trevster2k
Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2001
- Messages
- 4,330
I was listening to an interview with James E. Cote who has written a book Ivory Tower Blues: A University System in Crisis.
http://www.cbc.ca/thesundayedition/audio.html
March 11th link
I found many of his insights to be disturbing. He claims that university degrees have become merely a work permit in Canada. According to him, most university graduates don't work in fields directly associated with their degree. And end up working in jobs which don't require that particular level of education.
He mentions the concept of social promotion/passing in schools where kids are promoted despite lacking skills in literacy or math. How teachers can't fail students anymore and must inform the principal who then talks to the parents. He calls this the progressive dropping of standards.
He comments on the teacher rating system and its' effects on the teachers, especially their job security or salary. So some professors in an attempt to receive higher ratings end up making their courses easier, and basically pleasing the students.
He mentioned a lawsuit where a teacher was fired for failing to follow a school policy of awarding marks using a 75% effort, 25% merit policy.
Is this what is happening in school these days? Do students have a sense of entitlement do higher marks for mediocre work? I have seen surveys which reveal huge amounts of cheating in academia too. I have been out of school for 15 years and plan to return this fall again.
I know there are many teachers and students here and would appreciate any insights. The interview link summarizes his thoughts far better than I but I hope he is wrong in his conclusions.
http://www.cbc.ca/thesundayedition/audio.html
March 11th link
I found many of his insights to be disturbing. He claims that university degrees have become merely a work permit in Canada. According to him, most university graduates don't work in fields directly associated with their degree. And end up working in jobs which don't require that particular level of education.
He mentions the concept of social promotion/passing in schools where kids are promoted despite lacking skills in literacy or math. How teachers can't fail students anymore and must inform the principal who then talks to the parents. He calls this the progressive dropping of standards.
He comments on the teacher rating system and its' effects on the teachers, especially their job security or salary. So some professors in an attempt to receive higher ratings end up making their courses easier, and basically pleasing the students.
He mentioned a lawsuit where a teacher was fired for failing to follow a school policy of awarding marks using a 75% effort, 25% merit policy.
Is this what is happening in school these days? Do students have a sense of entitlement do higher marks for mediocre work? I have seen surveys which reveal huge amounts of cheating in academia too. I have been out of school for 15 years and plan to return this fall again.
I know there are many teachers and students here and would appreciate any insights. The interview link summarizes his thoughts far better than I but I hope he is wrong in his conclusions.