The 'Death of Physics'
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Apparently, the new science curriculum has changed GCSE physics teaching from imparting basic mathematical models that go some way to describe the behaviour of matter and energy into an exercise in regurgitating the political and cultural norms of the day[^]. Typical questions include: `why would radio stations broadcast digital signals rather than analogue signals?’ An acceptable answer is: Can be processed by computer / ipod `Why must we develop renewable energy sources?’ 'Below which age is it recommended that children use a mobile phone in emergencies only?' What a great way to introduce our children to the most important, complex and subtle of the natural sciences. Where the hell are the bloody Tories on this rampant idiocy and near Lysenkoism?
10 years after the GCSE, what is the proportion of knowledge still there for 80% of the ex-pupils? I would bet for an answer under 10%. It sounds weird, but I'm not sure the thinking behind th reform is totally absurd.The bureaucratic implementation is as too often disastrous, but I'm not sure the teacher is right either.
I prefer the company of peasants because they have not been educated sufficiently to reason incorrectly. Fold with us! ¤ flickr
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A set of educational and qualification standards across an entire country? Why not? Don't you have such a thing in the USA? Then how do you assess that school children are performing unless there is some kind of standard.
Richard A. Abbott wrote:
Then how do you assess that school children are performing unless there is some kind of standard.
Their Standard Aptitude Test (SAT's) or whatever it is called.
Michael Martin Australia "I controlled my laughter and simple said "No,I am very busy,so I can't write any code for you". The moment they heard this all the smiling face turned into a sad looking face and one of them farted. So I had to leave the place as soon as possible." - Mr.Prakash 24/04/2004
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Richard A. Abbott wrote:
Then how do you assess that school children are performing unless there is some kind of standard.
Their Standard Aptitude Test (SAT's) or whatever it is called.
Michael Martin Australia "I controlled my laughter and simple said "No,I am very busy,so I can't write any code for you". The moment they heard this all the smiling face turned into a sad looking face and one of them farted. So I had to leave the place as soon as possible." - Mr.Prakash 24/04/2004
SAT's arent always a good indicator. Here in South Carolina, EVERY sophmore in high school MUST take the SAT, not the pSAT, but the actual SAT. This is one of the reasons that South Carolina has one of the lowest average SAT scores. Im not saying that we have an outstanding world class education system here in SC, im just saying that national tests arent always a good indicator.
------------------------------ I win because I have the most fun in life... "God - the imaginary friend for adults..." - George Carlin If Science came from religion, then why do Christians believe Jesus is magic?
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SAT's arent always a good indicator. Here in South Carolina, EVERY sophmore in high school MUST take the SAT, not the pSAT, but the actual SAT. This is one of the reasons that South Carolina has one of the lowest average SAT scores. Im not saying that we have an outstanding world class education system here in SC, im just saying that national tests arent always a good indicator.
------------------------------ I win because I have the most fun in life... "God - the imaginary friend for adults..." - George Carlin If Science came from religion, then why do Christians believe Jesus is magic?
You should run for governor saying you'll improve education. Then, when elected, remove the SAT requirement. Then you can say SAT scores improved a great deal because of your hard work and you'll be able to squeeze out another term.
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Yes, I would prefer a standard (or multiple standards that are agreed by employers and universities) that isn't subject to the whims of government or in the Baccalaureate's case the narrow polticial perspectives that afflict many transnational organisations. My emphasis would be on schools choice rather than any particular curriculum.
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You should run for governor saying you'll improve education. Then, when elected, remove the SAT requirement. Then you can say SAT scores improved a great deal because of your hard work and you'll be able to squeeze out another term.
:laugh:
------------------------------ I win because I have the most fun in life... "God - the imaginary friend for adults..." - George Carlin If Science came from religion, then why do Christians believe Jesus is magic?
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Apparently, the new science curriculum has changed GCSE physics teaching from imparting basic mathematical models that go some way to describe the behaviour of matter and energy into an exercise in regurgitating the political and cultural norms of the day[^]. Typical questions include: `why would radio stations broadcast digital signals rather than analogue signals?’ An acceptable answer is: Can be processed by computer / ipod `Why must we develop renewable energy sources?’ 'Below which age is it recommended that children use a mobile phone in emergencies only?' What a great way to introduce our children to the most important, complex and subtle of the natural sciences. Where the hell are the bloody Tories on this rampant idiocy and near Lysenkoism?
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The national curriculum is the root of the problem, it's way too subject to the political whims of the day as it can be seen and used as a tool to manipulate the national character. Not 'enough girls' doing science - make it about opinion and current affairs. Some Islamists blow up a bus in London? - More civics lessons and a whitewashing of Islamic theology. Most independent schools opt out of it, many state schools would if given the choice, and its not hard to see why.
Ryan Roberts wrote:
The national curriculum is the root of the problem, it's way too subject to the political whims of the day as it can be seen and used as a tool to manipulate the national character.
This is a very interesting point. I wouldn't (yet) go as far to suggest a conspiracy, but there are bound to be all manner of decisions made to serve interests other than those of the British people. And, of course, in this culture of *political spin*, where politicians can tell out-right lies to the electorate, and can effectively get away with it, we, the people, are unlikely to ever know what's really going on. Britain is basically becoming a centre of service industry. We have very little manufacturing left, and this is unlikely to change given the exchange rates (we could have everything manufactured in the US, and effectively pay half-price, so it's little wonder that everything goes to China). So in effect, we're creating a new underclass - a hugely unskilled workforce, qualified only to wash dishes. It won't be long (and given the appalling state of the education system, possibly even sooner than I think!) before we have a return to the old class system where those who are fortunate enough to go to private school get the best (and best paid) jobs, and where the rest of us are left out to dry...
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73Zeppelin wrote:
couldn't draw graphs without using a graphing calculator
There are people I know that if you gave them the small till receipt from a grocery store and asked them to add the values together, they couldn't do it without a calculator. When I were young (I am showing my age now! ) calculators didn't exist, so that was done either mentally or with pencil and paper. Using a calculator makes you lazy. Perhaps there should be a campaign to bring back log books (logarithm tables, Sine+Cosine+Tangent tables and Square Root tables etc). I presume most older people will understand what they were.
Richard A. Abbott wrote:
Using a calculator makes you lazy. Perhaps there should be a campaign to bring back log books (logarithm tables, Sine+Cosine+Tangent tables and Square Root tables etc). I presume most older people will understand what they were.
graduated from HS in 99. During senior year, my physics teacher had calculator free month to try and fight the stupidification of his students. He taught how to use log tables to multiply/divide, and how to use slide rules to those of us with packrat parents. A majority of my classmates were unable to wrap their minds around interpolating when the exact value they needed wasn't in the table or calculating the exponent when using the sliderule. :(( On the exam there were some students who didn't answer a problem that consisted of multiplying 10*100*sin45. The trig ratio was on the blackboard in decimal form. :(( One of his junior students didn't answer the other math related problem that required multiplying 2 and 3. :omg:
Nine times seven, thought Shuman with deep satisfaction, is sixty-three, and I don't need a computer to tell me so. The computer is in my own head. And it was amazing the feeling of power that gave him.The first time I read this I couldn't believe it was possible. Now I fear I'll live to see the formation of the society that the story was set in.-- You have to explain to them [VB coders] what you mean by "typed". their first response is likely to be something like, "Of course my code is typed. Do you think i magically project it onto the screen with the power of my mind?" --- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
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SAT's arent always a good indicator. Here in South Carolina, EVERY sophmore in high school MUST take the SAT, not the pSAT, but the actual SAT. This is one of the reasons that South Carolina has one of the lowest average SAT scores. Im not saying that we have an outstanding world class education system here in SC, im just saying that national tests arent always a good indicator.
------------------------------ I win because I have the most fun in life... "God - the imaginary friend for adults..." - George Carlin If Science came from religion, then why do Christians believe Jesus is magic?
VonHagNDaz wrote:
...SAT, not the pSAT...
Is that a pointer to SAT? I have no idea what the SAT really is or is used for. I only hear of them during movies when American High School or College students talk about them. Are they related to "a 4.0 grade point average"?
Michael Martin Australia "I controlled my laughter and simple said "No,I am very busy,so I can't write any code for you". The moment they heard this all the smiling face turned into a sad looking face and one of them farted. So I had to leave the place as soon as possible." - Mr.Prakash 24/04/2004
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VonHagNDaz wrote:
...SAT, not the pSAT...
Is that a pointer to SAT? I have no idea what the SAT really is or is used for. I only hear of them during movies when American High School or College students talk about them. Are they related to "a 4.0 grade point average"?
Michael Martin Australia "I controlled my laughter and simple said "No,I am very busy,so I can't write any code for you". The moment they heard this all the smiling face turned into a sad looking face and one of them farted. So I had to leave the place as soon as possible." - Mr.Prakash 24/04/2004
Michael Martin wrote:
I only hear of them during movies when American High School or College students talk about them. Are they related to "a 4.0 grade point average"?
No. The SAT and ACT tests are taken by HS students before applying to colleges and universities. Good scores can help you qualify for better schools.
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Michael Martin wrote:
I only hear of them during movies when American High School or College students talk about them. Are they related to "a 4.0 grade point average"?
No. The SAT and ACT tests are taken by HS students before applying to colleges and universities. Good scores can help you qualify for better schools.
Mike Mullikin wrote:
No. The SAT and ACT tests are taken by HS students before applying to colleges and universities. Good scores can help you qualify for better schools.
Thanks for the explanation.
Michael Martin Australia "I controlled my laughter and simple said "No,I am very busy,so I can't write any code for you". The moment they heard this all the smiling face turned into a sad looking face and one of them farted. So I had to leave the place as soon as possible." - Mr.Prakash 24/04/2004
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VonHagNDaz wrote:
...SAT, not the pSAT...
Is that a pointer to SAT? I have no idea what the SAT really is or is used for. I only hear of them during movies when American High School or College students talk about them. Are they related to "a 4.0 grade point average"?
Michael Martin Australia "I controlled my laughter and simple said "No,I am very busy,so I can't write any code for you". The moment they heard this all the smiling face turned into a sad looking face and one of them farted. So I had to leave the place as soon as possible." - Mr.Prakash 24/04/2004
The p(re)SAT, is a version of the test given to 10th grade students for practice and to enter for national merit scholarships (in theory, I don't know anyone who actually got one).
-- You have to explain to them [VB coders] what you mean by "typed". their first response is likely to be something like, "Of course my code is typed. Do you think i magically project it onto the screen with the power of my mind?" --- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
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The p(re)SAT, is a version of the test given to 10th grade students for practice and to enter for national merit scholarships (in theory, I don't know anyone who actually got one).
-- You have to explain to them [VB coders] what you mean by "typed". their first response is likely to be something like, "Of course my code is typed. Do you think i magically project it onto the screen with the power of my mind?" --- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
dan neely wrote:
national merit scholarships (in theory, I don't know anyone who actually got one).
me
-------------------- If modern science was founded by the Catholic Church, why do Christians believe Jesus is magic?
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dan neely wrote:
national merit scholarships (in theory, I don't know anyone who actually got one).
me
-------------------- If modern science was founded by the Catholic Church, why do Christians believe Jesus is magic?
If you don't mind my asking, when'd you take the test and how high'd you score on it? I'm just curious what level it actually took to win.
-- You have to explain to them [VB coders] what you mean by "typed". their first response is likely to be something like, "Of course my code is typed. Do you think i magically project it onto the screen with the power of my mind?" --- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
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Pfffft. Physics was dead long before that. Back in 1998 I was getting kids from highschool in my university classes that couldn't draw graphs without using a graphing calculator. I had exams where they would have to graph things and they would come up to me before the exam and ask how could there be plots on the exam if no calculator was allowed? I was stunned so I said "What do you mean?" and they said, "Well, how do we know how to divide up the graph and mark the lines if we don't have our calculators?". Sad. Sad. Sad. When I was a teaching assistant during grad school I got so frustrated with one class that I exploded and told them they were all dumb and stupid and weren't worth my time or effort. To my absolute relief I was promptly removed from all teaching assistant duties and assigned to a research professor to help him write simulation code. It was my pride and joy that never again was I asked to give tutorials to a class. In light of this, all I can say is thank God I'm no longer teaching anyone.
73Zeppelin wrote:
When I was a teaching assistant during grad school I got so frustrated with one class that I exploded and told them they were all dumb and stupid and weren't worth my time or effort.
I just failed them all :) But yeah, my experience was similar. At least to my shock and joy when I started teaching modern physics 75% of the students actually were capable of handling it and of those about 50% actually studied and enjoyed the topic.
My Blog A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. - -Lazarus Long
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Apparently, the new science curriculum has changed GCSE physics teaching from imparting basic mathematical models that go some way to describe the behaviour of matter and energy into an exercise in regurgitating the political and cultural norms of the day[^]. Typical questions include: `why would radio stations broadcast digital signals rather than analogue signals?’ An acceptable answer is: Can be processed by computer / ipod `Why must we develop renewable energy sources?’ 'Below which age is it recommended that children use a mobile phone in emergencies only?' What a great way to introduce our children to the most important, complex and subtle of the natural sciences. Where the hell are the bloody Tories on this rampant idiocy and near Lysenkoism?
And for some reason I just don't get, folks who choose to home-school their children exactly because of this state sponsored dumbing down are castigated and called crazy or worse. Double Think?
My Blog A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. - -Lazarus Long
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The p(re)SAT, is a version of the test given to 10th grade students for practice and to enter for national merit scholarships (in theory, I don't know anyone who actually got one).
-- You have to explain to them [VB coders] what you mean by "typed". their first response is likely to be something like, "Of course my code is typed. Do you think i magically project it onto the screen with the power of my mind?" --- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
dan neely wrote:
national merit scholarships (in theory, I don't know anyone who actually got one).
You do now. [edit]I saw your reply to VonHagNDaz: 1410 in 90[/edit]
No, it's a man given right. Some things are cow given. Like milk. Milk doesn't kill, but is a much better calcium source than guns are. - Joergen Sigvardsson
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And for some reason I just don't get, folks who choose to home-school their children exactly because of this state sponsored dumbing down are castigated and called crazy or worse. Double Think?
My Blog A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. - -Lazarus Long
Chris Austin wrote:
folks who choose to home-school their children exactly because of this state sponsored dumbing down are castigated and called crazy or worse.
That's not the only reason that some parents home school, and not all the home school "curricula" are better then public school. I knew one girl whose parents let her home school herself, she had to take her biology book back to the home school center that she was using and get one that covered evolution. :doh:
No, it's a man given right. Some things are cow given. Like milk. Milk doesn't kill, but is a much better calcium source than guns are. - Joergen Sigvardsson
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If you don't mind my asking, when'd you take the test and how high'd you score on it? I'm just curious what level it actually took to win.
-- You have to explain to them [VB coders] what you mean by "typed". their first response is likely to be something like, "Of course my code is typed. Do you think i magically project it onto the screen with the power of my mind?" --- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
i took the SAT for the 1st time in 7th grade(case study) scored around the mid 900's, pSAT in 9th and 10th grade, made around 1300 give or take 20 points or so. also took the SAT 10th grade, made about 1250. around that time a few of us got called to the guidance councilor and told about the contest. took the SAT again between 10th and 11th, made a 1430. took it again junior year, made a 1340 or so :(. between the highest math and highest verbal(you can pick and choose these days(say you had a 650 math and 800 verbal one test, and a 600 math and 800 verbal, your score would be 1450). some were in there i was told i was a finalist. took SAT again as a senior, got a 1490. ended up taking the ACT for fun, got a perfect. all and all there were 6 finalists from my high school. i ended up with about 10,000 i think, and ended up getting another 20,000 from the university based on the National Merit Scholarship's recommendation. between that and other various scholarships, i ended up making about 5,000 a semester to goto school(the university gives what money isnt spent on tuition back to the student, so i actually got paid to goto college). im just an excellent test taker, thats it. in college where multiple choice doesnt exist, i had some problems because i never really had to study and didnt know how...
-------------------- If modern science was founded by the Catholic Church, why do Christians believe Jesus is magic?