you concerned or alarmed by what you saw? Do you think that American students like you should be doing something different? Should school officials and teachers being doing something different to help improve how American students are performing?
Is there really a crisis?
You may think that all this talk about a crisis in American education is just dead wrong. What do you think? Is there really a crisis? Do you think that you'll be prepared to compete for the really good jobs when you graduate from college?
Do you think American students spend enough time in school and studying? Do we spend too much time on other things - sports, TV, video games, etc.? Do you think that you should make changes in the amount of time that you study?
Regardless of how you feel about 2 Million Minutes, there is a lot to talk about and debate. I want this to be the most active blogging session so far. Read all of the comments that have been made, enter your own comment, then come back often throughout this week to continue the conversation. The only thing that I ask, is that you keep the conversation thoughtful and intelligent. Be sure to give reasons for the opinions you offer.
Before commenting, take a few minutes to watch the following video:
Helpful Links
USA Today article about 2 Million Minutes
Boston Globe - My lazy American students
This session will end at 12 am on Monday, April 2.
Student Sleeping image from Flickr
Posts
43 comments:
I think there really is a crisis. American students just don't appreciate a free education anymore. I think that students should spend less time partying and more time studying.
I honestly think America is doing an “okay” job education-wise. I feel like all of us Americans take for granted of what we have. If a new video game comes out, you don’t devote all your time just to play that video game, and not devote time for studying. My point is, there’s a limit, and most students here are past it. I do think I do a good job studying, I usually make A’s or B’s on tests, and I spend about 2-3 hours studying, which doesn’t compare to the kids in other countries. I believe the amount of time you study doesn’t affect your grade on your test. Maybe partially, but not always. For instance, I once studied 30 minutes for a test and I aced it. Everyone is different, you can’t just put a pile of kids together and tell them they need to study ALL DAY. I feel like America can improve, there’s ALWAYS room for improvement, but I don’t think it should go as far as being cooped up at home all day every day until you graduate from college. That’ll make you antisocial, which is just as bad as failing a test. After watching this film, I am going to take into account more studying and paying attention more in class. We get enough time in school and enough homework, because people still get all A’s without being in school 12 hours a day and having a stack of homework. It is a crisis, but it can be dealt in a different way than just removing us from the world just to STUDY. America has the advantage of having all these opportunities like sports, and other extracurricular activities; kids in other countries don’t have that. So, my point is, as being the students of this generation, we should try and focus more in class. Take more notes, and if you are confused about something to talk to your teacher about it and get extra help. We should also lay off gaming, tv, computer, etc, and actually study. But also, it shouldn’t go as far as removing yourself from the world, but as far as studying and still having some room for sports and other things we enjoy to do; since we have the opportunities to have these things, unlike other people in other countries.
The reason the Chinese and Indian students study so much is because they strive to be in the BEST schools and be the SMARTEST. I mean, China gets more PHD degrees in engineering then there are people in the US. In India, they plan ahead of time and study so they can achieve their goals. In the film, it says that they already have their future planed out when they are 17. In America, we tend to be more social and unprepared for tests. I don't think this is a crisis, this is more of a problem. If parents set their children's expectations higher then this problem will fade. A real crisis is the employment rate here. We should study at least for 2 hours for a major test so that more people will pass.
Well in my view it's not much of a crisis RIGHT NOW, but I'm surely convinced by those videos we've watched that the situation will become much more serious in the future without putting any effort to preventing the US from over powered and no longer titled as the "best".
I am not very alarmed from watching this film. I always knew that the American education system wasn't as demanding and hardworking as the one that I have seen in South Korea. But the video was a bit mind-blowing. I think that American students should be doing something different. Also, teachers should get better education and should work harder because the next generation's fate is in their hands, and I know teachers that just don't know what their teaching or they don't care at all! I believe that their really is a crisis. Fortunately, for me, I study ahead separately at home (mostly mathematics) because I know that if I what to be fit to compete for the spots in excellent colleges (like the ones in the Ivy League) and good jobs after that. But, I need to study more and study harder because I know that I am not studying enough. If only America had those tutoring programs like South Korea... I think most Americans don't spend enough time in school and studying. I have noticed that a lot of us Americans spend time in competitive sports, TV, video games, and those not really beneficial activities. I don't really feel positive that the USA will ever catch up to those brilliant, hardworking countries. Whenever I think of this subject, it makes me feel absolutely stupid and a bit ashamed that I am not working up to the educational standards of Korea and the other competing countries.
And to add to my comment, I read over it and realized I worded something wrong. I didn't mean they don't have sports in other countries, but they don't have the opportunities like in America, since Americans are really devoted to sports. :)
This movie really made me realize what is happening. I always thought that we already had such a long time at school, studying, and homework all together. The kids in the movie from India and China were very serious about education. When the India boy said that Americans "had it easy" I thought that he was crazy. When you come to think about, it's true. We spend about 2 hours at least on the computer, or watching tv, or playing video games every day. The kids in China and India would be studying during that time. I mean, in the end it is probably all worth it. Getting into one of the best colleges in China would take a lot of hard work. In my opinion, American's are slacking compared to China and India. We should be focusing more on education. I do also think that we should focus on sports a little also. One day you could be like David Beckham. He is rich, and successful doing sports. I think it is a little to extreme studying all day for tests, like the kids in China and India. The chinese girl said that she went to school on Saturday all day, without a break. I think that is to extreme. American students should start focusing more on education, but also I don't think they should be studying as much as China and Indian kids.
I always thought that we school was so boring and that we spent to much time in school already until I saw this movie. So i do think this is a crisis. When we grow and want to get a job we are going to be working and getting prepared for big meetings not hanging around with our friends partying all night. After seeing this video I realized that Americans need to be taking their education more seriously and stop worrying about who is the best at Xbox and the best person at throwing parties.
At first I was amazed at how much the other countries in this world strive so much more than us at education and yet they still don't get into the colleges of their choice and how we strive so much less yet still get into our colleges of choice but then I remembered that those kids were trying to get into the biggest and best colleges they could possibly go to and still went to top Universities in their countries. In America we try to think more "reasonable" and within our limits. So when we get into the regular average schools we feel like we did a good job. However if we had set our sights very high trying to get into a place like Yale in the movie even though we might not make it with all the studying and work we did we'd still get into one of the top universities and be more than middle of the road. But we as Americans look back at our parents and see oh they got averagey average college, thats what is excpected of me!......and whats sad is that parents usaully suppourt this because THEIR parents did the exact same thing. Basicilly once we were on top we started to stop being motivated (like Mr. Veliz said) we lost our steem and it went downhill from their. So really the only way to pick back up is to A. Let China and India leap ahead of us and suddenly have rush of education reform to become better of them or show kids in America presentations like we just watched and encourage us to do more studying, spend less time on TV and on the internet. And create a system that doesn't make us keep having to pick ourselves up and instead lead the pack and guide the rest of the world into a new technologically rich and fuffiling age full of wonder and satisfaction.
I must disagree with those who believe that America is doing an okay job education wise. We waste so much time in front of the T.V. or computer rotting out our brains. I will be the first to admit that I love sports, and spend about three hours a day practicing/participating in them. But when you think about it, the odds of us ever going anywhere with these sports profesionally are very slim, This subject interested me so I did some research."In men’s basketball, there is only a .03% chance of a pro career. This means that of the almost 156,000 male, high school senior basketball players only 44 will be drafted to play in the NBA after college, and only 32 women (.02%) out of just over 127,000 female, high school senior players will eventually be drafted. In football the odds are slightly better, with .08% or 250 of just over 317,000 high school senior players being drafted." Baseball has the highest chances which are still .4%. This is what Americans do. We give up over 20 hours a week to do these activities while people in other countries are studying and becoming better students. I think we Americans shoukd limit ourselves to an hour of our own enjoyment a day and two hours a day on the weekend, after all of our homework has been done. We should strive to do better than a B on a test, we need to step up. I am not pleased with the American educational system. I feel we have no where near the amount of homework we should have, and some of our teachers don't perform up to the levels we need them to. Only 25 ish sixth graders last year passed the test to qualify for Algebra and Earthspace Science. If we really cared about that test we would have studied for it, or have been more prepared. Malak, the reason people get all A's is because school here isn't challenging, it is easy!!! If we went over to that school in China being in the same grade I assure you if we didn't study atleast 6 hours a day we would probably fail. Us Americans need to step up and get a better education and spend our time more wisely!
To me I think Americans are about average in education. I think that sports do motivate you to becoming a better student. Usually good athletes do not procrastinate; when they get home they get straight to their homework, then take a shower, and go to bed. Take me for an example I usually get home from gymnastics at 9:05, after working out for 4 hours and 15 minutes. When I get home I do all my homework/projects, and then get to studying for my test. Even though I might not get a lot of sleep. Sports help some people be determined and always setting goals for the future. In the other countries, what really is motivating them are their parents. What if their parents didn’t motivate them, I wonder if they would still be that motivated, since they don’t participate in any extra physical activities. But they do participate in educational activities so that could also motivate them, also if there in poverty that could motivate the people. I am a little concerned of what I saw, but already knew a lot of the facts that were presented. I knew American school hours were shorter, because when I skyped Maggie she told me she went to school from 7:30AM-10:00PM. She said she had about 14 hours of school, also she ate lunch and dinner at school, and that 5 hours of that school time is devoted to studying/doing homework/projects. Maggie goes to school in South Korea, but she is at a private prestige school, so it could be different in other schools at Korea. I think I will be ready to compete with the well-educated students because I make good grades. When I get older I really want to be a Podiatrist, but other medical jobs will be fine. Xiaoyuan (Chinese girl) for example sets high goals for herself like making it into Yale University, even though she didn't make it in, she still made it into a good college in her country. This goal setting idea also applies to Apoorva (Indian girl) and Rohit (Indian boy). I do think maybe some Americans can set goals, don’t procrastinate, and study more to make better grades and get into a better college.
In my opinion this isn't a crisis. Not at all. I think we Americans just give our youth more independence then India or China or anywhere else. In India and China, their parents were excepting a lot from them. Too much from them in my opinion. Yes maybe they want the best for their children but let them have some independence and free time for them to relax and not studying. Also America has a lot more activities, such as sports, clubs, and jobs. Of course the teens from the other two had activities, but they couldn't major in those activities like we can. Of course we do always have room for improvement. Maybe stop spending so much time playing video games or sports(not saying you don't need that exercise) and maybe spend 1-2 hours more studying. By doing this teens will get better grades. Like Malak said though, all people are different and you have to study to what you think is best and some people think something is the best when really it's not. Some people think "Oh this is easy, I don't have to study hard." and then they end up failing it. I have to admit I've done this but I understand I can do better. I think this is how most people think but when they get that failing grade they feel like they can't do anything more so they don't try as hard. I think we can change our ways with education by just studying a little bit more each day. So no, I don't think it's a crisis. Like Michael said, I think it's more of a problem then anything.
I was more concerned than alarmed by this video because I new Americans as a whole were definitely not ahead of the pack in education. I guess some American students think they are getting a good education, maybe if you are comparing yourself to other American schools, but not to some foriegn schools. I think some, not all, American students don't think about their future as much as some students from China or India and that is the crisis we face. I do my best to strive in school and not to slack off. I like what Sarah said about that teachers hold the next generation's education in their hands, but it is up to the kids to soak what they are learning in and not to throw it all away after a week, like what Mr. Veliz has been saying. We can't always rely on the teachers, but they will always be there to guide us. I think a lot of Americans assume that Chinese, Indian, or any other foreign students that are always seen as smart can never be beaten when it comes to education. But that is a big misconception. Most people are not born with brains, you have to work to get them. I think a lot of Chinese and Indians have learned that early from their parents and teachers and have strived to reach their goals, which is a very good thing. Some Americans have also done that with technology, inventions, and other subjects. I think as a whole American schools can always become better and we are now relizing that. But there are many American individuals that work just as hard as any other foreign student.
Zoe, you’re looking past my point. I’m saying, yes, we do need to step it up; of course we do. It’s not our fault Swift Creek is “easy”. The schools in China and India are more tough, but we, as kids, can’t control how “hard” our classes are; since the teachers decide what to teach and how to do it. As we talked about in class yesterday, the only reason America isn’t on the top of its game is because of loss of motivation. We’re 1st, and there’s nothing higher than first. I do agree we need to improve our educational system, but not to the extent of studying all day. Do you really think that’s necessary? There has to be another way to get students to pay more attention in class. Also, of course there is going to be a challenge being accepted into the career you are striding for, but it’s not only sports where the chances of you getting into the career you choose are low. My point is, yes America’s educational system needs improvement, but I don’t think being cooped up in your bedroom all day is “healthy,” like I mentioned before. The amount of homework we get is fine; piling up the homework won’t just improve your knowledge, but cause more stress.
I think we have many good teachers in American and some not so good teachers, but that happens all over the country. Students should always do their homework and should always study, which is a simple fact in school that many students begin to realize late. I think Neil in the film was just realizing that. Students can reduce the amount of time they spend in front of a screen by pacing themselves. You could keep your computer, TV, or ipod outside of your room, so you don't get distracted when doing schoolwork. I also think that it isn't just how long you spend on the computer, but what you are doing. If you are studying or researching then that is fine in my opinion, but pacing yourself can also mean studying the old fashion way, with paper and pencil or flashcards. In my opinion the crisis isn't the schools, but the students and how hard they are willing to work, so one day they will have a nice career. If you push beyond the limits and expectations, which many Americans have, then you can compete for the same jobs as other Chinese and Indian students.
I think that the crisis is the lack of motivation. The fact that other countries are starting to take use to be American jobs is on us. We lost the motivation to compete because we were at the top for so long. I believe though that we are starting to gain the motivation back as more people are noticing. I think that the way to get jobs back and keep our spot at the top is to work hard and don't take our education as a forced to do thing but take it as a privilege.
I dont think whats going on is that much of a crisis. America still is doing pretty good when it comes to education. In other countrys like china and india i think the reason they do so well is because their parents always are making sure thet are studying and i think they feel alot of pressaure because if they dont make good grades they probaly feel they let their family down. In America we choose when and how we study, so we dont feel as much pressure. also when they are all cooped up studying we are outside playing sports and participating in more after school activities than they are. this is also a good thing because then we are more likely to get a scolarship for sports than they are and that also helps us get into the good schools, this is also a good thing because you can add some of those things when you apply for a job.
I think that we are in a crisis COMPARED TO OTHER COUNTRIES. Alone we stand tall education wise but compared to countries like China and India. We can't be the leaders in the next generation unless we can catch up to other countries. However this doesn't mean we have to have 9 and a half hour school days it means we need to spend less time in front of the computer BUT not spend all that time studying, spend it doing something interesting like starting an eco-group or applying to be an aide at the State House of Representatives. Start your career early, find yourself a mentor who can help you be what you want to be even if there your parents! Thats how will lead the next generation.
I believe that the movie was an eye-opener to how behind we have become in our education. The movie however only addressed two competitors out of many: China and India. The real competition is way ahead of us in our education. This competition is that of the countries in Scandinavia, such as Finland, which as you saw in the movie is number one in world wide education. Even China and India are not really that much ahead of us because not every kid there goes to school. Around half of the populations of China and India live in areas miles away from schools. Back to the main point, this is a crisis, but do not look at China and India's education systems. Our competition is Finland. Our government and public officials do not need to look at China and India for an education plan, look at the real leaders in this "competition", Finland. Job wise, the people of Finland are not taking American jobs. Big businesses jobs are going to the more populous China and India. The easy way to solve that problem is to learn what makes those countries ahead of China and India so much better in education, and improve their ways. One problem though is not our education system, but the people in it. American kids do not take school as seriously as other countries because many of us don't know poverty. The hope for a better life fuels other countries to do better is school. We need to find an inspiration for American kids to get back into the game and that is letting them know they have competition. When we know that we have competition we want to do better than our competition. In this competitive society we must not care about those who have dreams in other countries, but our own dreams. The video that Mr. Veliz put on the blog also told of how India and China are competing with us. This video was not as good, for its statistics did not make much of a point. The reason that there are more smart people in China and India is because there are more people in general. For a final summary, there is a problem with us being low in our education compared to other countries. Our education system and the people in it cause this problem. Look to Finland for a system and improve on it and let students know there is more competition so they will get involved. This will push us up to the number one country in education once again
I completely agree with Katie but like Rebekah said, this is not a crisis. Sure, we need to take this video seriously and wake up try to regain our academic level and set our expectations higher. But, I think it is insane to think that other people around the world see our life style as a dream and consider us kind of "dumb." Like, Malak said, I think we are doing fine and we as American's live life to its fullest with fun activities that do not help our education but make us more exciting.
I think that yes they do study and work harder than us but that's because we are the United States, not China or India. If they want to do less work thay can come over here and if we want to do more work than we can go over there. I think they were bragging about how they were smarter but that's what makes the U.S. different, we enjoy our life and what we do and are a little less concerned at education then the other countries. China and India are searching for higher goals and that's why they do better. Just because the students we saw were smart doesn't mean every Chinese and Indian person are like that. I don't think that this is a big problem in society because it's not going to change how we live that much. Yes, the other students didn't get into there collages but, they were the best of the best. I am not at all concerned with the educational system in other countries, only the u.S.
The word crisis is a little strong for this situation. It is more of an issue or a problem, but still needs to be dealt with. Many problems in America start with our people losing jobs to countries with higher educations. An economic decline can be linked to Americans losing jobs to other countries. Of course some of this is because of the convenience of having work done overnight because it is daylight in the other country. All this means is that we have to work extra hard to be better than that one convenience. We need to readjust our education system just enough so companies will choose our workers over Chinese and Indians.
Great start.
Many have expressed concern over the position of the United States in comparison with India and China, and I believe that is an important first step. You need to recognize that a problem exists before you can begin to remedy it.
Now, let's start thinking about that next step. Who is it that is responsible for this situation? What should be done to begin to turn things around? What can you do? What can I and your other teachers do? What can school administrators do?
Finally, what role should parents play in helping improve education in America?
I think that every American is responsible for it in some way. The government didn't take this matter as seriously as it should have been. The American education system didn't hire the best teachers it could possibly hire and it spent a lot of money on social activities rather than on improving the education system itself. But, the students should be held responsible for most of this problem. Students didn't ask for improvement and most of them got lazy in school and studying. To get rid of this problem, we should all take action. I would study harder and encourage my friends to do the same. Students should work and study harder, and they should ask for improvement. Teachers should teach all that is needed and exceed the standards, but in an organized and well-planned manner. School administrators should stop being cheap and lazy about hiring excellent teachers and spending on beneficial programs that open up opportunities for students. Parents should push their children to their mind's limits and guide them through school when they are struggling. Also, parents should be helpful and encouraging to their children.
I have to agree with Sarah. I don't think this problem can be blamed on just one person.But I would like to start with myself. I know what I need to do to get good grades, and right now, it isn't that much. But I could still step it up. Instead of being happy with that high B, I need to strive for the high A. Because even though at this point in time, at this school I don't need to study that much for good grades, it is always good to go that extra nine-yards, and learn more. The truth is, if we don't study all day and don't learn more than is expected from us at this school we aren't going to get into the big colleges and get the good jobs. Students from other countries are working hard, and learning/studying a lot more than us. If they can't get into those colleges they are shooting for, then what chance is there for us? I think the first thing we need to do to turn this situation around is actually train teachers thoroughly in the subject they are going to be teaching. Next, we need to assign more homework, and have more rigorous classes. Finally, we need to spend more time in school, or spend our six and half hours better. Think about it, 34 minutes of school are spent switching classes. 25 minutes is spent eating lunch. Then we have days before breaks, and FCAT week, which we hardly do anything during. We need to be learning in these times, not messing around! Teachers can assign more homework, and make their classes more rigorous. Our parents can keep us from playing video games, and watching T.V. and can assign some work of their own for us to do. Malak, the reason I brought up the sports careers information is becauseI'm saying we spend so much time doing sports even though there really isn't any chance of us going anywhere with them. In your reply to my comment you are actually helping me prove my point. You said it is hard to get into any career you want. Which is why we need to work hard in school, so we can get these careers! Also if we don't spend a lot of time studying (I never said we need to spend all day) then we will never reach our goals. You also said the amount of homework we have is "fine". We have plenty o9f time to do homework. I usually get home around six and usually am done with my homework around 6:45. This is not a fine amount. It is way to little. More homework wouldn't cause stress, it would just cause us to maybe spend our time more wisely!
My reply comment to Malak's reply comment is above:)
Sorry bad math:( We spend 26 minutes switching classes.
There IS a crisis, and I strongly believe that it isn’t just the parents fault, or the School staff’s fault. I feel each and one of us, Americans, incorporate some kind of connection to why America isn’t doing as well as it should. The parent’s of each student need to be more aware about how their child is doing in school. This can solve the problem to many situations, for instance, if the child has an F in a certain class. If the father or mother did know that their child had a few missing assignments or if they were having trouble in that subject they would find a solution to this. Also, the American education system needs to hire better teachers, I definitely agree with Sarah on that. Lastly, I think Students are also to blame in this situation. We should be able to do what we love, like sports, and still have time for school and homework. I think students need to be less afraid to ask questions as well, and for them to be encouraged by not only their parents, but their teachers, too. It’ll be easier for students to set goals and stride for them. Zoe, I never said you were wrong, I actually agree with you. I do feel as if we need to work harder, but what I'm trying to say is that there should be a limit to studying. It takes me much longer than 45 minutes to do my homework, everyone is different. I understand where you're coming from, but I also have my own view of this condition we are in. This was some research I found an article specifying on homework and how it is one of the known reasons students stress levels are high. “Stress is very unhealthy for growing teens and statistics show that 29% of 13-year-old students report spending 2 hours or more on homework daily in the U.S. Isn’t that a bit much? More homework means more stress. Stress can cause many things including: lack of sleep, slipping grades, fatigue, unhealthy eating habits, depression, and many more other factors. A teen should not have to face depression at such a young age.”
I see your point Malak< but why should homework cause stress? If we are learning what we should be learning in school homework should just be a review of the day, or simple things to lengthen our education. Two hours isn't to much, in fact it probably isn't nearly enough. You know what people did before facebook, and computers and a lot of sports? They studied, did their schooling. They didn't have all the resources we did now and they were still smarter. The only reeason homework causes stress is because people easte their time and try to do it at the last minute.
*waste
I think everyone has a very good point. I think that older kids(mainly teens) spend to much time on video game,s television, etc, and do not spend enough time on school. I think that American students should focus more on school, and less on other things. The Chinese and other countries are very focused on school, where Americans are some-what focused on school. I remember the Indian girl saying something like, "The American life is like a dream". The Indian boy also said that they are always cooped up, which once they graduate, will make them anti-social as Malak said. There is a "Happy medium" between hardly studying and spending most of your school life studying, you should have something in between.
I agree Matt! And Zoe I agree with you too, you make a good point.
I agree with Sarah, Zoe and Malak. The citizens of the United States are responsible for this action. To turn this situation around the staff members of the school need to give a background test and see if the teacher has a degree in that subject that he or she is going to teach, and also can pass a test about that subject. I believe that most students just complete their assignments so they can do something else, so instead of doing that, say for instance, if a student completes all their assignments on Monday, they need to start studying on their test on Friday. In Spanish there is always a quiz on Friday, so a student can start studying on that, instead of waiting till Thursday night. Like Mr. Veliz said, “Homework isn’t just a check list to mark sure you completed your assignments.” Homework assignments should be done right, and you understand it, and know it. A teacher can give you a couple or more days to do a homework assignment and by the time you get the assignment turned in you should know the material, and be ready to take a test on it. To make a change, I can study more, and make sure my homework assignments are right and I know the material. Parents should check his or her child(s) grades, and make sure the student turned in all of his or her assignments, and telling the student to do his or her work. I believe though, that it isn’t the parents fault if the child fells, it’s either that student, or maybe the teacher if the teacher doesn’t teach all the material needed for the end of coarse exam. It also can be both. Administrators should make sure the teacher is teaching everything that is required in the end of coarse exam.
I believe that everyone involved them US education is responsible. The students for not stepping up and being competition and the government for not realizing the situation we put ourselves in sooner. To turn this around we must try harder and don't waste time. The people from India and China devote almost all of their time to building their future while both if the american students were not even sure what they wanted to do. I think that by at least high school we should start taking our education seriously. The teachers should also be well educated. If there is a teacher teaching a subject the don't understand themselves then they are making their class a guessing game. I semi disagree with Zoe about homework. They shouldn't give more homework but more challenging homework. I also think that students to improve in their academics should put forth more effort in studying. Finally I think parents should put on the role of encouraging their sons and daughters. I also agree a lot with Zoe and Malak.
Everyone is (or can be) a problem in this issue. Teachers can do a bad job teaching or give less homework. Students can be slackers and refuse to learn which will add to the problem. But, some students already study as much as people in China do, which can make them not part of the problem. If we had a day where the whole school watched this movie, people will realize how important school is.
I think that in each 50 minutes in our classes we should spend them more wisely. At home, us students should study more. And parents could help by helping us study, or helping us understand more information. No one is completely responsible for this situation in perticular. I think the main problem of this situation is that students are too lazy.
Concerning the teachers and administraters, they could try to encourage their students a bit more or spread/show the video to more and more people. Not just us, to many other schools. Both adults and children.
In my opinion it is America's fault for our education drop and everything but I think we can change our situation around and do better than we are. For a start the students can work harder and TRY harder. But it's not entirely our, the student's, fault. It's also the teachers and everyone else in the schools faculty. Teachers can help by asking the kids, who are being to get lower grades then they usually do, if they need help or some extra studying time with just the student and the teacher. Many students wouldn't want to do that though but they would see that the teacher cares about them and their grades and that would make them feel a little bit better and then maybe they would come around and take that extra time with their teacher. All the rest of the faculty can do is encourage the students to try their best and work hard. The parents can do a lot though. When a student doesn't understand some homework they have that night or a test to study for the next day, parents should help them understand it because the student's teacher isn't there to actually talk them through it at their house. So that's where the parents step in and help. I know that if I have a question on anything in science or math my dad always helps me. All these little things can change student's grades which can change this problem or as some people call it, this "crisis", in America's education.
I think americans are doing a great job in education. However, I agree with stephen and how american students should spend more time studying and a little less time playing video games, etc. I think that Indian and Chinese parents disipline their children a little to much and should give they kids a break. They said american schools are almost "Like a Dream". Yours can be a dream to if you just stop being pressured so much and just take a break sometimes. Also teachers should encourage some students who aren't doing so well gradewise, such as rewards for doing good on a test. Also some american students are slackers and don't do much work. However, in other countries, if you slack off you could get in trouble. i think that american parents should disipline there children better, but not to much.
I think students and parents are responsible for this. students are responsible for studying and parents are responsible for encouraging the kids to study. what can be done is students can apply themselves more. they also can study more often for upcoming test. teachers can help by allowing 10 mins of studying time in class each week. administrative staff can help by adding a study hall to the scedule. also parents can help by encoraging their kids to study and helping them with things they dont understand.
i think there is a crisis. honestly the U.S have made american students lazy and unappreciative of a education. We think 6 hours in school is hard and the homework we get is hard but that isn't nothing to what the kids have to go throw in china or India. I just think that us american students should be more appreciative.
I agree with J.C. that there should be a balance between sports and school. That balance, plus parents expecting more from their kids, is what make India and China so more advanced.
I agree with Sarah that in some way or another every American is responsible for the situation the U.S. is in involving education. Everyone at some time was a student in school and they all decide how they want to learn and if they are going to accept the challenges. We as students should set goals close to where we are at the moment and then as you reach them set your priority a little higher next time. This way we are all learning and challenging ourselves. Teachers should actually teach kids instead of assigning the assignment, letting the kids work, and retire to their phones to text. The government has been saying things about making FCAT or other state-wide tests harder, but what I am wondering is if they are changing the levels because they want to be ahead of the rest of the pack or because us students are even ready. The government should determine if the students are successful at the tests before changing the levels. Parents should care about their children's education by making sure we do our homework and if your child needs help with homework to stop texting or watching TV.
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