I. I am debating regarding how long the college education should be. At some point I think that the USA 4 year college system is very beneficial because it gives you and different range of classes to take that can increase your overall skill and knowledge in different fields. However, coming from Israel where they have a 3 year college system is very attractive too because you are done earlier. However, it does not give them the general background that schools in America gives. So as it is really hard for me to make my mind since I am still at school and I find it sometimes very frustrating seeing my friends in Israel finishing already when they started after me. So when I am done I might find it beneficial for me and to my advantageous that I took all these extra class. However, I do not think that everyone should be required so good to school. I believe that every person should have the ability to make up their own mind and decide for themselves. School is very important, and I do believe though that those who have attended college will have an advantageous in job seeking over those who haven’t. Furthermore, I do believe that schools should be coed, and for those who do not want coed schools they have the opportunity to do to their type of school that is not coed. I think that coed schools do add up to the experience and make it more fun and interesting.
II. I believe that it is crucial for classes to be small in size with less exams and more homework graded assignments. I do not believe in exams because I think that students study for exams just to pass instead of to really learn the material. A lot of students, and it is natural, that they are more concerned about the grades rather than want to learn what is actually being taught. In college the time frame is up to the students and the amount of classes he/she decides to take. Some may find it better to crumb it all up in 2 days and the rest might decide it’s better for them to come every day till noon. I believe that it’s up to the individual to decide. However, I think it is important that students do meet in classes at times. On line courses are fun and very flexible, however, it is also important to meet in class ones in a while to straighten up things and clarify. I believe that more groups projects, or homework assignments are much more beneficial than exams.
III. In math I think that algebra calculus are the most crucial ones and are necessary for students to take. Geometry, not all of it is important and there is no need to take w whole course about it. It should be combined with some algebra and geometry. And statistics are also very important and will be necessary for our future.
Literature- writing I and Literature.
History – world and modern history.
Emergency courses- I believe it should be an elective in schools. I think that everyone should know how to help and act in an emergency.
Technology- Microsoft and Excell.
Language- Hebrew, French, Italian, Arabic, Spanish.
Speech Communication
IV. I do not think there is a lot of difference between what I have built and what we are forced to complete. I think that a lot of classes that we are taking today are beneficial for our future. However, I did put emphasis on math because I do believe that math is very important because anywhere in life and whatever we choose to do we will end up doing something with math. English Is also important because we do need to know how to write well and be able to write papers. Technology is very important because technology keeps progressing and is becoming a part of our everyday life. We all need to know how to use the most common technology tools such as Microsoft and excel.
Also speech communication is also very important thought I do think that this is something that should be taken in your first year. It is very important to know how to speak well, and know how to speak to an audience. Learning it here in college is something that is very good and is a must, thought I think it must be taken in your first year. Throughout are college time we do make a lot of presentations and it is important that we get the basis on speech communication. However, the most important thing I believe is making classes smaller. It is very difficult to study in classes that have 300 people in them. You are not free to ask questions and you do not feel like you are communicating with your professor which is something very important I believe.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
College
1. In my ideal college I think the education should last for three years. Doctors and Lawyers should be an additional three years. All people should be required to have a college education so everyone has an equal opportunity to have a good paying career. There should be single sex schools because students perform better as it was said in http://www.4troubledteens.com/singlesexschools.html. In Australia, there was a study which both girls and boys performed better in their standardized tests when they went to different schools. Since it is required for everyone to have a college education then it should be affordable. It should cost $2,000 a year and if they cannot pay it off then financial aid will be of assistant to those who need it.
2. There will be distance learning courses for those who cannot make it to class but final exams should be held in the class room. For the rest the students should meet in the classroom four times a week for an hour a day. The students will not forget easily and they will do better in exams. Attendance will be a must; the students can only miss three times the whole semester. The ideal teacher should give a quiz by the end of each week to see if their students understand the material. If the students do not understand the material the teacher should make time for the students after class and go over the material with them. The teacher will give out two tests, the midterm and the final. There will be writing assignments depending on the class.
3. The following classes that are required to take:
a) Math – Statistic, Geometry, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Pre-Calculus & Calculus
b) English – Literature (plays, poetry, stories, novels)
c) Speech Class
d) Computer – Microsoft Office
4. I have picked math because in the business world everything revolve around math, ie. Wall Street, Accountants, Banks, etc. It is important for people to learn how to solve problems like if something will be a good investment. English is very important because that is our main language. It is important people know how to speak, read and write English. In the future, one might want to become a writer. Speech and computer class is important because a person will have to give presentation in front of people and they might be nervous. It will help them practice how to speak in front of a group of people and also use PowerPoint to create the presentation.
2. There will be distance learning courses for those who cannot make it to class but final exams should be held in the class room. For the rest the students should meet in the classroom four times a week for an hour a day. The students will not forget easily and they will do better in exams. Attendance will be a must; the students can only miss three times the whole semester. The ideal teacher should give a quiz by the end of each week to see if their students understand the material. If the students do not understand the material the teacher should make time for the students after class and go over the material with them. The teacher will give out two tests, the midterm and the final. There will be writing assignments depending on the class.
3. The following classes that are required to take:
a) Math – Statistic, Geometry, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Pre-Calculus & Calculus
b) English – Literature (plays, poetry, stories, novels)
c) Speech Class
d) Computer – Microsoft Office
4. I have picked math because in the business world everything revolve around math, ie. Wall Street, Accountants, Banks, etc. It is important for people to learn how to solve problems like if something will be a good investment. English is very important because that is our main language. It is important people know how to speak, read and write English. In the future, one might want to become a writer. Speech and computer class is important because a person will have to give presentation in front of people and they might be nervous. It will help them practice how to speak in front of a group of people and also use PowerPoint to create the presentation.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Ideal Education
In my opinion, a college education should be no long than 4 years. In Brazil you must decide your career education before you enter in college. If you decide to study accounting, you are not required to take classes such as, history, philosophy, biology or art. You will study account for 4 years. In United States the colleges make you take those classes that you don’t like and you fell like you are loosing your money and your time. At the end of 5 years, you didn’t take enough classes in your area, and you are not prepared to the work force.
Another idea that I like from Brazil is that college students are very well paid to work as internships for companies. They receive enough money to pay for their college education and work only part-time. In The United States I see a lot of college students working in restaurants to pay their college education instead of working in their areas. When the American students finish college they have diploma, but not life experience. Without experience it is very difficult to get a job nowadays.
In Brazil city and states colleges are free. The students must past in a very difficult test to be accepted in those colleges, but once they are accepted, they don’t have to pay for education.
I don’t know here, but in Brazil distance-learning courses are getting very popular; although I like the idea of having regular classes where all students meet in classrooms.
I really like the idea of having classes available for students 7 days a week. This is a very nice idea that is used in The United States, but not in Brazil, giving opportunity for mothers to not stop their careers because they don’t have time during the week because they have to take care of their babies.
Another idea that I like from Brazil is that college students are very well paid to work as internships for companies. They receive enough money to pay for their college education and work only part-time. In The United States I see a lot of college students working in restaurants to pay their college education instead of working in their areas. When the American students finish college they have diploma, but not life experience. Without experience it is very difficult to get a job nowadays.
In Brazil city and states colleges are free. The students must past in a very difficult test to be accepted in those colleges, but once they are accepted, they don’t have to pay for education.
I don’t know here, but in Brazil distance-learning courses are getting very popular; although I like the idea of having regular classes where all students meet in classrooms.
I really like the idea of having classes available for students 7 days a week. This is a very nice idea that is used in The United States, but not in Brazil, giving opportunity for mothers to not stop their careers because they don’t have time during the week because they have to take care of their babies.
Monday, November 24, 2008
An Ideal Education
The ideal college education should consist of three years or six semesters of classes. During the freshman year of a student, the college should review and go into depth in classes such as math and English. During the second year the students should focus on minors such as Political Science, Sciences, Math, Theatre, English, foreign languages, psychology, law, and several other minors that exist today. During the last year the student should focus on their majors which should be any course they chose to expert in. The courses should range from Accountant to Teaching. The major courses should provide a national standardized exam. College tuition should cost no more than 12,000 a year that is including room and board. Colleges however should have the rights to propose a minor fee for technology (no more than 4.75% of tuition). In paying tuition for college those who can afford to pay should pay their own tuition. Those who can’t afford to pay should be provided a waiver by the government. Scholarships should be awarded to top percentile students who worked hard to maintain good grades. Also scholarships should be awarded to athletes and other extra curriculum activities. Loans are bad ideas when it comes to college education. Many times people owe more money than their education was worth. Secondly students start off with debt which they can not guarantee that they can afford to pay back. Of course college should be coed because it allows natural interaction between males and females.
Inside the classrooms should not contain more than 17 desks therefore there should not be more than 17 people inside the room including the teacher. The class should classroom structures should be spacious but not gigantic, too little space makes it uncomfortable work, however too large space makes it difficult for students who are farther away to stay focused. Each classroom should have computers. These computers should be updated every 4 years. The classes taught should remain in classroom and not online or at home courses. The only course that should be available online is foreign language. Each class should meet twice a week for a total of 3 hours. I chose 1.5 hours for each class because I feel that it that is enough valuable learning time. There should also be writing assignments, exams and group work. The assignments and exams will display there level of knowledge on the subject which is very important. The group work will help the students create relationships with their peers. Teachers should not only lecture the class but also engage in activity. Teachers should use the blackboard at least 30 minutes of each class.
For a subject like Math, students should be required to take Algebra, Pre-calculus, Calculus, and/or Statistics. Because Math is used often in everyday transactions there should at least be three courses of Math taken. English is another subject that is used everyday therefore students should be required to take a writing course and an interpreting literature course. Science should consist of two courses. One should provide the basics of Biology, Earth Science, Physics, or Chemistry. Students majoring in science should take four courses. Language should have two required course such as beginning language and intermediate language. Advanced language should be optional for those who choose to minor in a language. Also I feel that music is very important. Not only should students learn the history of music, they should also learn to play an instrument. 2 courses in music should be mandatory. History should also have a minimum of three courses because it is very important and often repeats itself. The courses in history should not only include American History but other civilizations also.
Minors such as Etiquette and graphic design should consist of two courses so that students can actually contribute to society with what they have minored in.
The reason why I choose the curriculum I did is because I feel that an education is very important. It is essential for everyday survival. The courses I stressed were Math, English, History, Science, Music, and Language because I feel that these subjects are the most important aspects of education needed. Not to belittle other important parts of education such as Engineering, Accountant, Business Management, etc. These subjects are very important also and students who choose to major in them should be required to pass exams demonstrating their proficiency. However I don’t think that every student in college or any education institution has to learn these things they should be optional. The courses I laid out should be mandatory to learn.
Inside the classrooms should not contain more than 17 desks therefore there should not be more than 17 people inside the room including the teacher. The class should classroom structures should be spacious but not gigantic, too little space makes it uncomfortable work, however too large space makes it difficult for students who are farther away to stay focused. Each classroom should have computers. These computers should be updated every 4 years. The classes taught should remain in classroom and not online or at home courses. The only course that should be available online is foreign language. Each class should meet twice a week for a total of 3 hours. I chose 1.5 hours for each class because I feel that it that is enough valuable learning time. There should also be writing assignments, exams and group work. The assignments and exams will display there level of knowledge on the subject which is very important. The group work will help the students create relationships with their peers. Teachers should not only lecture the class but also engage in activity. Teachers should use the blackboard at least 30 minutes of each class.
For a subject like Math, students should be required to take Algebra, Pre-calculus, Calculus, and/or Statistics. Because Math is used often in everyday transactions there should at least be three courses of Math taken. English is another subject that is used everyday therefore students should be required to take a writing course and an interpreting literature course. Science should consist of two courses. One should provide the basics of Biology, Earth Science, Physics, or Chemistry. Students majoring in science should take four courses. Language should have two required course such as beginning language and intermediate language. Advanced language should be optional for those who choose to minor in a language. Also I feel that music is very important. Not only should students learn the history of music, they should also learn to play an instrument. 2 courses in music should be mandatory. History should also have a minimum of three courses because it is very important and often repeats itself. The courses in history should not only include American History but other civilizations also.
Minors such as Etiquette and graphic design should consist of two courses so that students can actually contribute to society with what they have minored in.
The reason why I choose the curriculum I did is because I feel that an education is very important. It is essential for everyday survival. The courses I stressed were Math, English, History, Science, Music, and Language because I feel that these subjects are the most important aspects of education needed. Not to belittle other important parts of education such as Engineering, Accountant, Business Management, etc. These subjects are very important also and students who choose to major in them should be required to pass exams demonstrating their proficiency. However I don’t think that every student in college or any education institution has to learn these things they should be optional. The courses I laid out should be mandatory to learn.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Education
Education is something essential in society, its a key to progress that allows us to learn and explore new ideas and things. Education is a fundamental part of society, it is the base the roots of a tree, which branches out into different kinds of knowledge. I think everyone deserves and should have a college education. College not only allows us to examine and pursue a career, but it also allows us to open our minds and understand more our surroundings. It helps us explore a new world, evaluate new perspectives, and learn new things.
I don’t completely agree with our curriculum today. I think that as today we should be in college for at least four years. However, I don’t agree with certain prerequisites, to pursue our careers. For example having to take the basic core, classes that don’t really have to do with our careers, or having to take electives. I think we should take only the classes we need for our careers, keep focus in what we really need to know for our careers. I think that schools should be coed, because it allows us to have more diversity and take on different ideas. I think college education should not be very expensive, I think it should be around $2000. I think it is a standard price that can be accessible to everyone. I think scholarships should be given to the people that excel in academics but also for those who cannot afford to go to school.
I think the curriculum would be a little more flexible than today. I think there should be more online classes, as well as more weekend schedules. I think there would be more classes where half the semester is online and the other meet in a classroom, similar to our English class. I think a system like this builds more independence in the student, but also allows the student to be able to attend the class with more easy access. I think that the classes that meet in a classroom or lecture hall should meet twice a week like most of the classes today. There would be quizzes every other week. I think at the end of the day classes are effective if there are good professors, that want to teach and are dedicated to making it interesting and really wanting to share the knowledge. However, the responsibility lies also in the student to wanting to learn the material and dedicating the necessary time to the classes.
I don’t completely agree with our curriculum today. I think that as today we should be in college for at least four years. However, I don’t agree with certain prerequisites, to pursue our careers. For example having to take the basic core, classes that don’t really have to do with our careers, or having to take electives. I think we should take only the classes we need for our careers, keep focus in what we really need to know for our careers. I think that schools should be coed, because it allows us to have more diversity and take on different ideas. I think college education should not be very expensive, I think it should be around $2000. I think it is a standard price that can be accessible to everyone. I think scholarships should be given to the people that excel in academics but also for those who cannot afford to go to school.
I think the curriculum would be a little more flexible than today. I think there should be more online classes, as well as more weekend schedules. I think there would be more classes where half the semester is online and the other meet in a classroom, similar to our English class. I think a system like this builds more independence in the student, but also allows the student to be able to attend the class with more easy access. I think that the classes that meet in a classroom or lecture hall should meet twice a week like most of the classes today. There would be quizzes every other week. I think at the end of the day classes are effective if there are good professors, that want to teach and are dedicated to making it interesting and really wanting to share the knowledge. However, the responsibility lies also in the student to wanting to learn the material and dedicating the necessary time to the classes.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Modern Education
Let’s just assume that we all agree that education is needed in order for individuals to ensure that one has a fighting chance at becoming an affective contributor in today’s society. With that stated, the looming question that arises is: Is the current system as it stands effective in making the majority that currently pursue higher learning prepared for our society? Well, let us explore that notion…
Curriculum: If you examine the current curriculum as it stands, one is required to first take general education courses, coupled with a required amount of electives. Now, I personally don’t believe that this is the best and most effective practice. If I have to pay to be schooled I don’t believe that it should be required of me to pay to take a class that doesn’t pertain to my field of study. General education courses are needed to ensure that my skill level is up to par but electives are just a waist of time. The perfect curriculum would allow one the opportunity to go straight into course study classes after the ‘ge’ courses without the elective requirement. After all, isn’t that what art class was for in high school? In turn, eliminating these unnecessary required electives would allow students to focus more on their chosen fields of study also reducing the time spent in college from the traditional four years to two. And if readying ones self for the “real world” is the ultimate goal, than it is a must that one learn how to conduct themselves around all individuals eliminating the non-coed theory. Also, the ultimate form of responsibility is proven when one is required to manage time effectively. What better way of learning than having remote classes or online courses. It’s easy to get the work done when being micromanaged in a classroom. We actually do our students a disservice by forcing them to show up day in and day out constantly ramming deadlines and lectures down their throats. After all, in the “real world” either it’s done, or not.
Let’s examine the pre-med student for a moment. In order to be a surgeon, one must successfully complete four years of undergrad, three years of graduate school and depending on the type of surgeon then they must undergo five plus years of residency. After all, no one wants a doctor who doesn’t know what they are doing. The same could be said of any other field. Most times experience is a better teacher. With that stated, instead of all these electives, it should be required of students to do a certain number of hours interning or work study. This will better equip the student for the “real world”. Of course, the appropriate courses that coincide with the field of study would be requirements. And as far as finances are concerned, higher learning costs are absorbent yet continue to grow yearly. They should cover salaries and needed operational expenses but the business of being schooled alone is a major reason why more don’t opt for higher learning. If there were some other form of payment available for the less fortunate more could partake in this great resource.
Overall, the current system as it stands does have a good structure as a base for a better platform to be ushered in. It is definitely not perfect and the above suggestions will definitely prove to better prepare collegiate hopefuls for their futures in the “real world”.
Curriculum: If you examine the current curriculum as it stands, one is required to first take general education courses, coupled with a required amount of electives. Now, I personally don’t believe that this is the best and most effective practice. If I have to pay to be schooled I don’t believe that it should be required of me to pay to take a class that doesn’t pertain to my field of study. General education courses are needed to ensure that my skill level is up to par but electives are just a waist of time. The perfect curriculum would allow one the opportunity to go straight into course study classes after the ‘ge’ courses without the elective requirement. After all, isn’t that what art class was for in high school? In turn, eliminating these unnecessary required electives would allow students to focus more on their chosen fields of study also reducing the time spent in college from the traditional four years to two. And if readying ones self for the “real world” is the ultimate goal, than it is a must that one learn how to conduct themselves around all individuals eliminating the non-coed theory. Also, the ultimate form of responsibility is proven when one is required to manage time effectively. What better way of learning than having remote classes or online courses. It’s easy to get the work done when being micromanaged in a classroom. We actually do our students a disservice by forcing them to show up day in and day out constantly ramming deadlines and lectures down their throats. After all, in the “real world” either it’s done, or not.
Let’s examine the pre-med student for a moment. In order to be a surgeon, one must successfully complete four years of undergrad, three years of graduate school and depending on the type of surgeon then they must undergo five plus years of residency. After all, no one wants a doctor who doesn’t know what they are doing. The same could be said of any other field. Most times experience is a better teacher. With that stated, instead of all these electives, it should be required of students to do a certain number of hours interning or work study. This will better equip the student for the “real world”. Of course, the appropriate courses that coincide with the field of study would be requirements. And as far as finances are concerned, higher learning costs are absorbent yet continue to grow yearly. They should cover salaries and needed operational expenses but the business of being schooled alone is a major reason why more don’t opt for higher learning. If there were some other form of payment available for the less fortunate more could partake in this great resource.
Overall, the current system as it stands does have a good structure as a base for a better platform to be ushered in. It is definitely not perfect and the above suggestions will definitely prove to better prepare collegiate hopefuls for their futures in the “real world”.
Maria Cedeno
In Gargantua and Pantagruel two types of educations are describe. The First Education will be the kind of education that focuses mainly in the type of manners that an individual most follow in everyday circumstances. It shows him things like what to wear depending of the season, how to wash, comb and make him self neat to how he is not supposed to eat as soon as he jumps from the bed unless he had exercise. The second education will be Gargantua’s Reformed Education. This education is based more spiritual and knowledge. He employs his time in reading and learning new instruments. He loves numerical science and practices both the theory and the problems. He learns music instruments as well science, geometry, astronomy and music. Also he reads chapters in the Holy Scripture to help him to understand to be a better man.
I think that education should last four years and that people should be required to have a college education. I think education is not only good to get a good job but also to let you understand life better. It gives you the opportunity to get to know more people and see things in different prospective. I do not agree with the kind of curriculum that we have to face in today’s world. It requires us to take so many elective and requirement classes. I think that it should be 4 years but mainly focus in material or classes that need to do with your major. Education should be the way it is for girls and boys no matter what religion or economic status the person is. College education should not be expensive so more people have the opportunity to go. I would probably have sponsor for students with excellent grades, more scholarship and a set fee of $1000.00 per semester regardless of the credits taken.
If I were to be in charge in coming with a new curriculum it would be a very flexible one. Classes would meet twice a week, half of the semester in a classroom and the other half on-line. I would schedule more evening and weekends classes including Sundays for those who work full time hours. I would keep in mind that now a day’s people work full time, have family responsibilities and are trying to finish a degree. Homework would be giving on weekly basis and I would have quizzes every week that with meet in a classroom so it would be easy for the student since everything is fresh in their memory. No midterm but a final would be given base on all the previous quizzes.
English- 4 classes
Math- depending on the major but for the requirements 2 classes
Language- 4 classes of the same
History- 2 classes of world history and 2 classes of American History
Technology- every semester 1 class
2 semester of internship
*All other classes depending on major
I think that the classes that I have chosen are the one that we need the most. We need to communicate in a well spoken English as well in writing that why I think it would be necessary to spend more time in that class. The other four are classes that would help us in real life. Classes like gym, etiquette we could learn on our own. I believe if we put more emphasis in the major classes’ chances of being good in what you like are greater.
I think that education should last four years and that people should be required to have a college education. I think education is not only good to get a good job but also to let you understand life better. It gives you the opportunity to get to know more people and see things in different prospective. I do not agree with the kind of curriculum that we have to face in today’s world. It requires us to take so many elective and requirement classes. I think that it should be 4 years but mainly focus in material or classes that need to do with your major. Education should be the way it is for girls and boys no matter what religion or economic status the person is. College education should not be expensive so more people have the opportunity to go. I would probably have sponsor for students with excellent grades, more scholarship and a set fee of $1000.00 per semester regardless of the credits taken.
If I were to be in charge in coming with a new curriculum it would be a very flexible one. Classes would meet twice a week, half of the semester in a classroom and the other half on-line. I would schedule more evening and weekends classes including Sundays for those who work full time hours. I would keep in mind that now a day’s people work full time, have family responsibilities and are trying to finish a degree. Homework would be giving on weekly basis and I would have quizzes every week that with meet in a classroom so it would be easy for the student since everything is fresh in their memory. No midterm but a final would be given base on all the previous quizzes.
English- 4 classes
Math- depending on the major but for the requirements 2 classes
Language- 4 classes of the same
History- 2 classes of world history and 2 classes of American History
Technology- every semester 1 class
2 semester of internship
*All other classes depending on major
I think that the classes that I have chosen are the one that we need the most. We need to communicate in a well spoken English as well in writing that why I think it would be necessary to spend more time in that class. The other four are classes that would help us in real life. Classes like gym, etiquette we could learn on our own. I believe if we put more emphasis in the major classes’ chances of being good in what you like are greater.
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