New Zealand was not alone, with overall average scores for maths, reading and science dropping in the 81 countries and economies participating in the tests.
While reading, writing, maths doesn’t change, their need in an ever changing world does change.
As an example, people lament the inability of younger generations to read cursive. But in a world where almost everything was printed by (or viewed on) a computer, the ability to read cursive just isn’t that important.
I think currently basic facts are still important. But if the world doesn’t reenforce this (by requiring them to actually use them), then the knowledge won’t stay long term.
Perhaps the lagging skills of younger generations represent a world that no longer asks for them. But the younger generations are sure to have better skills in other ways, ways that this new world demands of them.
Exactly! I don’t know if it’s right or not, but things are complex and what previous generations (us? 😱) value can be different to younger generations, and we shouldn’t assume our way is right.
While reading, writing, maths doesn’t change, their need in an ever changing world does change.
As an example, people lament the inability of younger generations to read cursive. But in a world where almost everything was printed by (or viewed on) a computer, the ability to read cursive just isn’t that important.
I think currently basic facts are still important. But if the world doesn’t reenforce this (by requiring them to actually use them), then the knowledge won’t stay long term.
Perhaps the lagging skills of younger generations represent a world that no longer asks for them. But the younger generations are sure to have better skills in other ways, ways that this new world demands of them.
So perhaps the problem is the things we are valuing in our assessments not matching real life? Which may have been your point originally. 😂
Exactly! I don’t know if it’s right or not, but things are complex and what previous generations (us? 😱) value can be different to younger generations, and we shouldn’t assume our way is right.
Here here!