This week we
were asked to find out how school-aged children are testing in other parts of
the world. I had an opportunity to read a New York Times article about an
American family who lived in Beijing. While in Beijing the children attended
The International School of Beijing. While they were there testing of children
took place as early as age 5. The author shared that her son was required to
learn how to read by the age of five so that he could enter the first grade.
She said that flashcards were frequently given so that children could study.
I found this
article interesting because it shows the cultural differences between the east
and the west. The author shared that the American parents felt that the
practice of testing at such an early age. The western parents wanted less
homework given and the Asian parents expected more homework and more testing
for their children.
I do think
that we should perform informal testing for young children so that we can get a
picture of how we should plan for instruction. I just wonder if developmentally
children are prepared for stringent testing that the article described at such
an early age.
I also find that article interesting. I like being able to read about the differences in how things are done regarding schools around the world. I do think teachers need to do some type of assessments if for any reason to make sure the students are learning or improving in areas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing an interesting article and relevant information about our educational system. I agree that teachers need to test so they know what to add to their lesson plans and to be able to individualize, however with the way our educational system is being reduced and the lack of money I just don't know how this can be implemented. Yes a teacher can know exactly what her students need academically but is she going to have the time and resources to implement this? Perhaps with all of these budget cuts teachers need to become aware of community resources and need to get parents involved.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that article. I laughed when it stated that the Asian parents wanted more homework. I have parents now that complain about a list of activities to do with their child and they are fun and engaging for everyone involved. I just think, poor kids will have no support at home when it comes to homework if in preschool the parents wont engage in a family activity. I wonder how society here has learned to despise homework and supporting the school systems?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this article. I read that some Asian children attend school on Saturdays just to learn math and science. I thought wow! I remember last year we had a make up day on a Saturday for a half day due to a hurricane. Many parents were outraged having to wake up early and their child was expected to miss saturday morning cartoons to make up a school day. Needless to say, attendance was low on that Saturday. I thought about it when reading your homework comparison between western parents and Asian parents.
ReplyDeleteI agree that more is expected of children in other parts of the world, such as Asia. I had a parent recently tell me she does not agree with schools today and the way children are expected to sit behind a desk w/ paper and pencil. She is obviously not aware of what is expected in other countries. Let's face it! The world has progressed so much over the last few decades.
ReplyDeleteHi Thesha I wanted to tell you thanks for all of your resources and information pertaining to Early Childhood Education. It has been my pleasure being able to read your blog. THanks ALOT
ReplyDeleteHi Tinka! It's been really nice working with you too! I've learned so much from my new Early Childhood friends. Hopefully we can work together again.
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