I have mentioned this topic several times, including what I consider perhaps the best non-academic article on the subject from The New Yorker and also a lengthy essay from the Mises Institute. Today’s lesson involves a high school graduation ceremony in North Dallas.
Prior to my younger brother walking across the stage, the principal at his school introduced the valedictorian — a peppy, petite girl. The principal remarked that she and her twin sister (who is graduating 3rd in the class) were both going to attend MIT. Upon hearing this, the entire auditorium let out a collective “WHOA.”
As funny as this sounds, the unseen aspect to the exasperation is that schools such as MIT have done a great job at promoting their pedigree as the gold standard — a lofty position held by the Crème de la Crème.
Other notes of interest:
- Podcast lectures for University Students: the instructor does not hold classes anymore, he simply has the students download the lectures and meet in small groups
- Educators Vilify Technology In Attempt To Preserve Outdated Model: while I do not support plagiarism, academic dishonesty, cheating or using technology to partake in these behaviors, one wonders when the Ivory Tower will modify the way tests are given (i.e. replace multiple-choice scantron with practical hands-on work experience). Perhaps even a simple essay exam…
- Why American College Students Hate Science: while not necessarily revolutionary or breath-taking, this NY Times article shows one way colleges can market STEM more effectively. Note: some argue that there is already an over-supply of scientists and mathematicians saturating the job market