Shopsmith Forums

I just may go back to school. I foundthis, after watching Stossel on TV today and found it very interesting. Try a couple classes and let the forum know what you think. I was a math major but I still found this intriguing.

That id one interesting site. I might just learn something. Thanks Dusty.

the khan academy is a really neat resource. If you haven't checked it out, I highly recommend it. Among other lessons, I really enjoyed the series on fractional reserve banking.

I saw this on the news some time ago. Bill gates was so impressed he donated 1.5 Mill. Google 2 Mil.

cincinnati wrote:I saw this on the news some time ago. Bill gates was so impressed he donated 1.5 Mill. Google 2 Mil.

The man has simply gone back to old fashioned teaching techniques. He has added those other bells and whistles by computerizing it and providing help for teachers to judge progress(and problem areas).

It is unfortunate that most 'educators' today are full of hypothetical teaching theories that are not based upon sound reasoning nor evaluation. Too much psychology mumbo jumbo and too little real methodology.

I do so hope he starts a revolution!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really like his use of color to keep like things separated from 'other stuff'.

Subtle small details prevent confusion(misinterpreting the material) from creeping in early on.

JPG40504 wrote:The man has simply gone back to old fashioned teaching techniques. He has added those other bells and whistles by computerizing it and providing help for teachers to judge progress(and problem areas).

It is unfortunate that most 'educators' today are full of hypothetical teaching theories that are not based upon sound reasoning nor evaluation. Too much psychology mumbo jumbo and too little real methodology.

I do so hope he starts a revolution!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really like his use of color to keep like things separated from 'other stuff'.

Subtle small details prevent confusion(misinterpreting the material) from creeping in early on.

I respectfully disagree on the issue being "hypothetical teaching theories". The larger reality is that while "no child left behind" increased "accountability", it caused many public school systems to simply teach to the standardized tests. Not the theory/practical application behind what is on the test, just the test itself. Since test scores directly relate to funds for a given school, it means that teachers are not rewarded for being good and inspirational instructors anymore, but simply for increasing the money available for the school via test scores.

If teachers were paid/ranked based on how motivated, capable, and inspired their students were then things would be very different.

Great site, I have sent it address to several teachers at our school. There are some things here that could help lots of folks in a lot of ways. Thanks for sharing the link. I used to do this kind of thing in class, but four colors of chalk made my clothes a nasty brown color! Smart boards must not rub off on you.

My reference to hypothetical teaching theories was referencing past exercises in 'I thought of it, therefore it will work' that preceded any of the aspects you mentioned.

Ever notice the half life of many educational theories that they used our youth to experiment with?

What amazes me is the blind jump on the bandwagon actions of teachers who IMHO should be using their own ideas etc. instead of some self appointed educational 'expert'.

Sorry for the rant, but this has been smoldering many decades and my observation is that it all is getting worse each decade.

We need more old maid schoolteachers whose life revolves around their students. Yes they are not perfect, but then consider the rest of the world!

Teach the fundamentals(like Kahn) and the test results will take care of themselves. The goal is NOT to get a test score!!!! The goal is understanding!(i.e. knowledge)

Something is certainly wrong with our educational system. The USA was, at one time, ranked #1 in education. That is no more.

There was a time that going to school had something to do with reading, writing and arithmetic. That is no more. Look at the rankings.

There was a time when students had to make a decision about whether or not they were going to pursue a 'profession'. Going on to college meant doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief. Now it seems to mean four more years without needing to get a real job. Student loans help to make paying jobs unnecessary. Now, adding insult to injury, the President is negotiating 'forgiveness' for unpaid student loans.

I could go on and on - but I won't.

dusty wrote:Something is certainly wrong with our educational system. The USA was, at one time, ranked #1 in education. That is no more.

There was a time that going to school had something to do with reading, writing and arithmetic. That is no more. Look at the rankings.

There was a time when students had to make a decision about whether or not they were going to pursue a 'profession'. Going on to college meant doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief. Now it seems to mean four more years without needing to get a real job. Student loans help to make paying jobs unnecessary. Now, adding insult to injury, the President is negotiating 'forgiveness' for unpaid student loans.

I could go on and on - but I won't.

The 'system' does have systemic problems!