Re: Education

["John E. Purchase" <jopur@muskoka.com>]

On Oct 12, 2004, at 10:19 AM, Jim Walker wrote (in part):

- - - The school system, as I like to label it, is mostly trying to 
respond to the
> atomistic nature of the environment (here) it which it finds itself. 
> The
> individual learner reigns supreme, in theory.  It would be a pleasant
> modification of current practices to be able to compare and contrast 
> based
> on a consistent evaluation paradigm.
>
> However, we are easily seduced in this culture into believing that we 
> need
> to have a large array of pedagogical methods and systems in play...at 
> the
> same time... the better to respond to the 'individual needs' of the 
> learner.


Jim will remember from his participation in an educational forum in 
Canada that there are other strong forces which try to have their 
visions of education (public in particular) reign supreme.  The " 
parent as customer" is one (my child must be served according to my 
needs and expectations).   There are fiscal conservatives who seem to 
begrudge society its desire to have a well educated population (except 
as it serves vested interest).  Anti-professional and anti-union 
sentiments are maintained by the same or related agendas.

A theme that comes out in all of them is "Change" (to the proponents' 
point of view)  but rarely "Improvement" (in what they pejoratively 
label as "the status quo").

Off forum I have supplied Brian Wood with a list of references on 
educational evaluation,  marks,  marking systems,  and reporting.    It 
is my observation that measurement and evaluation are not taught well 
for teacher certification for the purposes of regular application in 
the classroom.   On the other hand,  plenty of courses are given on the 
use and interpretation of standardised tests in education and 
psychology.

The unfortunate thing,  according to Bruce Biddle and David Berliner 
writing out of Arizona State University, is that too much of what the 
special interest groups see a problems with public education are myths 
based on misrepresentation.

John E.  Purchase
Public Educator- Retired