Comparing Ourselves to Other Nations

Blog #2 Comparing Ourselves to Other Nations

We have been spending a considerable amount of time comparing our educational system with those of other nations and I have found some interesting concepts throughout these comparisons. I know that funding issues here in the states have shown some inequity between different socioeconomic classes and that other countries are seeking to have balanced funding for all schools. Finland is striving to have equitable resources for all of their children. This means highly qualified teachers, school buildings that are safe and well maintained, classrooms that are not overcrowded, and curriculum that encourages higher order thinking.

Finland is more critical of who is selected in the education field than we are here in the United States and it appears that teachers are more respected in Finland.  Teachers are trained with problem solving techniques that they will incorporate in their own classrooms. As we discussed in class this past week many of our students struggle with critical thinking skills because they are being taught how to take a multiple choice test on a laptop. I know that we are moving toward a Smarter Balanced test here in Idaho that will focus more on critical thinking and allow some of these problem solving techniques to come forward. I am excited that we are moving in this direction and believe this will give students a better chance on coping with situations in the work force because they will be able to think on their toes and be innovative.  

Like in Finland, our school has begun using grade level formative assessments that are used to guide our teaching. I can see many benefits with these assessments and how they have opened up communication across the grade levels and with students and their progress. We are continually trying to fine tune this process and make it so that we are all aware of the needs that our students have. I am thankful that I will be able to use these collaboration times in my new grade level assignment so I can ensure I am meeting my students’ needs. We are giving time to collaborate and to plan units of study that will help them pass their ISATS. According to Darling-Hammond, In Finland they focus more on assessing students to guide and encourage students’ own reflection and self-assessment. Continuous ongoing feedback from the teacher is very important to improve critical thinking in students

When we looked at schools in Taiwan I also noticed that teachers were respected more from society than here in the United States. I think that the attitude of students and parents in Taiwan is more focused on success than here in the states. I was surprised to learn that there are no teacher evaluations in Taiwan. It seems like teachers are able to have a lot of control in their classrooms despite the required lessons that are supposed to be taught because no one is monitoring what is going on in the classrooms. That is very different than here in the United States because teachers are expected to be highly qualified and are evaluated both formally and informally every school year. Performance evaluations are being tied to employment opportunities here and yet in Taiwan you are allowed to remain a teacher even after taking time off. I don’t see teacher evaluations being eliminated here in the United States because it is just one more way to track and monitor effective teachers. Since we don’t have as stringent acceptance in the teaching field like in Finland or Taiwan it is one way to ensure we are all highly qualified to educate or students.