In an era where information flows like a digital torrent through our smartphones and laptops, one might assume that our education systems are producing sharper, more resilient minds than ever before, right?
Certainly an in-depth analyses. Many flaws in the education system. For one, universities are not academic centers any more. They have become business centers. What kind of an examination is it where pupils are allowed access to the internet to answer questions. Now with AI usage on the rise, pupils will use AI in stead of researching to develop critical thinking.
Would the Secretary of Education even read or notice your analyses, let alone take action to remedy lacks and faults in the education system?
But you've done great service by making the public aware of some problems in the education system. Thank you on their behalf.
Thank you for your thoughtful response, and for the most part, I agree with what you have said. The shift from academic intent to commercial enterprise at the level of universities is, in many ways, the basic problem. When institutions place a higher value on branding or enrolment or reputation than academic integrity or rigor, the problems are endogenous and are bound to filter down into the classroom.
That 'open book' exams are common practice, or allowing the internet in exams - and now access to AI - is an irrefutable problem because it makes education about taking moral shortcuts. AI can help facilitate learning and can enhance the learning experience, but when there is no process, no guidelines, no critical scaffolding, it is all too easy to then use AI as a surrogate process rather than the process that students are meant to be developing: thinking.
As for the Secretary of Education reading this? Probably not. However, public pressure and informed conversation is often a way that reform begins. I appreciate your comments, and your response. It is contributions like yours that help keep the conversation alive!
Thanks so much, I very much appreciate that. As a primary school teacher, you are in at the ground level of where real change can happen. I am glad that the piece struck a chord with you. We need more educators willing to think critically about the system and not just in it. Keep up the good work, we need it now more than ever!
When homeschooling began to be legalized in America in the 80s or so, I thought that would be a game changer.
Now they seem to have been sucked into the same old system mostly.
The public schools should be closed and children should be allowed to play and explore naturally! They have what it takes to figure life out with minimal input. They naturally learn, inquire, and discover what works, or they ask someone for help.
We underestimate children, nature, and human development!
Certainly an in-depth analyses. Many flaws in the education system. For one, universities are not academic centers any more. They have become business centers. What kind of an examination is it where pupils are allowed access to the internet to answer questions. Now with AI usage on the rise, pupils will use AI in stead of researching to develop critical thinking.
Would the Secretary of Education even read or notice your analyses, let alone take action to remedy lacks and faults in the education system?
But you've done great service by making the public aware of some problems in the education system. Thank you on their behalf.
Thank you for your thoughtful response, and for the most part, I agree with what you have said. The shift from academic intent to commercial enterprise at the level of universities is, in many ways, the basic problem. When institutions place a higher value on branding or enrolment or reputation than academic integrity or rigor, the problems are endogenous and are bound to filter down into the classroom.
That 'open book' exams are common practice, or allowing the internet in exams - and now access to AI - is an irrefutable problem because it makes education about taking moral shortcuts. AI can help facilitate learning and can enhance the learning experience, but when there is no process, no guidelines, no critical scaffolding, it is all too easy to then use AI as a surrogate process rather than the process that students are meant to be developing: thinking.
As for the Secretary of Education reading this? Probably not. However, public pressure and informed conversation is often a way that reform begins. I appreciate your comments, and your response. It is contributions like yours that help keep the conversation alive!
The modern U.S. School system is designed to crush curiosity, because curious people question things. Remove the ability to read the ideas, and the ideas die. https://torrancestephensphd.substack.com/p/forget-free-college-how-about-we
A powerful and thought-provoking read! Your blend of historical insight and modern critique really landed with me as a primary school teacher.
Thanks so much, I very much appreciate that. As a primary school teacher, you are in at the ground level of where real change can happen. I am glad that the piece struck a chord with you. We need more educators willing to think critically about the system and not just in it. Keep up the good work, we need it now more than ever!
When homeschooling began to be legalized in America in the 80s or so, I thought that would be a game changer.
Now they seem to have been sucked into the same old system mostly.
The public schools should be closed and children should be allowed to play and explore naturally! They have what it takes to figure life out with minimal input. They naturally learn, inquire, and discover what works, or they ask someone for help.
We underestimate children, nature, and human development!