Re: [Gnu-arch-users] OT: trained dependency

[Andrew Suffield]

On Mon, Nov 08, 2004 at 08:15:27PM +0900, Stephen J. Turnbull wrote:
> >>>>> "Zenaan" == Zenaan Harkness <address@hidden> writes:
> 
>     Zenaan> Obviously you don't agree with the thesis,
> 
> I agree with some parts of the thesis, in particular that (1) the
> current system does a poor job of educating, as opposed to schooling;
> (2) we know how to do significantly better on a small scale; and (3)
> there are some vested interests that oppose reform because it would
> harm them.  But, yes, I disagree with (4) all opposition to those
> actual reform proposals we've seen (Gatto apparently doesn't have one)
> is motivated by venial self-interest, (5) it is obvious how to achieve
> systematic improvements, (6) it is straightforward and inexpensive to
> scale the successful examples, and therefore with (7) we need to scrap
> the current system before we know what will replace it.

I'll just throw in these data points, as an observer who (for
differing reasons) informally studies both cultures:

The Japanese school system is exceptionally good, by comparison to
other countries.

The US school system, which Gatto has primarily experienced, is
amazingly, mind-numbingly appalling. It's no coincidence that
Americans tend to be dumb. Statistically speaking, the number of
people who go through the US school system and come out in a state
which can reasonably be qualified as "educated", is classified as
measuring error.

That's despite them being based on essentially the same principles.

-- 
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