The IQ of China
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educentral
Trying to calculate the IQ of any singular country notoriously ends in sweeping assumptions and an ultimate calculation of the upper class of that country. In his book ‘IQ and the Wealth of Nations' Dr Richard Lynn endeavoured to draw a link between the level of wealth of a country and the corresponding IQ. While he came to some interesting conclusions from this study, critics responded strongly about the level of assumption that was involved to come to these conclusions. However, across the numerous studies that have been made into this area, it is evident that the estimated level of IQ in China is very high.
 With literacy and numeracy levels in schools in the UK continually under scrutiny it is very interesting to see how well other countries are doing in educating their future generations. These high test scores in China are balanced throughout rural and urban areas and they show that children are well aware of the need to do well at school in order to be high-achievers in their careers. In contrast to this literacy levels in the UK seem to be at a standstill, with some schools reporting their reading levels to be the same as in 2005. What is more, approximately 16% of adults in the UK are functionally illiterate, meaning that they can only understand a basic level of reading and writing. None-the-less, in comparison to other parts of the world UK literacy is high and has risen significantly since before 1900 when literacy levels would have shown a greater split between classes.
The PISA tests (Programme for International Student Assessment) are taken internationally every three years by testing the knowledge of students aged 15 years. In 2009 the tests showed that both Hong Kong and Shanghai were ranked very highly, in comparison to 2000 when Finland and Japan ranked highest. While wealth may be a contributing factor to the IQ levels of any country, philosophical approach has certainly proved to be effective in China.
Tags: IQ, China, literacy, numeracy, PISA
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Teachers TV: The Benefits
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educentral
 Commonly known as one of the most rewarding jobs there is, teaching is also among the most popular. However, becoming a teacher takes years of training and work experience and a sense of dedication that other careers lack. Apart from the hours spent inside the school there is a great deal of preparation work involved in being a teacher and a surprising amount of responsibility. Using additional tools to widen educational knowledge is highly beneficial for a teacher. There are numerous issues that must be faced within the classroom and learning from other teachers' experiences can make a huge difference. Watching documentaries based on these issues, such as noticing when a child might be anorexic or being bullied, will allow the teacher to recognise these issues if they happened in his or her classroom.
There are many websites, such as viewmy.tv, that collect documentaries and studies like these to enable teachers to find all the information that they are looking for in one place. These sites cover a wide range of information including what to expect when training to be a teacher as well as guides for people considering teaching. Watching these educational videos and reading articles that relate to their particular area of study gives the teacher more confidence in what they are doing and prepares them for any future incidents that they might not have experienced yet.
Preparing to be a teacher requires more than a few years at university and a good placement. In reality it is a commitment for life and the most successful teachers are the ones that are aware of everything around them and take an interest in all things educational. It can be an extremely rewarding career as a teacher is not only responsible for a particular area of a child's education, but also for their wellbeing as they grow up and experience life.
Tags: Teachers, education, training, placement, research
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An Unconventional Education
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educentral
If you are nearing University age or are considering returning to college for a career change but are unsure of what you would like to study, you might be interested in hearing about some alternative degrees available in the UK Universities. Law, accountancy, economics, art, business and literature are all fine areas of study but if you feel your interests lie elsewhere you may need a little help finding that unconventional degree. There are lots of options out there for people who want an alternative to the normal BA – here are a few interesting examples to get you started.
While history  degrees are widespread and available to study in nearly any UK third level institution, there are now more specialised degrees on the education scene. For example, some college's now offer Viking Studies as a degree level subject. If you are particularly interested in ancient Scandinavian culture and history this might be the right three year course for you. You may have missed the boat in terms of being a professional footballer but did you know you could still pursue a career in the game by taking a Football Studies degree. This three year course is offered by a number of Universities in the UK and is ideal for those who would like to enter the football market as an agent, coach, manager, statistician or administrator.
If you are interested in caring for people or charitable causes you might want to look into a career in Social Work. Social Work degrees are available from numerous UK third level institutions. Though it is often very testing and difficult work, social work is also extremely rewarding and gives the worker a true sense of accomplishment.
Are you interested in theology and religion? If so you might want to look into a degree in Bible and Theological Studies. This course involves a really deep learning process and could be great if you wish to learn more about the major religions.
Tags: University, College, Unconventional Degree, BA, F...
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Great Education Quotes
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educentral
Education – it is one of the most important components in society and the foundation of so much in our lives that is rewarding, successful and invigorating. It has also inspired some wonderfully telling and perceptive quotes over the years from some of the world's most famous and intelligent people. With musings on everything educational from the incredible influence of teachers to the everlasting quest for knowledge that is instilled in all members of the human race, here are some of the best.
 “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Henry Brooks Adams“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” Wiliam Butler Yeats
“Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.” B. F. Skinner
“The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living differ from the dead.” Aristotle
“Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.” Plato
“The principle goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done; men and women who are creative, inventive and discoverers, who can be critical and verify, and not accept, everything they are offered.” Jean Piaget
“When you wish to instruct, be brief; that men's [children's] minds take in quickly what you say, learn its lesson, and retain it faithfully. Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind.” Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Education is all a matter of building bridges.” Ralph Ellison
Tags: Quotes, Education, Knowledge, William Butler Yeat...
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Compare Home Schooling
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educentral
Home schooling has come to be widely accepted as an alternative to public or private schooling. In nearly every study done, home school students have performed, on average, as well or above their conventionally schooled counter parts. Still, there are pros and cons to home schooling, and the decision remains a very individual one that every family must weigh up. 
Some of the most commonly cited pros for home schooling include:
Child safety: You don't need to worry if your child is being bullied on the school bus, or pressured into something dangerous by their peers as you have very close control over who they are interacting with.
Flexibility: your child does not come home with hours worth of homework to complete. You can choose how to schedule your learning times. You also have complete control over what curriculum you use to teach your children. This is especially important to religious households.
Customisation: You can adapt your learning to your child's learning style. This allows them to go slower on the areas where they need more help, and to delve into their areas of interest more thoroughly.
The more commonly heard cons are:
Financial obligations: Not every family can manage on a single income.
Reduced Social Interaction: home school students do not grow up with the traditional peer-based classroom interactions. There are ways to ensure social interaction, such as through home school groups, but it is still a common objection to home schooling.
No break: The constant interaction between parents and children, and siblings amongst themselves can be difficult for some families.
Expense: curriculum, resources and materials are expensive.
When choosing what is right for your family you have to evaluate the options available to you, and determine what will best suit your family's current needs.
Tags: Home Schooling, Family, Parents, Public School, E...
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Classroom Relationships
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educentral
Over the last century much has changed in the dynamics of teacher and student relationships. At the beginning of the 20th century, school was considered a privilege and teachers had a no nonsense approach in the classroom. There was much emphasis placed on bulk memorisation of vocabulary,  arithmetic facts, and spelling words. Corporal punishment was the most common form of discipline in the classroom. For the most part, teachers were not friends with the student, and there was absolutely no questioning of their authority. As the century progressed, corporal punishment lessened, until, around the ‘70s it was pretty much obsolete as a form of discipline. This change along affected the climate of schools. Some teachers found the classroom much more difficult to control; others were able to create a friendlier atmosphere that generated an interest-based desire to learn, rather than a fear-based one. Schools were still strict on swearing, and teachers were treated with respect.
Towards the last part of the 20th century many things had changed. Schools and teacher-student relationships had become much more casual. This has had both positive and negative effects. While much of the dread surrounding school is gone, some of the respect for the teachers and schools has also slipped away.
The ideal teaching approach for today's classrooms involves the teacher acting as a learning facilitator, providing quality learning and enrichment experiences for the student, as well as challenging the student's logical and critical thinking skills. Teachers who want to have a good relationship with their students cannot depend only on an authoritative approach, but must also earn the students' respect. But it could also be argued that teachers that are too friendly with their students do not cultivate a healthy learning atmosphere in the classroom.
Tags: Teachers, Students, Classroom, Learning, Relation...
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Uniform or No Uniform
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educentral
The wearing of School uniforms is a controversial topic that has inspired many a-heated debate. It is astounding that with the many issues and concerns surrounding our children and teenagers, no one can seem to agree on what they should, or should not, be wearing.
There are positive and negative aspects to both sides of the argument:
Uniforms – Provide a sense of belonging, level the playing field in terms of rich and poor, provide children with a sense of pride in their appearance and encourage an orderly lifestyle. However, uniforms tend to be expensive, restrictive and uncreative, children feel  uncomfortable, and they may feel babied and might act out against authority in self destructive ways.
No Uniforms – Give children a sense of responsibility, encourage creativity, allow children to express themselves and learn about dress sense, and allow children to feel comfortable and confident. However, without school uniforms children may want more expensive clothing, have the opportunity to dress inappropriately, may be ridiculed or ostracised and they might even develop a relaxed attitude towards their school work.
Generally speaking, there are schools with uniforms teaching children who fail their classes, and the same goes for plain clothes schools. And there are children from both types of schools excelling in every subject.
There are more influential aspects in the child's environment which determine their attitude towards learning and life.
1. Parenting
The people who are most responsible for the upbringing of a child are the parents. If a child fails in school, it is the parent's responsibility to address the issue and figure out a way to guide them through the process of achieving better results. A child, whose parents are actively involved in his life, will be ready and able to face the challenges which come their way.
2. Teachers
A child can be dressed impeccably, but still lack a good education. If a teacher is spending large amounts of time worrying about the child's attire, more urgent issues may go unnoticed. Teachers should be teaching, not policing.
3. Environment
A child in a positive environment is more likely to look at life, and education, in a positive way. This applies to the home and the school environment.
4. Community
We all belong to a community. For some of us, this is a healthy and uplifting situation, for others, this is not always the case. A single mother needs the support of her community; she will need help and guidance in the raising of her child. Some children, however, come from a community where this support is not forthcoming and vital aspects of the child's life go unattended to.
Tags: Uniform, School, Children, Parenting, Teachers
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Parents Who Volunteer
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educentral
When you, as a parent, take an interest in the education of your child, it will be noticed. Your presence shows that you consider school as worthwhile and this plays a major role in your child’s feelings towards school. As you begin to support your school, your will be showing your children the importance of participating in their community. If we start to teach our children, at an early age, that the community is important, the strength of the community will increase and their future will be bright. It is never too late to start volunteering at your child’s school. If you missed out on the elementary school stage, don’t fret; there is usually a shortage of volunteers in secondary schools as many mums return to work when their children reach secondary school. Remember that schools are dying for any help you are willing to give, so choose projects carefully to avoid burnout (what’s the use of getting involved in your child’s education if you have no time for your child at home). There are three main benefits when it comes to volunteer work in schools: you get to build relationships with teachers and staff, you will learn about school policies and how situations are handled and you will be able to coach your child in their education in a much more effective manner. Here are some pointers on how to get involved in your child’s school in a way which benefits their education: If you are looking to volunteer in primary school, it is important that you volunteer where your child can see you. At this age children are proud to have their parents in their class. Small improvements in grades have been noticed in children in this situation, but remember that coaching your child at home is more important. In junior school it will be of more benefit for you to volunteer were you learn most about the school’s curriculum and classes. Your children are now at the stage when they are embarrassed by seeing their parents around the hallway. It would be better for you to volunteer in ways which will help you to pick up information to guide your child in their education. During your child’s high school years, school becomes the territory of the child and not the parent (this is encouraged as a natural part of growing up). Volunteer where your child can see and learn from your example. For instance: handing out drinks at a sporting event shows that what your child does is worth spending time on. Your coaching role at its highest importance now and being involved at the school will provide you with valuable information to help you in this guiding role.
Tags: Parents, Volunteer, School, Children, Involved
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Children with Special Needs
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educentral
Everyone has a different view on the integration of children with special needs into mainstream schools. Some believe that children with special needs belong in an environment which protects them from ridicule and provides specific care for their specific needs. Others believe that this is segregation and that these children should not be separated from their mainstream counterparts. And still others believe that the mainstream environment is abusive for these children with special needs. None of these theories are 100% right or 100% wrong. The reason why these theories cannot be completely right or wrong is because, every child is an individual; they all have unique needs and they are all different (that goes for children with and without special needs). Every parent knows their child and knows what their specific needs are. Any parent, who notices that a school does not meet the requirements of their child, will not put their child in that school. When it comes to integration, the same expectation needs to apply. Some schools are better equipped to teach children with Cerebral Palsy, others are better for children with Asperger’s Syndrome, and others are designed in such a way as to accommodate children in wheelchairs. If a parent feels that the mainstream environment is not right for their child, they should not be forced in it. Some children really do need a special school environment; mainstream schools cannot supply for the needs of all children. They may need individual attention for the entire school day, some children are unable to speak and might feel outcast, and, there are children who require consistent stimulation in their areas of need. It is a parent’s right, and obligation to protect their child, and if they believe that this will be achieved by integrating them into a mainstream school, where they will be faced with the challenges of life and the opportunity to be an integral part of society, then they should be allowed to do so, with no interference from members of the public who do not know their child. If, conversely, they choose to educate their child through a special school, where their child’s specific needs will be met perfectly and they will be able to perform to the best of their ability, this too should be met with support from the public.
Tags: Special Needs, School, Child, Parent, Educate
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