Politics and religion.

[phesina]

That my friend, I wouldn't doubt.
I'm a bit of a history buff. I love it. ALL world history. I have a vast library on many subjects, but History books would have to form the bulk of it.
OOPS !!! Did I mention books again ???

What (if anything) is taught in history classes in Australia about the American Revolution and Paul Revere's ride?

[Edwina's Secretary]

What (if anything) is taught in history classes in Australia about the American Revolution and Paul Revere's ride?

Apparently about the same as is taught in U.S. schools about Australian history!

[wombat2u2004]

Apparently about the same as is taught in U.S. schools about Australian history!

We're not bothered whether you know our history or not. But I suppose those who are not so insular in your country could benefit from it as much as we could benefit from knowing your history. But I doubt you would understand.

[blue]

I doubt you would understand.

QFT. Quoted for Truth!

ETA: If I wanted to know more about Australia's history I would rather learn about it, and how to spell its name properly, on my own then from one of our own public school teachers.

This is also why I trust Puck and Wom more then I trust our public school teachers, they wants to learn it on their own, and not just to pass a test. They dont have any agenda behind learning history other then to learn it, unlike some who try to use it as a "gotcha" moment to make someone else look dumb and to inflate their own ego and inflated self worth.

[wombat2u2004]

unlike some who try to use it as a "gotcha" moment to make someone else look dumb and to inflate their own ego and inflated self worth.

Are there really people like that in America blue ???
I mean, I know of one right here on this forum....but are there others ???

[Edwina's Secretary]

I have been chuckling all day at the idea of schools being expected to teach the history of all the other countries in the world.

Let's see - there are slightly less than 200 countries in the world. Each with its own history.

Conservatively - if we devote 2 weeks to a month - oh...let's average it at three weeks - to a country. That is slightly less that 600 weeks or...about 11 and one half years.

So...in the U.S. school is 12 years (not counting college or university...or pre-school..) that leaves six months over the course of 12 years to cover reading, writing, arithmetic and everything else!

Assuming a 12 month school year. Which is not reality. Reality is more like 9 months a year.

It might help the job market - as a basic education would take a long, long time and keep people out of the job market...but is it really worth it?

Expecting Australia, the U.S., Canada, Latvia, Japan, Sweden, Zambia, Brazil or any other country to teach much beyond local, country, and global is...well...silly?

[wombat2u2004]

I have been chuckling all day

You don't say.
Last time I read something like that, it was in Ripley's Believe it or Not.

[Bonny]

I have been chuckling all day at the idea of schools being expected to teach the history of all the other countries in the world.

Let's see - there are slightly less than 200 countries in the world. Each with its own history.

Conservatively - if we devote 2 weeks to a month - oh...let's average it at three weeks - to a country. That is slightly less that 600 weeks or...about 11 and one half years.

So...in the U.S. school is 12 years (not counting college or university...or pre-school..) that leaves six months over the course of 12 years to cover reading, writing, arithmetic and everything else!

Assuming a 12 month school year. Which is not reality. Reality is more like 9 months a year.

It might help the job market - as a basic education would take a long, long time and keep people out of the job market...but is it really worth it?

Expecting Australia, the U.S., Canada, Latvia, Japan, Sweden, Zambia, Brazil or any other country to teach much beyond local, country, and global is...well...silly?

It would of been great to spend more time learning about the rest of the world & they touched a little on everything in World History. I guess it was suppose to light a spark so we would go out on our own to the nearest library & do our own digging.
I was saddened because we just touched just a little on the American Indian culture & then as an adult I learned why.

[mrspunkysmom]

ETA: If I wanted to know more about Australia's history I would rather learn about it, and how to spell its name properly, on my own then from one of our own public school teachers.

Well, blue, I can't speak about your school experience, but I can speak from mine. I learned some wrong information, but i imagine my teachers had also learned some wrong information. Wrong facts became entrenched long before computers and the Internet. (And ALL histories <studies> are revisionist.) Until recently, teachers in our country went to "normal" school, not regular college or university.

However, I can tell you that for the most part my teachers were well-informed and rather intelligent and cross-trained in multiple disciplines. Today young teachers are also well-trained coming out of college and very knowledgeable.

I was told years ago never admit that you do not know something. Stall until you can find out. Nowadays, I understand why. If I can't answer something (way out there, not the easy stuff) the student whines to the principal.

As a teacher I can tell you that most students do not want to really learn since it is not valued in the home. "Where am I going to use this?" They do like to be entertained and expect it.

This is also why I trust Puck and Wom more then I trust our public school teachers, they wants to learn it on their own, and not just to pass a test. They dont have any agenda behind learning history other then to learn it, unlike some who try to use it as a "gotcha" moment to make someone else look dumb and to inflate their own ego and inflated self worth.

At first I thought you were still referring to teachers. I've known a few like that. Disparaging someone is non-productive. It doesn't help learning. Leading by example does.

I'm sorry that arrogant people have pointed out your mistakes. Get over it, blue. Rather than "feel dumb", learn from it, and appreciate the arrogant peoples help, knowing that it all does come back around. Or ignore it. And move on. And be nice to them on occasion.

My mom called it "killing them with kindness." It annoys the H377 out of your enemies.

[blue]

Well, blue, I can't speak about your school experience,

Then you should have stopped right here instead of pontificating on your experience.

However, I can tell you that for the most part my teachers were well-informed and rather intelligent and cross-trained in multiple disciplines. Today young teachers are also well-trained coming out of college and very knowledgeable.

So according to you, American teachers are well informed enough to teach High School kids the entire Australian history? Can you?

HS American History class barely scratches the surface, that is why there are college majors in the subject.

I was told years ago never admit that you do not know something. Stall until you can find out. Nowadays, I understand why. If I can't answer something (way out there, not the easy stuff) the student whines to the principal.

I prefer telling someone, "I dont know, but lets find out what or why." It just seems more honest then BSing someone.

ETA: When it comes out that you are BSing, stalling for time, your students, what does that do to your credibility as a teacher? My dad has the same attitude you do and he taught debate back in the '60s. Its a BS tactic that will bite you in the a$$.

As a teacher I can tell you that most students do not want to really learn since it is not valued in the home. "Where am I going to use this?" They do like to be entertained and expect it.

As a Wireman and crew chief I agree most of the younger generation just wants to be entertained. When I was in school we where there to learn not wait for the teacher to entertain us. The teachers I had where not entertainers the teachers today seem to be. If you wanted to be an entertainer maybe you should teach drama class.

At first I thought you were still referring to teachers. I've known a few like that. Disparaging someone is non-productive. It doesn't help learning. Leading by example does.

Public school teachers are limited in what they can and cant teach, its called a curriculum. Teachers follow it to get there students to pass tests in order to prove their worth as a teacher. If the student learns nothing other then how to pass those tests what have they learned? How to pass those tests. Music teachers would be an exemption.

I'm sorry that arrogant people have pointed out your mistakes. Get over it, blue. Rather than "feel dumb", learn from it, and appreciate the arrogant peoples help, knowing that it all does come back around. Or ignore it. And move on. And be nice to them on occasion.

Im sorry you feel arrogant enough to feel I think I "feel dumb". Ive taught apprentices geometry when they failed algebra in HS. Ive done what Educated Teachers have failed at with students they gave up on.

Can you calculate a electrical load for a 2500 square foot house? If I gave you the specs for a custom computer to be used for high definition video editing how long would it take you get me a build and cost list? I trained my own replacement for computer repair and virus mitigation at my last job.

Can I spell well or use good grammar most of the time? Ill be the first to answer no.

Do I "feel dumb"? Not from arrogant people on this board I dont. If IM on a job, any job, and I miss something obvious I should have noticed on my own, I may feel dumb until I get the mistake corrected then I feel pretty dang good about myself.

My mom called it "killing them with kindness." It annoys the H377 out of your enemies.

You should have listened to you mother, because she's right.

[mrspunkysmom]

Then you should have stopped right here instead of pontificating on your experience.

So anyone who offers you advice is 'pontificating?' So what do you call it when you are maligning other people professions?

So according to you, American teachers are well informed enough to teach High School kids the entire Australian history? Can you?

blue, I was referring to subjects in general not to Australian history. Sorry for the confusion.

HS American History class barely scratches the surface, that is why there are college majors in the subject.

We could devote and entire thread to this topic of "scratching the surface". could it be taught in a better way? Yes, but most of that has to do with expectations by teacher and parents of students.

I prefer telling someone, "I dont know, but lets find out what or why." It just seems more honest then BSing someone.

I so totally agree. It depends upon the question. If it's an off subject question, I re-direct, usually telling them to ask a teacher of that subject. If it's my subject of math, it depends upon how advance or 'esoteric' their question is. And also if it their question is related to fields that I like to study. I usually say, "give me a few minutes to prepare an explanation" rather than "I do not know" because the latter can spark derisive comments. American students these days are rude and crude, something you seem to be familiar with. The goal is to NOT give them ammunition with which to disrupt class.

ETA: When it comes out that you are BSing, stalling for time, your students, what does that do to your credibility as a teacher? My dad has the same attitude you do and he taught debate back in the '60s. Its a BS tactic that will bite you in the a$$.

Since as a teacher I have an enormous amount of activity on my part and the students part to direct each class period, stalling for time is a management skill, not just BSing. While I love a good academic debate with my students, most principles are arrogant a$$es, who love to reprimand you for being off topic. So I re-direct and keep to the topic of the day.

As a Wireman and crew chief I agree most of the younger generation just wants to be entertained. When I was in school we where there to learn not wait for the teacher to entertain us. The teachers I had where not entertainers the teachers today seem to be. If you wanted to be an entertainer maybe you should teach drama class.

I'm assuming you are not talking to me, since no where did I say I wanted to entertain. I have been fighting that since I started teaching. However I do think education does need to be interesting. We bore the children out of wanting to learn. This still goes back to parenting. Parents need to be involved in their child's education. They do not need to be in CONTROL of every aspect of the education system, if only because too many of them are thinking of the short term and not long long term.

Public school teachers are limited in what they can and cant teach, its called a curriculum.

Really ????? I didn't know. So that's why my boss makes me read them and produce pacing guides, unit plans, and lesson plans based upon the curriculum.

Teachers follow it to get there students to pass tests in order to prove their worth as a teacher. If the student learns nothing other then how to pass those tests what have they learned? How to pass those tests. Music teachers would be an exemption.

I dislike having my worth proved by a student test taken by a student that doesn't give a d@mn about their education. And I agree with your statement about teaching to the test. For years I fought teaching to the test. I lost.

Im sorry you feel arrogant enough to feel I think I "feel dumb". Ive taught apprentices geometry when they failed algebra in HS. Ive done what Educated Teachers have failed at with students they gave up on.

So why did you complain about arrogant people? I know I can be arrogant, but I suspect that you think anyone that displays self-confidence is arrogant and that is YOUR problem.

Can you calculate a electrical load for a 2500 square foot house? If I gave you the specs for a custom computer to be used for high definition video editing how long would it take you get me a build and cost list? I trained my own replacement for computer repair and virus mitigation at my last job.

No that is specialized knowledge, just like my specialized knowledge of math. I routinely calculate "fresh" problems in the classroom accurately in my head. This freaks them out and then I show them how to do it. I point out that this is my specialty. All the way up to The Calculus. I am required to be an expert in several fields, just not a few.

I didn't disparage your knowledge base of any field. I just told you to stop complaining about people that are arrogant. I didn't call you dumb but you are acting as if you feel like we are calling you dumb.

Can I spell well or use good grammar most of the time? Ill be the first to answer no.

You and most people. It's not ability; it's a matter of priorities for most people. Mot just don't think it's important.

Do I "feel dumb"? Not from arrogant people on this board I dont. If IM on a job, any job, and I miss something obvious I should have noticed on my own, I may feel dumb until I get the mistake corrected then I feel pretty dang good about myself.

1. Then why were you complaining. AGAIN. If you don't feel maligned, let the arrogant person be. Ignore them. If they are half-way smart, they'll get the message.

2. Good for you. Why don't you use that positive feeling on this board and make some positive contributions to our discussion without sounding like a misanthrope.

You should have listened to you mother, because she's right.

Seems like you could learn this lesson, too.

[wombat2u2004]

I'm sorry that arrogant people have pointed out your mistakes. Get over it, blue. Rather than "feel dumb", learn from it, and appreciate the arrogant peoples help, knowing that it all does come back around. Or ignore it. And move on. And be nice to them on occasion.

My mom called it "killing them with kindness." It annoys the H377 out of your enemies.

I don't ignore them....no way. I give back as good as I receive.
Arrogant people and those who belittle others generally have deep issues, and their arrogance is usually borne out of their unhappiness and problems in life.
Nibble at them, I say. Meet one insult with another in return.
I mean, who really cares about rude people anyway ??? They deserve every bit of crap that comes back at them.....hee hee.

[mrspunkysmom]

I don't ignore them....no way. I give back as good as I receive.
Arrogant people and those who belittle others generally have deep issues, and their arrogance is usually borne out of their unhappiness and problems in life.
Nibble at them, I say. Meet one insult with another in return.
I mean, who really cares about rude people anyway ??? They deserve every bit of crap that comes back at them.....hee hee.

That is one method. Sadly, too many of them will complain about you to your boss so that's why I suggest the other method.

I had to deal with an arrogant inclusion teacher in a classroom a few years back. He would belittle me and correct me in front of the kids. When I said something to him but not in front of the kids, he reported me. My principle at the time was understanding. However, she said I had to find a way of dealing with him.

Some of those arrogant people are just close-minded bigoted socially-ignorant SLOBS, who are unable to empathize with other people.

[wombat2u2004]

What (if anything) is taught in history classes in Australia about the American Revolution and Paul Revere's ride?

Yes, we covered that.
We did World History. That was in the curriculum when I was at school.
I went to an Agricultural College, it leant more towards the sciences.
Agriculture
Farm Mechanics
Animal Husbandry
Biology
Physics / Chemistry Comb.
Mathematics
World History
English

And as there were only 300 students, we didn't have any choices on subjects other than Biology....if you didn't want to do that, then you did French.
There were only two classes of about 25 students for each year, one class studied French with all of the other subjects, the other Biology.

[wombat2u2004]

What (if anything) is taught in history classes in Australia about the American Revolution and Paul Revere's ride?

And did you do Australian History ???