[pwd72s]

Originally posted by nostatic
OK...seems most everyone thinks that education is broken in the US. So how do we fix it? I assume that "vouchers" will be the first thing out of many keyboards, but how will that actually work?

I'll stay out of that part and offer some broader talking points:

Involve students in the creation and improvement of learning materials. We learn by doing. We learn even better by creating. We learn best by teaching. Digital technologies allow young kids to create media. Lower the barriers to that with an eye towards classroom materials. Have mentoring programs where older kids are involved in teaching younger kids.

Start foreign language education on day one. Doesn't matter that much which one...I'd argue for Mandarin since that is where the power base will be for the next chunk of years, but Hindi, Arabic, and Spanish are fine too. Studies have consistently shown that it is easier to learn a second language when you're young, and it gives you an advantage in other thought processes (not to mention the global workplace). While the world is learning English, they will continue to speak their native language.

Use technology to augment education and deliver content. Use the classroom experience for socialization, not lecture and rote learning. Horses for courses.

I see...leave the one thing that WILL work off the table...sheesh!