thanks Tom, yes that disengagement from students is something that I've had to deal with in many suburban government schools. Our Victorian VCE is a curriculum that has no input from students nor from most teachers & I wonder if the trend of increasing numbers of students opting out of the exams for Y12 is another indication of disengagement & relevance. Currently its about 10% of students opting out of Exams and I wonder what would happen if that number grew to 30-40%. Only about 35% of Govt School kids are going to Uni - I wonder what relevance the VCE is to those other 65%?
That's exactly right, sadly it seems often that the actual "stuff" of the curriculum is never reconsidered, but that the blame is attributed to a lack of proficient teachers in the subject or a lack of rigorous academic culture in schools.
We could ask the question of who this kind of education serves. Does it serve the student's aspirations for their future or the needs of higher education authorities and industry? Is there some way to find a balance in this?
Hi David, thank you for reading and for sharing the network! I have been off Facebook for some time now, but have been considering getting an account specifically for teaching and research. You might see me there soon!
Thank you Mark for the very kind words! Glad to hear it resonated somewhat with you.
As you say there is a constant push and pull between the three different "I's" and I think it is important that this is continually reflected on where possible. It's a comforting thought to know that our outward face is never the final story.
thanks Tom, yes that disengagement from students is something that I've had to deal with in many suburban government schools. Our Victorian VCE is a curriculum that has no input from students nor from most teachers & I wonder if the trend of increasing numbers of students opting out of the exams for Y12 is another indication of disengagement & relevance. Currently its about 10% of students opting out of Exams and I wonder what would happen if that number grew to 30-40%. Only about 35% of Govt School kids are going to Uni - I wonder what relevance the VCE is to those other 65%?
Thanks for sharing George!
That's exactly right, sadly it seems often that the actual "stuff" of the curriculum is never reconsidered, but that the blame is attributed to a lack of proficient teachers in the subject or a lack of rigorous academic culture in schools.
We could ask the question of who this kind of education serves. Does it serve the student's aspirations for their future or the needs of higher education authorities and industry? Is there some way to find a balance in this?
Nicely said, and as you point out is the stuff of change. In fact, I credit teaching with helping me become a better person, father and teacher.
Very true. Exposure can change the way we see so many things. Thanks for taking the time again Mark!
Tom thanks for your honesty. Confronting your own privileged education is always difficult. Please join us in the Public Education Network https://www.facebook.com/groups/134951450492088/
Hi David, thank you for reading and for sharing the network! I have been off Facebook for some time now, but have been considering getting an account specifically for teaching and research. You might see me there soon!
Thank you Mark for the very kind words! Glad to hear it resonated somewhat with you.
As you say there is a constant push and pull between the three different "I's" and I think it is important that this is continually reflected on where possible. It's a comforting thought to know that our outward face is never the final story.