Poor maths again

The children in the far east are under enormous pressure and tested far more than ours.  Don't wish that on our kids.  I don't know the answer but surely some kids must be reaching a decent level? Lets not chuck the baby out with the bath water!

Actually the report said it was going to cost us between £30 and £35 million, so about £41 million to bring our maths up to standard.

Actually why is it soo important anyway? Basic maths is basic maths. As long as we have the skills to balance our cheque books and bank accounts and manage to add up our shopping; unless you are going in to a maths related career why are we so hung up about it. What IS this hang up about youngsters  getting maths qualifications? Level 1 is sufficient.

I have a University degree (Honours)  and one of the conditions for me to be accepted onto my degree course was that I had an 'O' Level in Maths & English amonst other qualifications but actually, ask me to sit the same qualifications now, I would not have a clue. I have actually asked my teaching colleagues at work to put me through some mock exams so I know what learners are up against. I have no confidence that I am going to hit that bar.

i am not suggesting for a moment that Education in Maths and English are not important. I would suggest however, a more effective way of imparting that information and helping kids learn is a good idea. Life is about innovation and if a new way works, bring it on, even if it costs lots of money. After all, it's not going to the NHS is it

I have a feeling this thread isn't really about maths as such

No one has said that maths teaching in UK is 'dire' Further, it's also impossible to compare 2 different systems of education in two totally disperate countries with different  philosophies - there is more to education than achieving certain grades in maths alone.

I have a feeling this thread isn't really about maths as such

..Thats just what i am thinking,

you have to compare like with like, not all children over there attend school while most of ours do, parents pay for extra classes over there, while here they mostly don't.

But I think you are quite correct ian and you must feel bitter about the poor education that you yourself recieved amounting to two o levels wasn't it? Of course if you had not played truant it could have been three?

 

..Do not take the bait

No one has said that maths teaching in UK is 'dire' Further, it's also impossible to compare 2 different systems of education in two totally disperate countries with different  philosophies - there is more to education than achieving certain grades in maths alone.

very true, based on exam results we're mid table in Europe and actually above USA

you have to compare like with like, not all children over there attend school while most of ours do, parents pay for extra classes over there, while here they mostly don't.

But I think you are quite correct ian and you must feel bitter about the poor education that you yourself recieved amounting to two o levels wasn't it? Of course if you had not played truant it could have been three?

 

..Do not take the bait

I think you're right

Look here, Corners, if Ian says it's dire, then dire it must be - he couldn't possibly be wrong could he? But wait .... he hasn't had backing from "north of the border" yet, so maybe there's still room for doubt? 

Anyway, all I can conclude is that the whole thing's gone to hell in a handcart since I retired 6 years ago!