Are kids getting dumber, teachers getting lazier or both?
By samanthaorwell on March 24, 2008 - 2:11am
http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/2008/03/are-kids-getting-dumbe...
After David Berner became a fan of my "distinct point of view" (http://thebernermonologues.blogspot.com/2008/03/attentione-amici.html) I have received some online attacks (along with online support) on my comments.
Always a good sign that I'm doing a good job on this blog.
But alas,...
If some teachers, never having been taught numeracy, are having difficulties teaching it,
then my question is: "Whatever happened to Summer School?" Can't they take a special course
in it, and pick up the tricks of the trade? The teachers in my family spent large chunks of their summers quite frequently, going back to Summer School themselves to upgrade their qualifications and qualify for better positions, or improved salary options related thereto.
Don't they have that these days? Or did 'Slash Gordon' axe that too?
yes, there are summer courses to upgrade, and night courses. teachers often take those. but they most often are not subsidized and salary does not increase unless you committ to another degree, or at least one year full time back a school. it's kind of a disincentive considering teachers already have 2 degrees (something rare in north america for education, actually, they just made it mandatory just recently in most provinces and in the US you only need a bachelors and sometiimes not even that) and after spending 10 months working those 2 months off are sort of nice to take off.
and most courses are in technology, numeracy not so much.
The Vancouver Manifesto
http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/
From 'Answers.com' we find...
Numeracy is a contraction (or portmanteau word) of "numerical literacy", and refers to an ability to reason with numbers and other mathematical concepts. The word was coined in 1959 by the UK Committee on Education, presided over by Sir Geoffrey Crowther.[1] Innumeracy is a lack of numeracy.[2]
In the United States, numeracy it is also known as Quantitative Literacy, and is familiar to math educators and intellectuals. There is also substantial overlap between conceptions of numeracy and conceptions of statistical literacy.
The UK's Department for Education and Skills defines numeracy in their National Strategy documents as follows:
Numeracy is a proficiency which is developed mainly in mathematics but also in other subjects. It is more than an ability to do basic arithmetic. It involves developing confidence and competence with numbers and measures. It requires understanding of the number system, a repertoire of mathematical techniques, and an inclination and ability to solve quantitative or spatial problems in a range of contexts. Numeracy also demands understanding of the ways in which data are gathered by counting and measuring, and presented in graphs, diagrams, charts and tables.
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