Rethinking US Education for a Global Society

GDIT 725 Education in Global Society

Emtinan Alqurashi

We have travelled around the globe to explore different education systems

Introduction We have travelled together around the world to

explore different education systems.This trip includes countries from group

presentations (US, England, South Korea, and China) and the individual studies of selected countries (Japan, Singapore, Italy, Belgium, Finland, Lithuania, India, and Mexico).

Throughout the journey, I will be discussing successes and concerns of countries we visited, and then what can the United States education system learn from this journey.

The USA (successes)Multicultural educational reform

Democracy

Standards-based educational reform Academic expectationsStudents’ achievementTeacher quality

The USA (concerns)Multicultural educational reform

Difficult to “create the policy and structural supports needed to institutionalize multicultural education in schools”

Teacher education

Standards-based educational reform Narrows curriculum and limits pedagogyPromotes an assimilation agenda

England (successes)National Curriculum

SATProvide children with access to “broad, balanced,

differentiated, and relevant school experience”

Students’ emotional health and positive behaviorsEarly childhood education

Every Child Matters

Special education needs and inclusion Children’s services

health, safety, enjoyment and achievement, positive contribution, economic well-being.

Status of teachersnational standard for certification of teachers

England (concerns) Curriculum issues

Students with learning difficulties are at highest risk SAT scores (credibility)

Governance issue Funding, based on size of schoolDecline in the power vested in LEAs

Pupils behavior issues Challenging behavior More pupil referral units

Educational and Social Inclusion Issues Pupils who prevent others from learning are not included in regular

classes

Personal and Social Education Issues Less attention on emotional development, personal care, etc. More focus on Standards

South Korea (successes)Opportunities for education have

conspicuously expanded.Education has made many qualitative changes.Illiteracy has dropped.Parental involvementEducation has contributed to political,

economic, social and cultural development.Education relates to an increase in social

mobility. Traditional value.

South Korea (concerns)High suicidal ratesOvercrowded classrooms

Building more schools, especially in urban areas.

Diverse populationAccommodate students from the diverse cultures,

religions, generations, and classes.

Lack of democracy in the country is a challenge to the education sector.

Curriculum changsGender equalityPrivate education

China (successes)Students are expected to perform well on

standardized testsEvaluating and revising education system on a

regular basis. Technology usage

China (concerns)The Linguistic and Technological Divides

Gab between urban and rural areas

Curriculum Reform and Heavy Study LoadPressure on students to perform well

Education of Domestic Migrant ChildrenDomestic migrant children are not eligible for free

access to public schools

Creating World-Class UniversitiesResearch and publicationMore assistant, associate and full professors

Japan (successes)High quality education by international

standardsAcross OECD countries, Japan is ranked one of the

top four countries in Reading and Science, and top seven in Mathematics scores according to PISA results (2012); and ranked one of the top five according to TIMMS results (2011)

Japan succeeded in “bringing up excellent leaders and workers to promote modern industry”

Japan (concerns)School drop out ratesSchool violence and bullyingStudents’ lack of interest Teachers’ workloadCrises of childhoodMore focus on standardized testes and less oh

human development

Singapore (successes)High scores on standardized tests Student development University graduation rates increasedGender equality Bilingual policy Profession development hours for teachers

Singapore (concerns)Preschool education is not funded

Gap between low-income and high-income families

Private tutoring businessWealthy students are taking advantage of it

Italy (successes) Early childhood education

98% of children at age of 3 are enrolled in early childhood program

The education system is improving quickly

Italy (concerns) Low scores on standardized tests High drop out rates Poor assessment techniques

Belgium(successes)Flemish education

High quality education by international standards

Schools are responsible for their own curriculaSchool reports are published online Funded schools

Belgium (concerns)Flemish education

Private schools Not funded, not recognized

Low performance of students from low socioeconomic status

Internal evaluation is not not connected to external evaluation

Finland (successes) High scores on standardized tests Education is a human right

Free education from preschool up to university

More play time to reduce anxiety

Qualified teachers Attractive salaryComfortable schedule

Finland (concerns) Finland education system is very successful and my research on their concerns was very limited.What is better than having less class time and more recess time, attractive salary for teachers with few working hours. On the top of that, high scores on standardized tests.

Lithuania (successes) High literacy rates Funded preschool educationNo assessments for primary education

Focus on individual progress

Individual education plan in upper secondary education

Focus on teacher training and pedagogy

Lithuania (concerns) Teachers can teach primary and basic education

without a bachelor degreeCompulsory education is only 10 years, this is

less than the US, which is 12 years

India (successes) High literacy rates Easy access to schools in rural areasOpen Schools (from distance)Well-developed adult education system “Education for Women’s Equality” initiative

India (concerns) Poverty, child labor, children working in farming

prevent children from educationGraduates rate more than jobs available Teachers are not well-paid Private institution

Create gap between children from low-income and high-income families

Mexico (successes) Years of compulsory education increasedFunded textbooks Qualified teachers Innovative education programs Less student-teacher rationFree breakfast for poor children

Mexico (concerns) Low scoring on standardized testsFacility storage

Classroom resources, buildings

Salaries of teachers Low salaryQualification requirement increased

Unequal access to education Poor classroom instruction

PISA results (2012)

These are the results of Program of International Assessment (2012).

Take a look at the table to find the ranking of the countries discussed in this presentation.

TIMSS (2011)These are the results of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study.

Take a look at the table to find the average scores of the countries discussed in this presentation.

ReflectionWhat can the Unites States education system learn from this journey? Throughout this amazing and very inserting journey around the world, there are a few successful elements I believe it would benefit the US education system: 1. Funded education2. Balance 3. Teacher’s professional development and salary

Funded education Ensuring free education for all should be a basic human right starting from preschool up to university education. This includes cost of tuition, school meals, learning materials, textbooks, equipment, facilities, student counseling, transportation, etc. This is to ensure that students from different socioeconomic status have equity access to quality education. By doing this, teachers can focus on teaching and enhance learning, and bringing new ideas and practices to schools.

Balance Balance is the key to a successful education system. South Korea, for example, focused more on standardized tests and less on emotional and physical well-being; high suicidal rates in school occurred. Finland was a great example of balancing between school work and play time, and they are one of the best countries not just in standardized tests, but also preparing students for their future careers.

Teachers Improving education system should start with strengthening education profession and investing in teachers preparation and support. When teachers are well-prepare and trusted, teaching become a highly respected and appreciated profession. Attractive salaries and acceptable workload are important factors that play role in teacher’s productivity. When teachers are satisfied, they would focus more teaching and learning, and students’ emotional and physical support.

Final thoughts This journey around the world has been an amazing learning experience. It allowed me to gain knowledge and insight into the education system in each country discussed, and how to bring back those successful experiences to improve the US education system.

Emtinan

References All group and individual presentations, thanks

to:Natalie, Mark, Rachel, Marcia, Amena, Elif, and Mia

Mazurek, K., & Winzer, M. A. (2006). Schooling around the world: Debates, challenges and practice. New York, NY: Pearson Education.