“The 10 greatest inefficiencies in UK Education” response from K2L
In response to the article “The 10 greatest inefficiencies in UK Education”. It is gratifying to note that others are seeing the same flaws. Perhaps the most significant outcome is the retention of learning. The consequences of the inefficiencies result in a need to make best use of the remaining time available. This has led to the “teach to test” syndrome. Passing tests as the basis for schooling misinterprets the function of learning as the ultimate route knowledge.
The solution may be difficult and long term. The educational system seems to be a constant state of repair rather than progression. Unfortunately major changes or planned improvements can take a generation to assess effectiveness.
If the UK educational machinery is misfiring the significant factors are perhaps the parochial moves taken by a parent to maximise the education of their child. Moving house, adopting a temporary religion and manipulating homework appear to be de rigour. But there is another route that hidden in one of the main failings.
The National Training Laboratories in the USA evolved levels of learning retention linked to the different forms of learning. Only 5% is retained from just a classroom lesson! Differing forms of reinforcement create improved levels of retention, e.g. audio visual 20%, demonstration 30%. But the most significant and open to all parents is the practice in doing activity that accounts for 75% retention. The initial teaching in class should therefore be reinforced with dramatic effect by the parent at home.
Manipulating homework, the subject of a recent BBC documentary is merely treating the symptom and of no practical benefit to the child. Parents are now able to practise the lesson at home using the huge selection of modern technology based teaching aids used in school now available for home use. Interaction between parent, child and teacher can build confidence at a child’s own pace at home leading to competence at school. A general improvement in ability leads to an enjoyment in the subject area and can spark a desire for knowledge and future development.
Alistair Owens keen2learn
