Is the USA stupid?

[lordmandeep]

Truth is Harper is playing the same style of populist politics and is winning handily.

 

[Hydrogen]

Everyone knows that the results of these international 'standardization' tests are problematic. There are all kinds of reasons that can lead to one group scoring better or worse on these things. That said, even a cursory search will show you that the US does well, even better, than some G8 nations in certain age groups and in certain testing areas. Your gross generalities prove little, except your own biases perhaps.

It is clear that among some people, there is a near obsession with such testing. First, there is no standardized international test, so there is no way to know, comparatively speaking, who scored better or where. Second, the entrenchment of such standardized tests suggests a curricular aim wherein the end is to simply "teach the test" to achieve a required outcome. This is unfortunate as it inevitably tends reduces education down to nothing more than hoop-jumping. Moreover, it's a convenient way of avoiding all the other possible things that can be done with an educational experience. Finally, can it be shown that nations with high scores in standardized educational testing are quantitatively and qualitatively smarter than other nations, or better off?

There is more to education than ticking off right answers. To quote Plutarch, "the mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be lighted."

 

[Tewder]

Couldn't agree more Hydrogen.