Education, I

Finland and South Korea

Students in Finland and South Korea must be doing something right: they consistently rank among the top in academic achievement.

That according to the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), an OEDC survey.

Their rankings are based on exams taken by 15-year olds covering math, reading, and science.

Trends

One trend over the years, has been a significant rise in test scores in places such as Chile and Singapore.

Which leads us to the million dollar question: how do we improve school performance?

Town, Country

1. Name the different places of learning (schools, colleges, universities) in your town or city.

2. Is illiteracy a major concern? What percent of the adult population is illiterate? What percent is functionally illiterate?

3. Does your language or writing system use a phonetic or a non-phonetic alphabet?

4. Are there many private schools, night classes, and other course offerings where you live?

Society

5. Education is essential (important) for democracy. Do you agree? Why? Give examples.

6. Educated people are more “cultured” and “civilized”. Do you agree?

7. (A good) education is the key to success and prosperity in life. True or false? Why? Give examples.

8. Successful students always become successful in their future careers and in life; while poor students usually fail in life. True or false? Give examples.

9. An advanced education isn’t necessary—for the masses of people. Just a few business people, engineers, scientists and leaders need it. Do you agree?

Economics

10. A good education in society ensures a good economy. Yes or no? Why? Give examples.

11. Would you say the labour force has a glut of people with university degrees in accounting, advertising, banking, commerce, finance, human resources, law, literature, management, marketing, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology…

but a dearth of those with certificates in carpentry, electricity, electronics, mechanics, plumbing, welding?

12. The more education a person has, the lazier he or she becomes. In other words, the less willing people become in doing blue-collar, laboring jobs—even high-paying, skilled, technical ones. They much prefer office work, clerical work, or a shop job with low pay. True or false?