In his article, “What’s Our Sputnik?” Friedman urges the United States (US) to remove
our presence from the Middle East, reduce our dependence on oil, and reduce
foreign aid to the Middle East (Friedman, 2010). He suggests the US should place their focus
on a national project that will improve America. I agree that the war on terror has not “revived
our education, infrastructure, and science” like the launching of Sputnik in
1957 (Friedman, 2010). It is possible
that we need to shift money away from the Middle East to science education. The money we have invested in the Middle East
to combat the war on ignorance, science education must evolve. The US must invest in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
Other countries are on the heels of the US in a race to be an economic
super power. For the US to sustain its
competitive edge in the future, once again the US must put education in the
forefront of the plan to move forward.
Presently, on a local, state, and national level the US is making
an effort to promote STEM. The funding
is not where it should be to spearhead a campaign of this magnitude. There is a ever present voice chanting promote
STEM education, but in the background is the contradictory whisper of lay-offs,
cutbacks, furloughs, downsizing, school closings, larger class sizes, fewer
teacher, and budget cuts. Furthermore,
not all teachers are on board or aware of the new approach to teaching science. Inquiry-based learning hones problem-solving,
critical thinking, communication, and social skills. These skills will develop students into the productive
21st century citizens the US needs to advance our country.
Demski (2009) discusses the importance of professionals at
NASA capturing the interest of middle school students throughout the US through
videoconference to inform them of the many professions that are available at NASA. Through creative approaches like this one that
students realize the many opportunities that are accessible to them. On a daily basis, students are bombarded with
technology. It is suffice to say that it
is through technology that teachers will keep them attentive and alert.
I hope it does not take another Sputnik event
to ignite a reaction that centers the nation’s attention and commitment on science
education. Honestly, we do not have the
time. We could certainly shift funds from,
as well as, our focus from the Middle East.
Sustaining its global competitive advantage means doing what other
countries are doing to remain competitive, invest in its talented people, and
retain its talented people.
References
Demski, J. (2009). STEM picks up speed. T.H.E.
Journal, 36(1), 22–26.
Retrieved from the Walden University Library using the Education Research Complete database.
Retrieved from the Walden University Library using the Education Research Complete database.
Friedman, T. L. (2010, January 17).
What’s our Sputnik? [Op-Ed]. The New York Times [Late Edition (East
Coast)], p. WK.8.
Retrieved from the Walden University Library using the ProQuest Central database.
Retrieved from the Walden University Library using the ProQuest Central database.
Althea, I don't know if technology is the only way to keep students attentive and alert. I have seen teachers use technology in class and kids still fall asleep. I have seen teachers use technology just to appease the pressure that we should use technology and still bore kids out of their mind. There is a combination of facilitating and technology that is required and the enthusiasm and love for our field helps to propel kids into science. There is such a delicate balance to motivate kids and I don't think all our "eggs can go in one basket."
ReplyDeleteLori,
DeleteUsing technology will not be the cure all to keeping our students alert and attentive. Certainly, it matters more how technology is being used in classrooms. However, it is an avenue for companies that are seeking STEM graduates to reach students. NASA fulfills their commitment to connect to middle school students across the country by using videoconferences (Demski, 2009). It is true that students do fall asleep in class no matter what "dog and pony" show is being performed. Students are up at all hours of the night on their Smart Phone, iPad, iPod, and laptops instead of getting eight hours of rest. The lack of parenting and supervision is allowing students to make unwise decisions. Parents need to take an active role in their child's life. They need to encourage their child to do well in school and stress the importance of education. A parent does not need to a college degree to instill a love of learning and the importance of pursuing one in their child. A student falling asleep in class is more of a parenting issue than a lack of technology or engaging lesson.
Alethea
References
Demski, J. (2009). STEM picks up speed. T.H.E. Journal, 36(1), 22–26.
Retrieved from the Walden University Library using the Education Research Complete database.
I agree that I hope it doesn't take a Sputnik to get our kids thinking and being able to compete with other countries. Getting kids engaged in STEM subjects then STEM careers will then allow stome student to stand out with creative ideas. We just need to make sure we don't loose those students interests due to teachers that are not trained as well, budget issues, or to much focus on other subjects.
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
DeleteYou are correct. The United States does have creative and innovative students that need an "inspiring and dedicated teachers" to encourage them to pursue a STEM education and STEM career. I too hope we do not lose these students to teachers who are not properly trained, lack of funding, or lack of focus on science. Furthermore, I hope that we retain the highly qualified teachers that are making a difference in education. It would be a shame to lose them to other professions because of a lack of support.
Alethea