In Australia it is quite reasonable to assume that the average intelligence quotient (AIQ) of school students has not changed over time. In my opinion it is more than reasonable to assume that the AIQ of their teachers has dropped significantly.
Australia is now in the unenviable position of having significant numbers of our brighter students being taught mathematics and science by teachers who struggle to understand the subject matter they are required to teach.
I suggest that the various State Authorities have been aware of this situation for a number of years and have responded accordingly. To begin with they have dumbed down the subject matter. In doing so early introduction of difficult concepts is no longer viable in many of our schools. Errors in prescribed texts are not readily picked up and these errors are often reinforced when teachers attend staff development days. The abolition of external examinations in junior high school has helped to conceal the lack of quality subject matter being taught.
It is well known that students in years 11 and 12 are spurning mathematics, physics and chemistry in both public and private schools. The brighter students know the capabilities of the teachers at their schools and respond accordingly!
No comments:
Post a Comment