Here are six educational news article that have caught my attention over the last week. You will find a variety of articles from a range of countries.
These educational news articles are from an automated article spinning site. I have read each of them and have found them to be informative and interesting.
If you have found an interesting educational news articles, share the link in the comments section below.
1. Republic party of Texas rejects critical thinking skills in schools….
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/texas-gop-rejects-critical-thinking-skills-really/2012/07/08/gJQAHNpFXW_blog.html
Quote: We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs that are simply a relabeling of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) (mastery learning) which focus on behavior modification and have the purpose of challenging the student’s fixed beliefs and undermining parental authority.
2. In Australia, experienced teachers that have not had to demonstrate improvement in skills have been allowed to move up the pay scale – this is about to change.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/experienced-teachers-face-skills-tests-20120731-23d26.html
3. In New South Wales teaching will no longer be the easy career choice for students under a state government push to lift standards.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-news/toughening-up-teaching/story-e6freuzi-1226438912893
Interesting fact: There are about 5500 graduate teachers for a maximum of 500 positions at public schools each year
Quote:
“This year, more than 20 per cent of undergraduates in teacher education courses had an ATAR score below 60, and education was the least popular course for students with scores above 90.”
4. From the China Daily – Interesting article out of China comparing the different generations of students. The article comments on the lack of motivation today. Have a look at the quotes to see a different perspective!
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2012-09/05/content_15734421.htm
Quote:
“The lack of hardships, it seems, has made college students extremely sensitive and weak.”
“Frequent reports of young people selling their kidneys to buy iPhones reflect the spread of spiritual poverty across society. Without inner peace and proper understanding of the material world, people will only increase their mental agony.”
5. Teachers in Victoria went on strike yesterday – See the end of the article for the difference in pay rise offers between the nurses, police and teachers.
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/teachers-learn-at-the-school-of-hard-knocks-20120904-25ci5.html
Quote:
“When I started teaching in a Victorian technical school in 1981 our student population was homogeneous; almost all spoke English as their first language. Class sizes were capped at 21; we taught 22 hours per week and had five days of professional development each year. This enabled teachers to personalise learning, plan and prepare lessons, correct student work and meet colleagues.
Some 30 years later, the same classrooms often have 30 students from just about every country in the world, many never having been in school before, not speaking English and coming to Australia with horrific experiences behind them. Teachers are being expected to continually raise results, introduce a new National Curriculum and enhance their teaching with the latest innovations, always ensuring that every child is at the centre of their work.”
6. Teachers in Australia are payed less than the average wage – compare this with Korea and Finland
http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/world-rankings-a-lesson-in-valuing-role-of-teachers-20120904-25clz.html
Quote:
“According to OECD figures, an experienced Australian teacher earns $47,000 a year, 30 per cent less than the average salary, compared with $81,000 in Korea, three times more than the average salary, or $59,000 in Finland, almost 40 per cent more than the average.”
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