Ch 4 Quote – “As a result, Asian nations have been working on closing the creativity gap, while the United States has been troubled by the “achievement gap” revealed by international comparison tests, such as TIMSS and PISA.” (p. 91)
Each country thinks the other is doing “better” and is trying to catch up. Question – If the true purpose of education is to prepare young people to be successful in the real world, isn’t the US doing a better job than China? Connection – This reminds me of something from my middle/high school years. My best friend, Johanna, was a friendly, athletic, pretty, life-of-the-party girl. I did some athletics but I excelled in academics. When we grew up, I told Johanna how my mom used to compare me to her and say, “Why can you be more like Johanna and be more athletic?” She laughed and said that her mom said, “Why can’t you do better in school, like Sheila?” Epiphany – It is a good thing to want to improve our education system, but we should celebrate the things we do well much more than we do. Ch 5 Quote – “People move from one locality to another for all sorts of reasons, from escaping from poor living conditions, political turmoil, mistreatment, or lack of opportunities to seeking better jobs, better education, more opportunities, and better living conditions.” (p. 106) The reasons people move from country to country are varied. Question – How valid are American’s concerns about immigrants being a burden to public services like healthcare and education? Connection – My Filipina cousin has a husband she only communicates with via Facebook and phone calls. She takes care of their 3 children back home, while he works in Saudi Arabia as a driver and send money home. His family lives in a middle-class neighborhood and the children go to private schools. Epiphany – Even if there is a burden on public services by immigrants, the economic benefits to the U.S. with the added workforce outweigh the costs. Ch 6 Quote – “The challenge our schools must face is to begin teaching the skills and knowledge needed for the virtual economy.” (p.131) Making money online is very real and can be lucrative. To be successful students need to learn particular skills in relation to this virtual world. Question – What percentage of Americans will work in the “real” world in the next 10 years versus the virtual world? Connection – My dad told us that several of his merchant marine buddies were wasting money buying imaginary property for an imaginary world. He told us how ridiculous it was. Epiphany – If Ailin Graef can make $1 million by selling virtual real estate, then American kids with computer knowledge should also be able to earn money online.
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Sheila L. DavisPassionate Adult ESL Instructor at Grossmont Adult School, PLC Lead (mulit-level)& TOSA. Former Adjunct at San Diego Continuing Ed. Seeking the best ways to utilize technology in the classroom and in professional life. ArchivesCategories |