Tell me all about it, dear...

Amy - 2011-02-11 16:31:16
I couldn't agree with you more. While technology has made it easier to accomplish tasks, the result is that the bar has been raised for the number of tasks that we expect to accomplish in one day. Every day is a giant time-management, multi-tasking, multi-skill challenge.
-------------------------------
Rosanne - 2011-02-11 22:39:59
I've seen that test before, and I think it's always published with that smugness you saw, but it hits me differently. I was thinking about it earlier today when I was listening to something about how in the 1800s, Shakespeare was commonly read/memorized by schoolchildren of all ages, an assignment that would be met today by shrieks of "That's too hard!" I don't see it as a question of information -- we certainly do carry around tons more than they did then -- but the ability to understand. It's not the data on the old test, it's that children (only a few, perhaps, but some) were capable of the advanced thinking and understanding in math, science, history and literature that we now keep from them until they're much older. If a twelve year old could read Shakespeare a hundred years ago, why not now? Anyway, that's what's buzzing in my head today.
-------------------------------
jasper - 2011-02-12 02:18:55
Ye gods, you are so big headed!! We're all STILL waiting for that appearance on Oprah of yours by the way! Not to mention the marriage to a Rock Star, snort! Dream on dreamer...
-------------------------------
beanie - 2011-02-12 03:35:19
I agree with Rosanne, it's how you think and process information that's important. And yes, I do know quite a bit about nuclear power, physics and radiation and electricity and plumbing. It's the old xray tech in me.... and having a father who did all the electrical and plumbing work in the house!
-------------------------------
Pam L - 2011-02-12 15:46:03
I have had this discussion with my hubby who thinks kids don't learn enough these days because my son didn't have to memorize the names of the past presidents in order, or be able to recite the preamble to the constitution, and other things he did. But, I tell him,since you were in school, some 40-50 years ago a lot MORE history has been created by events, new science discoveries, new geography, new solar system findings, new technologies, new governments, more in depth knowledge of the earth, the brain etc. They learn tons of stuff, they can't memorize all the stuff from your era AND their era, so they try to learn the how and why of it instead. And when I hear all this crap about how we Americans are falling behind in science and math and technology and medicine I say baloney, I KNOW the kids that have graduated high schools around here that have gone on to do great things in college and beyond. I just don't buy it that the 1940's era was the greatest generation. There were bums then and there are bums now and there is a lot of greatness everywhere.
-------------------------------
Stephanie - 2011-02-12 21:34:51
Forget about programming a VCR - I want to see Ms 1880 work a DVR. Mine is driving me crazy! (I can watch the recorded programs okay - it's switching back to regular TV that gives me agita.)
-------------------------------
Stephanie - 2011-02-12 22:42:31
P.S. Expecto patronum!
-------------------------------
LA - 2011-02-12 22:57:42
I hate to have anything in common with Dolores Umbridge, but my Patronus is a cat. ~LA
-------------------------------

And you are?
One or (email):
The other (url):

Back to the entry - Diaryland