bomba923
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Well, about 80% of my physics, 30% of my AP Chem, and 90% of my U.S History class is stupid, i'd say. Unfortunately, nothing really comes of this since my teachers grade only 50-60% on tests.
People in my physics class memorize because they don't really understand the material--no really, they DON'T (well, 20% do). But their notebooks and classwork (plugging in formulas) looks so neat and organized that the teachers pardons them with undeserved B's.
In my statistics class, people are stupid because they didn't understand the previous concepts covered earlier during the course; now it haunts them...but this time it's a little better, since tests are 70%, and homework counts 30%.
In my chem class, people simply memorize and enjoy the low curve set by the teacher, without really understanding the material. That's what I love about science--getting good test grades because of understanding the material, not memorization. But that doesn't apply for my class.
Now my U.S History class...well, I can make quite a rant about that. To sum it up: it is a US HISTORY class, NOT AN ART GALLERY. Tests count only 20-30%---you can pass the class just learning how to draw George Washington. By the teacher, some students might not be "skilled" at history, but good at "art"---WHAT THE?? HISTORY is NOT A SKILL!---you READ the BOOK, TAKE THE TEST! In fact, you can even MEMORIZE! In my class, 90% of the students--native English speakers--can't read clearly or even pronounce industrialization, imperialism, and rise of immigration, even when the terms are spaced FAR apart in a reading selection. I have, for example, a project for 70% of the quarter grade----well, no presentation, just make a small poster with images of industrialization, immigration..etc. The only skills necessary: How to use Google image search and color in a rectangular factory.
I think the solution to improve HS education is to un-standardize teachers' programs, and replace it 90% tests, 10% other work---e.g., term papers, comparative essays, historical evaluation----something that demonstrates knowledge of the material and student ability in the field of study.
For math/science classes----100%tests, and extra credit for completing HARD or CHALLENGING problems/projects in the field of study/i.e.,--RELATED to the MATERIAL
People in my physics class memorize because they don't really understand the material--no really, they DON'T (well, 20% do). But their notebooks and classwork (plugging in formulas) looks so neat and organized that the teachers pardons them with undeserved B's.
In my statistics class, people are stupid because they didn't understand the previous concepts covered earlier during the course; now it haunts them...but this time it's a little better, since tests are 70%, and homework counts 30%.
In my chem class, people simply memorize and enjoy the low curve set by the teacher, without really understanding the material. That's what I love about science--getting good test grades because of understanding the material, not memorization. But that doesn't apply for my class.
Now my U.S History class...well, I can make quite a rant about that. To sum it up: it is a US HISTORY class, NOT AN ART GALLERY. Tests count only 20-30%---you can pass the class just learning how to draw George Washington. By the teacher, some students might not be "skilled" at history, but good at "art"---WHAT THE?? HISTORY is NOT A SKILL!---you READ the BOOK, TAKE THE TEST! In fact, you can even MEMORIZE! In my class, 90% of the students--native English speakers--can't read clearly or even pronounce industrialization, imperialism, and rise of immigration, even when the terms are spaced FAR apart in a reading selection. I have, for example, a project for 70% of the quarter grade----well, no presentation, just make a small poster with images of industrialization, immigration..etc. The only skills necessary: How to use Google image search and color in a rectangular factory.
I think the solution to improve HS education is to un-standardize teachers' programs, and replace it 90% tests, 10% other work---e.g., term papers, comparative essays, historical evaluation----something that demonstrates knowledge of the material and student ability in the field of study.
For math/science classes----100%tests, and extra credit for completing HARD or CHALLENGING problems/projects in the field of study/i.e.,--RELATED to the MATERIAL
A little humility goes a long way in life.