As with all things, the problem is misplaced priorities. As long as prioritize anything other than the problem as they try to solve it, a solution with not be forthcoming.
Oh, you know, in the 19th century (in, as in my neck of the woods, until the 1950s), there were often schools with 'only' one classroom for multiple 'grades'. Somehow, I do wonder how these kids would fare doing a PISA test…
Also, it's not just the infrastructure; people have far fewer children these days (no more learning from each other, and I mention this as I grew up in the company of three brothers); they also 'play' rather digitally (i.e., little interaction with neighbours' kids); and parents somehow often think that they need to 'entertain' or 'supervise' their often single child around the clock.
I'm sure you could name a few other issues here.
My point, though, is that if the Nordic governments actually cut back on screen time in school, it's certainly better than not doing so.
I'll round this off with an anecdote: in autumn 2023, I travelled to Czechia (to attend a conference) and while I was waiting for some stuff at the late-night check-in at my hotel, I chatted with the receptionist; a mother of one in her mid-thirties, her unbelieving reply was something, 'I always thought the Scandinavians are so good at schooling because of digitalisation'.
Why do I bring this up? No only because reality, as documented above, is quite different; the Nordic govt's have at least acknowledged this part. I doubt that they will be able to do anything meaningful about the other above-mentioned issues (and a ton of other things).
My apologies. I commented after ready the first part only. I thought I would comment on each as I read them.
I agree that less screen time is better than what we have and certainly preferred over more.
In the US, those who went to school under the conditions you remarked upon would fail most modern testing regimes. Likewise, those going through school now would fail the tests of earlier ages. The former would be dumbfounded by the woke questions; the latter by questions on actual history, grammar, mathematics, science and social science as it was then taught.
It is just not the West that has to deal with this madness. A year or two before the panic, one of my medical students in Japan told me in class that I was using English wrong as we are no longer allowed to use binary language. I recently learned that the LGBTQWTFO agenda has been in textbooks in Japan at least as early as 2016.
No need to apologise, I thought I'd provide a somewhat 'more' substantial answer (rant).
I also agree, it's not the West, it's everywhere. Take, say, 'Social Emotional Learning' (which is a Theosophic/Neomarxian creed steeped in New Age BS), which has been pushed by UNESCO and is now the official education policies across the EU…
I only wish this article could be posted to all education departments and teachers unions in the world!
You're very kind here. Alas, I fear those you named wouldn't be bothered, for they no longer reside in reality but in their ideological utopia.
A truer statement could not be uttered.
The one who has the knowledge describes, explains and shows the learner.
The learner then practices, under supervision.
The learner's mistakes, both of subject matter as well as in method, are corrected.
The learner continues to practice.
So does the tutor, trainer, teacher.
For the above to work, order must rule.
The above is really all there is to didactics and pedagogy.
Oh, so true.
You are also a fellow instructor, hence the absurdity of these discussions by ignoramuses of all stripes and countries is well known.
As with all things, the problem is misplaced priorities. As long as prioritize anything other than the problem as they try to solve it, a solution with not be forthcoming.
Oh, you know, in the 19th century (in, as in my neck of the woods, until the 1950s), there were often schools with 'only' one classroom for multiple 'grades'. Somehow, I do wonder how these kids would fare doing a PISA test…
Also, it's not just the infrastructure; people have far fewer children these days (no more learning from each other, and I mention this as I grew up in the company of three brothers); they also 'play' rather digitally (i.e., little interaction with neighbours' kids); and parents somehow often think that they need to 'entertain' or 'supervise' their often single child around the clock.
I'm sure you could name a few other issues here.
My point, though, is that if the Nordic governments actually cut back on screen time in school, it's certainly better than not doing so.
I'll round this off with an anecdote: in autumn 2023, I travelled to Czechia (to attend a conference) and while I was waiting for some stuff at the late-night check-in at my hotel, I chatted with the receptionist; a mother of one in her mid-thirties, her unbelieving reply was something, 'I always thought the Scandinavians are so good at schooling because of digitalisation'.
Why do I bring this up? No only because reality, as documented above, is quite different; the Nordic govt's have at least acknowledged this part. I doubt that they will be able to do anything meaningful about the other above-mentioned issues (and a ton of other things).
My apologies. I commented after ready the first part only. I thought I would comment on each as I read them.
I agree that less screen time is better than what we have and certainly preferred over more.
In the US, those who went to school under the conditions you remarked upon would fail most modern testing regimes. Likewise, those going through school now would fail the tests of earlier ages. The former would be dumbfounded by the woke questions; the latter by questions on actual history, grammar, mathematics, science and social science as it was then taught.
It is just not the West that has to deal with this madness. A year or two before the panic, one of my medical students in Japan told me in class that I was using English wrong as we are no longer allowed to use binary language. I recently learned that the LGBTQWTFO agenda has been in textbooks in Japan at least as early as 2016.
No need to apologise, I thought I'd provide a somewhat 'more' substantial answer (rant).
I also agree, it's not the West, it's everywhere. Take, say, 'Social Emotional Learning' (which is a Theosophic/Neomarxian creed steeped in New Age BS), which has been pushed by UNESCO and is now the official education policies across the EU…
Rant away. This has been a long time coming and we have been trying to steer clear of this but folks just don’t care until it is too late.
That “Social Emotional Learning”, sounds terrifying.