The U.S. education system is slipping behind China and even countries like India. In fact, in the recent elections that were conducted, Barrack Obama brought to light the issue that the system is failing to produce individuals competent to compete as an effective workforce.
According to a report published by Harvard University, it was found that school vouchers were introduced claiming to remedy school failures. However, the grave reality is that no such significant impact has been observed in enrollment. The influence of these vouchers was only that a handful of African American students found assistance through them.
The government should take measures to introduce reforms, grants and programs in order to encourage more people to pursue education further. It cannot be denied that the education an individual receives has a principal role in shaping up his personality. Also, it is education that can make an individual a more responsible and useful contribution to society.
Another report published by American Progress/Next Generation revealed that countries like India and China are consistently improving their education system so that their children are promptly hired in key industries. The report further established that by 2030, the number of students graduating from college in China will reach 200 million, which is a number to completely eclipse America’s according to vprocleaningagency.com.
Also, the number of graduates from India will be four times than those produced by the United States. This is indeed an alarming situation and the factors further jeopardizing the scenario are briefly listed below.
No Flexibility to Unconventional Approaches
The educational system fails to acknowledge that given the technologically sound society we live in, it is more important than ever to let go of traditional ways. A study conducted revealed that on an average, a child belonging to the age group 11-13 sends 50 text messages to parents and peers. However, if a student needs to communicate to his teacher, he is required to either email or meet him in person.
Teachers debate that they only want to prepare students so that they know how things will be in the real world. They may be doing well for the students on their part, but this approach is short-sighted. Somewhere, teachers do not understand that they have the responsibility to prepare kids so that they can operate in today’s world.
No Room for Entertainment
Most students complain of boredom. Teachers don’t understand that learning doesn’t always have to be boring. It could be fun and interesting as well and will cater well to children’s short attention span. Students are penalized for getting distracted all the time and most of them suffer from attention deficit disorder. Instead of blaming students, shouldn’t teachers take time and find out if the problem lies with them?
Not Trusting the Resources
Kids have developed a mindset that they no longer view teachers or parents as the most reliable sources. They ask questions, and even after getting answers, they Google it just to make sure. Technology suggests that parents and teachers should take up the role of knowledge facilitators instead of authoritative information sources.
Interest in Only Job-Oriented Skills
Perhaps students have seen adults worrying so much about money, they believe it is all there is to life. Instead of enriching their knowledge base, students are now concerned about whether or not they will land a job with a handsome salary package.
Disappointing Global Standing
It was found that when American students were tested in areas of math, reading and science, they stood 23rd, 17th and 32nd respectively. This is well beyond the average score internationally.
On a final note, one can only say that it is high time the government realizes that educational system has to be revised.