I can remember as a small child how excited I was when we studied space exploration in school. When sputnik was launched it sparked something in the American society. It sparked people to want to research and look to the stars. It sparked writers to focus on stories that involved space and what we could find out from space research. This also sparked kids to want to be astronauts and work for NASA. Now it seems as if the push of our government is to fight terrorists and to send foreign relief to the oil countries. Don't get me wrong I believe that we should help other countries in need. The article brings up an interesting point about what our country chooses to spend a great deal of funds on. I understand that many countries look to the U.S. for help with matters. But when will it be our turn to receive the help of our government.
There is has been a big push to improve education. the only issue is that it seems that funds are not being set aside. We must help our own citizens and invest in our future generation. We need to focus on those STEM careers. I think that there is a interest in the STEM careers but there must be something that will get people interested in the jobs that will boost our economy and that will help with technological advances.
Sputnik was of great importance and interest back in its day. This was a way to get involved in the race for space. Now it is hard to say what would spark this same interest. I know that by continually comparing our nation to other nations is not the way to go. Just like kids no two are alike. Our country is not exactly like other countries. we have our own strengths and weaknesses. We have to play on our strengths. As educators we must make sure that our students are given all the advantages and are taught the basic skills. Once we can build the knowledge base of our students then we can help mold them into the creative and critical thinkers we need to make the advances in the areas of science and math.
I like your thought about not comparing countries because all countries are different with strengths and weaknesses. Focusing more on ways to improve our own country based on our strengths and creating solutions for our weaknesses may be a better way to show students how to think about making change. Instead of focusing on what other counties have, our STEM students and professionals can be focusing more on what we have, we need and how we can change for the better.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. We need to be motivated. We need to get back to a work ethic that promotes hard work rather than hand outs. I see it in the classroom as kids wait for me to hand out answers. They would rather sit there bored out of their mind looking into blank space than actually figure out the answer themselves. I also see such a lack of pride. It is painful to see kids care so little about what they will become. Sad feelings for sure.
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